Brooch in the shape of an orchid in 18k (750 thousandths) yellow gold, finely worked to give the petals a textured amatis finish. The heart is a cultured seawater pearl with a beautiful lustre. Size: 5.4 x 4 cm. Gross weight: 8.8 g. The orchid was a relatively late arrival in European jewellery. It was mainly in the 1830s that this flower became a must-have, thanks to the travels of young, intrepid scientists. These botanical researchers travelled throughout South America and Asia to reference and bring back orchids for the rich bourgeoisie, who dreamt of having tropical greenhouses in their winter gardens. Lalique produces orchids in the form of combs and jewellery that have become masterpieces in museums around the world. Tiffany & Co created 35 enamel orchid brooches for the 1889 Paris Exhibition, and it was this presentation that launched the orchid jewellery craze in Europe, as well as the return of enamel. The brooch shown here is a worthy descendant of this fashion, which lasted until the 1960s.