Antique heart shape diamond pendant/brooch. Set with sixty five round old cut diamonds in open back grain and claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 7.50 carats, to a gently curving heart shaped cluster, with finely pierced claws and ornate backholing, fitted to reverse with a secure brooch pin with safety catch and circular bale to top. Tested yellow gold and platinum settings, English, circa 1900.
The fitted box was likely made by Austrian craftsman Joseph Weidman (1844-1905). He specialised in leatherwork and was known to have done some work for the Emperor Franz Joseph. This box is covered with leather and has a velvet interior. It is very unusual for antique pieces to come in their original box, as they do not last as well as the jewellery within them. Moreover, such a decorative and finely made box, by a well-known craftsman is rare indeed.
