Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Vintage Signed Hammered Gold Tone Heart Brooch with Pink, Ruby and Lavender Crystal Rhinestones

A heart of hammered gold tone metal, its surface rippled and dented like beaten foil, with no two edges alike. Seven crystal rhinestones are set straight into the metal, from pale lavender and fuchsia to ruby and a flash of orange-red, scattered rather than arranged, so the heart looks as if it had been pressed out of a sheet of gold by hand.

This is the house's jewellery at its most sculptural, from the years when it was made in Paris in hammered, gilded metal, oversized and deliberately imperfect. Pin it high on the lapel of a black coat, on a white shirt or on the strap of a plain bag. It needs nothing else near it.

Signed YSL and MADE IN FRANCE on the back. Hammered gold tone metal set with crystal rhinestones in pink, fuchsia, ruby, orange-red and pale lavender. It began life as a single clip-on earring and was converted into a brooch with a simple pin bar; the silver patch where the clip was removed is visible on the back. 4.8 x 4.4 cm (1 7/8 x 1 3/4 in). Probably 1980s.

Condition: Good vintage condition. The piece has been cleaned, checked and polished. The back shows the solder patch left by the conversion from earring to brooch, and the gilt has a little wear in places.

One piece only. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Care: Store separately in the pouch provided. Avoid perfume and water contact.