Description

In the 1960s in New York, jeweler Herbert Rosenthal, known for elaborate and costly brooches, trademarked his designs for bejeweled bees. The designs were crafted in a wide variety of sizes and gemstones of every color. There were diamond bees, sapphire bees, ruby bees, some had opal bodies. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s they became so popular that they began to be imitated by copycat jewelers in less costly materials and much lower price points, even though Rosenthal had secured a patent on the original design. His case for design infringement went all the way to the Supreme Court where it was decided that while the other brooches were surely imitations of the Rosenthal bee, he should not have been granted the trademark in the first place as bees are of natural origin and not a unique design created by Rosenthal. In spite of his loss in court the story of the Rosenthal bee became so well known that it increased the desirability for genuine Rosenthal bees as collectors pieces.

View a video of the bee in outdoor lighting here - https://youtu.be/2x37xqKoLXE
Video indoor lighting here - https://youtu.be/3yvT632i2Yk

Here we have a fully hallmarked Rosenthal bee pin. Crafted in 18k gold this beautifully rendered bee is heavy for its size at 5 grams and encrusted in diamonds and emeralds, with ruby eyes. This particular bee is a different design than others we have seen with two rows of diamonds rather than a single line down the middle. The detail is super fine and this is a delightful piece to admire. On the underside of one wing next to the makers mark and stamp there appears to be scratch marks for gold testing. This could be buffed out by the new owner if desired. The pin is straight and in good working order. The stones are secure and there are no defects when examined under a 20x loupe. The new owner is sure to be pleased with this superb example.
All measurement are estimated to the best of our ability and the restrictions of leaving the stones in the mountings.
There are 14 round diamonds of excellent color and quality for approximately .65 points of diamonds
There are 5 round emeralds for approximately .15 points of emeralds
There are 2 round red ruby eyes for approximately .005 points of rubies
This bee is approximately 19.3mm long and 23.1 mm wide.
Price includes shipping within the US FedEx 2 day and will require an adult signature for delivery, if you are outside the US inquire for shipping fees. I can be reached directly at vanessa@heritagejewelry.com