“Gran Dama” Brooch Featuring Large Melo Pearl
Created to honor the power of pregnancy, the brooch epitomizes, in Buccellati’s own words, “the highest and purest, I dare say divine, human state.” While many years were invested in the concept design and inspiration, the brooch itself required three years to complete, from original design to finished piece. The Melo pearl, representing the womb of the expectant mother, is accentuated by its setting in yellow, pink, and white gold, surrounded by 410 round brilliant diamonds and 139 fancy-color diamonds. The pear-shaped, 18.21 ct South Sea cultured pearl used for the brooch’s head provides a striking visual contrast with the orange, spherical pearl at the centerpiece of this work of art.
