Diamond and Sapphire Brooch
Artifact ID1982.00443.01
Object Type
Pin
Gifter
Alessandro Pertini
Date
before 1982
Medium
Metal (gold), Stone (diamond, sapphire)
Dimensions1 3/16 × 1/2 × 2 1/16 in. (29.9 × 13.2 × 51.6 mm)
Physical DescriptionA pendant brooch. The top section contains 8 sapphires and 8 diamonds around 1 large sapphire. The pendant part of the brooch contains 8 diamonds around 1 large pear shaped sapphire. The two parts are connected by a small round sapphire.Historical NoteThe brooch was given during a state visit of Alessandro Pertini, the President of Italy on March 25, 1982, which included a formal welcome on the South Lawn of the White House, a meeting in the Oval Office, and a State Dinner.
First Lady Nancy Reagan wore the brooch later that year, including during the State Dinners for Chancellor Helmet Kohl of Germany and President João Figueiredo of Brazil.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/CultureItalyIn Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryRonald Reagan Presidential Library (2003-2010)
Related LinksMonday Minute: Sapphire Brooch