THE IMPERIAL BROOCH
Obverse: The cross patonce of the Order in 18-carat solid gold embellished by three baguette sapphires and three marquise sapphires. Top limb replaced by lady's bow in 18-carat solid gold with brilliant-cut diamond at centre. Centrepiece: a seated 18-carat solid gold effigy of Britannia surrounded by 20 pavé-set rubies.
Reverse: Assay Office Hallmark. 18-carat gold security pin and safety-catch.
Size: 11/8 inches.
THE IMPERIAL BROOCH is the more formal version in gold and precious stones of the classic design. The colours of the Order of the British Empire, rose pink and pearl grey, are reflected in the use of rubies and sapphires. The Britannia figure is in solid gold. The diamond in the centre of the bow represents the dignity of Empire.
The Imperial Brooch was devised by Mark Walker, responsible for a Golden Crown embellished with 25,000 diamonds, rubies and emeralds for the Tirupati Shrine in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh.
Sir Iain Moncrieffe of that Ilk, as Albany Herald of Arms, supervised and approved the design.
£801.95