How many ways can Man decimate the planet, just to make a fashion statement? The production of this early 1900's 14.75 carat Ceylon sapphire, set in platinum and surmounted by diamonds, made its share of negative contributions. Mining, smelting, shipping (as it made its way from India to Europe & then the US), just to name a few. This piece has always reminded me of Lake Tahoe, though a lighter hue. Ironically, Tahoe's fading shades of blue makes it resemble this brooch more, and more, each day.