Nardi is a Venetian jeweller famous for his blackamoor or “Moretti” brooches. Carved from ebony or sardonyx, these brooches depict the head and shoulders of a turbaned “Moorish” male—the intended reference is often to Othello, the Moor of Venice, or to the valiant, warlike Hannibal. Ref: Antique Jewelry UniversityThe firm has been in operation since the 1920’s and is family run. Below are some examples of Nardi’s brooches.
A diamond, carved ebony and 18k gold clip brooch, signed Nardi; estimated total diamond weight: 4.80cts; length: 2 1/4in. Sold for US$ 6,000 at Bonham’s
A diamond, sapphire, coral and gold figural brooch, Venezia c 1980. Stamped ‘750’, signed ‘G. Nardi’ 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm.) high. Sold for USD 6,875 at Christie’s
Sapphire and Pearl “Moretto” Blackamoor Brooch. Dressed in its characteristic clothes and turban, the carved ebony Blackamoor, or “Moretto” figure, is hand-crafted out of patinaed 18K yellow gold and silver, with beautiful engraved details, accented with sapphires and pearls, a dark ruby tops the turban, completed with a double pin; measures 2-1/4 x 1-1/2 inches; weight 24.2 g. Signed G. NARDI.; Stamped 750. Sold for $3,000 at Fortuna Auction
Coral, Gem-Set and Diamond ‘Owl’ Brooch. Modelled as an owl, the head pavé-set with numerous seed pearls, the body set with two oblong corals, embellished by circular-cut rubies and emeralds, decorated by brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds together weighing approximately 1.10 carats, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, signed G. Nardi. Sold for 81,250 HKD at Sothebys
18K Gold Mounted Brooch in the form of a Macaw, Italian c.1950, with baroque pearl breast and multi colored gem feathers, marked “G. Nardi 750”, comprising of (50) round diamonds, totaling 6 ct; (42) sapphires totaling 4 ct; (18) emeralds totaling 1.50 cts; (32) rubies totaling 2 ct. Gross Weight 23.5 dwt(PASA1504)(WT)
Measurements: 3 x 1 3/4
Condition: Changed clasp. Property Title: Property from a New York City Collection.
Sold for $5,000 at Litchfield County Auctions
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