Belle Époque Lacloche Fréres Cartridge Stick Pin in 18ct Yellow Gold

A collectable Lacloche Frères yellow gold diamond, enamel stick pin from the Belle Époque period. A beautifully detailed, expertly crafted shotgun cartridge forms the focal point of this stick pin. The head gleams in warm yellow gold with a rim of accent rose cut diamonds, subtly sparkling in a delicate millegrain edged border. The primer also features a diamond, which has been surrounded by the “LACLOCHE FRÈRES PARIS” engraved signature. The casing of the cartridge features rich brown/red enamel, and a white crimp that states this is a number 7 shotgun shell. This shell was the type most popularly used to shoot pheasant and grouse, with this pin being worn by somebody who greatly enjoyed this popular pastime. Often presented to mark special occasions by relatives and loved ones, stick pins were often sentimental and highly treasured. The Russian Tsar Nicholas II (1868-1917) received countless numbers, which were all meticulously recorded in watercolours in a comprehensive jewel album. A common sight in the countryside, the pheasant is a striking gamebird which was regularly portrayed in Edwardian jewellery and the decorative arts. As the name suggests, Lacloche Frères was founded by four brothers in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century. They focused on only the best workshops, suppliers and designers to ensure that only exceptional pieces were offered to their clients.