A spectacular single-owner collection of 20th century Art Deco jewels from the discerning eye of a private collector headlines the forthcoming Bonhams London Jewels sale on 21 September, 2022.
The superb collection of jewels represents the collector’s eye for superior design, skilled craftsmanship and appreciation of jewellery as an art form. The collector has accumulated a stunning array of Art Deco pieces, valued not merely for the preciousness of the gemstones but also for their wearability and individual beauty.
Emily Barber, Bonhams Head of Jewellery, UK, said: “Jewellery is increasingly – and rightly – being reassessed as an art form, not just the sum of its precious components. In addition, jewels are highly personal and are a glimpse into the life and times of the people who owned and wore them. It is this combination that makes collecting period jewels so irresistible.”
The London Jewels sale will feature notable lots including Art Deco pieces created by renowned names including Fouquet, Mauboussin and Cartier:
A rare pair of natural pearl and diamond chandelier earrings, by Mauboussin, circa 1930. The elegant, deceptively simple geometric lines of these earrings are a foil for technical artistry as they combine numerous different cuts of diamond, and a pair of exquisite natural pearls. Offered with an estimate of £70,000 – 100,000.
Mauboussin: pair of natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings, circa 1930, estimate £50,000 – 80,000
Cartier, a gem-set bead and diamond necklace, circa 1925. The exceptional necklace is set with rows of graduating turquoise beads alternating with tiny ruby spacers, emulating the knots in red silk, and is connected each side with old brilliant and single-cut diamond geometric plaques depicting stylised lily-of-the-valley. Signed Cartier with a provenance of formerly being part of the magnificent jewellery collection of Alice Lurcy, the wife of French investment banker George Lurcy. The Lurcy’s loved to surround themselves in opulence of fine art and exquisite jewels. Offered with an estimate of £50,000 – 80,000.
Cartier: gem-set bead and diamond necklace, circa 1925, estimate £50,000 – 80,000
