Antique Imperial Russian Gold, Diamond and Turquoise Brooch, circa 1890, St. Petersburg,

in the form of a stylized ancient torque (neck ring) from the European Iron age (c. 8th century BC – 3rd century AD),

set with 3 old mine and 26 rose cut diamonds

Height 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)

Marked on the pin with St Petersburg assay stamp and master’s initials ‘VL’.

Marked on the pin guard with 56 zolotniks standard (14K – 583 gold) and master’s initials ‘VL’.

The shape of the brooch derives from ancient torcs (torques) – neck rings.