Butler and Wilson 1980's Midnight Blue Enamel and Swarovski Crystal Saturn Celestial Brooch

Butler and Wilson Midnight Blue Enamel and Swarovski Crystal Saturn Celestial Brooch featuring a 1980's Butler and Wilson deep blue midnight enamel Saturn brooch decorated with vari size stars, each with a single clear Swarovski crystal at its centre, and a graduated 'Ring of Saturn' pave set with clear Swarovski crystals.  This lovely brooch has gold plated highlights and softly a textured reverse, where it is signed on a round cartouche 'BUTLER & WILSON'.  It has a rollover clasp and it measures 3.8cm high and 4.8cm at its widest point and it weighs 29.3g.  Excellent condition.

In the early 1970’s, two British Antique jewellers and designers, Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson started their own company, Butler & Wilson. Their jewellery was well made and utilised Austrian rhinestones and crystals all prong set and set into base gun metal, rhodium, polished gold plated or silver plated metals.  The partnership broke up in the 1990’s with Simon Wilson retaining the Butler and Wilson name. Since that time, Nicky Butler, under his own name, has designed and manufactured costume jewellery.

Princess Diana had a known affinity for 'cheap jewellery', relishing the chance to trick royal watchers into believing these pieces were of royal heritage.  According to an online account by Simon Wilson, the co-owner of Butler and Wilson, the Princess would make discreet visits to the store every few months, or during a rare free afternoon, accompanied by just one bodyguard, and would "behave like a normal customer".  She would select an item, like a pair of earrings, examine them in the mirror, and engage with other shoppers by asking, "What do you think? Do you like these?" Simon Wilson goes on to say, "Some of them nearly fainted when they saw it was her", illustrating the surprise and delight her presence brought to unsuspecting customers.