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HÔTEL DES VENTES DE SAINT-DIE SVV
287
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A brooch that can be worn as a pendant, crafted from 750/100…
See original version (French)
287
-
A brooch that can be worn as a pendant, crafted from 750/100…
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €600
Judicial lot
Description
A brooch that can be worn as a pendant, crafted from 750/1000th yellow gold and silver, depicting a dragonfly; the wings are adorned with rose-cut diamonds, the head is formed by a pearl, and the body is embellished with pink and blue sapphires and emeralds. The brooch mechanism was originally detachable (historical restoration). French craftsmanship, circa 1880–1900. Gross weight: 13.9 g.
H: 4.5, L: 6 cm.
The dragonfly was a motif much favoured by jewellers at the turn of the century. Its slender, serpentine body, its gracefulness and the delicacy of its wings lend themselves to infinite variations. The insect hovering above the water is an element borrowed from Japonism.
The treatment of this motif evolved towards the end of the century: here, the use of precious stones still predominates; diamonds and sapphires form the dragonfly’s body in a carefully crafted composition. Later, Art Nouveau jewellers took up the motif, employing their full range of openwork plique-à-jour enamelling techniques.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits:
CECILE ILARDO
See original version (French)
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