An Antique Sapphire, Spinel And Diamond "Blue Venus" Sculpture. Provenance: Prince Youssoupov. Circa mid-19th century. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2009
Designed as a sculpted light blue sapphire depicting Venus, carved from a single light blue 11-cm-long sapphire, enhanced by a rose-cut diamond openwork foliate base, encasing a carved oval red spinel seal, depicting the profile of a Strozzi Medusa head, circa mid 19th century, 4¼ ins., in a black leather fitted case.