1950s Vintage Cartier Paris 18ct Gold and Lapis Lazuli Turtle Brooch feed-gender-unisex beautifully rendered in gold

beautifully rendered in gold

The design was made famous by the Portuguese Chrysoberyl earrings (sometimes rock crystal were used) that were at the height of fashion in the 1770s

with carefully riveted small steel studs on a thin metal baseplate

and it does look very much like it is set with actual diamonds

possibly in reference to the founding of Bristol Grammar School

1950s Vintage Cartier Paris 18ct Gold and Lapis Lazuli Turtle Brooch feed-gender-unisex beautifully rendered in goldA truly delightful and rare Cartier brooch in the form of a 18ct gold turtle with a lapis lazuli body and diamond eyes. It has five gold spikes on its lapis body. It was made in 1948 and would make a wonderful addition to any antique jewellery collection. It looks superb on a woman or a man. It is signed and numbered: Cartier, Paris, 11 1139 Literature: Amazing Cartier. Jewelry Design since 1937, Nadine Coleno, Flammarion, Paris 2009 English edition,