Object Description
This exquisite, butterfly-shaped jewellery box was crafted by the London-based luxury goods manufacturer and retailer, Asprey & Co. Since the late 19th Century, when the company was established, Asprey has become known across the world as a leading supplier of jewellery, high-quality leather items, and fine objets d’art. Such items are purchased by British and European royalty, celebrities, and other notable figures. This box was not only crafted by Asprey, but it was also retailed by Garrard & Co., the official British Crown Jeweller in 1994, when this piece was made.
Taking the form of a butterfly, this 18 karat gold box is designed with two wings – which lift up on a hinge to reveal two small compartments – attached to a central body, with antennae. The butterfly body is lined with deep blue sapphires, and the wings outlined by bands of pearls. These wings are further decorated with purple, blue and turquoise guilloché enamels, overlaid with pink enamel medallions, encircled by diamonds. The butterfly’s pink enamel antennae are positioned before a pearl-lined, orange guilloche enamel flower. The gold box is fully hallmarked and stamped ‘A plc’, for Asprey.