A bold brooch in 18K gold designed as a buckle, partly enameled in rich crimson. The bar of the buckle is represented by a diamond bombe finial in white gold pavé-set with 25 round brilliant diamonds with a total approximate weight of 1.05 carats.

The richness of the crimson enamel is highlighted by the brilliance of the diamonds and complemented by the lustrous yellow gold of the base of the brooch. Unsigned, but part of a suite with a ring and a pair of signed earrings.

The brooch measures 4cm in length and 3cm in width and weighs 20.53g. Made in Greece circa 1960.

Vourakis was known as the Greek Van Cleef et Arpels, as their designs were considered to be equivalent in style and quality to that great French house. Founded in 1926, they supplied jewellery and trinkets to the Royal House of Athens. Every piece of jewellery was designed and made especially for each customer, resulting in new and original designs.

Because of different gold testing practices, (traditional acid and stone test vs. eBay's Authenticity Guarantee electronic XRF digital gold testing machine), items stamped 14k may read or actually be between 13.5k-15k gold.  Until 1981, manufacturers of jewelry could use gold that was 13.5 karat or higher and round off, thus still stamping it 14k.  Much of the jewelry sold on eBay is older than 1981.

In the same way, French 18 karat jewellery stamped with the eagle’s head guarantee mark or the owl import mark for 18 karat gold may actually be between 17.35k-19k.

Where relevant, items have been tested for purity using the KEE Electronic Gold Tester, and have been listed according to the results gained from this analogue tool.