A remarkable and rare Belle Époque ruby and diamond devant-de-corsage stomacher.
The top formed as a stylized palmette on a wide horizontal-serpentine upper part with arched center, from here slightly curving inward with sideways twin scrolling lattice work, centrally below a prominent, large oval rosette, encircled by a leaf wreath with flowerbuds, then beneath a mirrored garland lower part, supporting several draping and considerable, vertical knife wires multi-jointed pendants increasing in length approaching the leaf tendril middle, overall richly set with at the top an oval cabochon ruby weighing app. 4.68 ct. and below five round cabochon rubies weighing a total of app. 14.60 ct., and numerous old-cut, single and rose-cut diamonds weighing a total of app. 7.40 ct., mounted in 14k gold and 500 platinum. Colour: G-L. Clarity: VVS-SI. On the reverse two removable pins and at the top two minor eyelets, with which the devant-de-corsage stomacher is changeable to a lavalier pendant with included adjustable chain in 950 platinum. Apparently unmarked. Presumably France. C. 1910. Retailed by Purveyor to the Danish Royal Court August Thomsen, Copenhagen. H. 10 cm. W. 9.3 cm. L. chain app. 28 + 5.5 + 5.5 cm. (2)
In original case from goldsmith August Thomsen, Bredgade 25, Kjøbenhavn. He is registered 1906–1937 as 'Danish art forge for gold and silver'.
Provenance: A daughter of a Danish merchant, shipowner and landowner. He became one of Iceland's leading businessmen in the early 20th century. Thence by the daughter's great-grandchild until today.