AUGUST HOLLMING - a silver and gold sapphire and diamond brooch, circa 1905. The oval-shape sapphire, within a rose-cut diamond surround, to the similarly-cut diamond bow surmount. Work master's marks for August Frederik Hollming. Approximate dimensions of sapphire 18.7 by 15.5 by 10.9mms. Length 2.2cms. Weight 8.8gms.August Frederik Hollming was born in Finland in 1854 but moved to St Petersberg in 1876 after an apprenticeship with Fridhoff Ekholm in Helsinki. Shortly after settling in St Petersberg, he became a workmaster for the pre-revolutionary Russian firm of Faberge, where he specialised in fine enamelled boxes and jewellery. It is likely that he was working for Faberge at the time he created this brooch. Hollming produced many fine pieces for Faberge including miniature Easter eggs, cigarette cases and beautifully crafted small jewels.

The lot is in good overall condition with light scratches in keeping with general light wear. General, very slight discolouration. Workmaster mark to brooch pin only. There are no inventory numbers, 56 zolotnik mark nor Russian assay marks to the piece. Approximately seven of the claws to the sapphire are deficient, others show significant wear. The diamonds appear bright and well matched. Individual diamonds too small to accurately assess colour/clarity grades, varying, small inclusions. Please see important notices for purchasers in the catalogue and on our website for Coloured Gemstones. The sapphire is a light medium, slightly violetish blue hue, well saturated, even colouration with typical inclusions and slight surface reaching features. Minor abrasion.