Renaissance Revival Diamond & Sapphire Brooch

Circa 1880s. 18k, France.  This magnificent French brooch features a finely modeled golden griffin sitting in a crescent moon. Set with 5 carats of well-matched sapphires and 3.25 carats of rose-cut diamonds, the pin is eye-catchingly fluid. From design to fabrication, this one-of-a-kind piece is gorgeous.  Very good condition. Noted is an earlier replacement of the catch with one that is safer and not removable. Two small appliances remain on the underside, which could have been used to change the use of this piece from a pin to a pendant and possibly other forms.