Signed Christian Dior Diamond Snail Brooch and Clip Earrings, circa 1950 to 1960

Three small snails become wonderfully theatrical in this signed Christian Dior parure. Burgundy suede gives their rounded forms a soft, unexpected richness, while the diamonds sit like dew drops across their shells. With its brooch and matching clip earrings, the set turns a playful natural motif into a confident Fifties statement.

Jewellery type: Parure comprising a snail brooch and a matching pair of clip earrings.

Condition: Acceptable condition, with age-related wear to the burgundy suede. The set remains highly presentable, with the metalwork and diamond settings appearing intact.

Country of origin: unknown

Style: Fifties, with playful figurative design, sculptural volume and a deliberately tactile use of contrasting materials.

Period: circa 1950 to 1960

Source of inspiration: Nature

Theme: Snails

Material: 18K yellow gold backs, touchstone tested, with silver fronts covered in burgundy suede.

Additional information: The brooch is accompanied by a matching pair of clip earrings.

Diamonds: Forty-three round brilliant-cut diamonds, with an estimated total weight of 6.74 carats, colour K–M and clarity VS–SI.

To preserve the integrity of the jewel and its settings, the diamonds were assessed while mounted and were not removed for weighing or grading; stated weights, colour and clarity are therefore approximate.

We individually screened every diamond in this parure using the EXA Natural Diamond Detector developed by Magilabs; each test returned a natural-diamond result.

Traditional gemstone associations: Diamond is traditionally associated with April, strength and enduring love.

Maker: Signed “Christian Dior”.

Hallmarks: Marked “18K”, indicating 18-carat gold.

Dimensions: Brooch: 64 × 56 mm (2.52 × 2.20 in); clip earrings: 29 × 33 mm (1.14 × 1.30 in) See photograph with a millimetre scale.

Weight: 77.5 grams

Adin Reference Nº: 18134-00007

Photography © Adin Fine Antique & Vintage Jewellery.