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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Exquisite Plumes of Jewels for Bonhams Fine Jewellery Auction

Bonhams Offers Rare Brooch by Imperial Jeweller, Given the Legion D’Honour for Services to Jewellery

A rare peacock brooch set with diamonds and gems by the French Imperial jeweller Gustave Baugrand circa 1867is one of the highlights of the Fine Jewellery sale, taking place on the 21st September at Bonhams, New Bond Street.

The intricate brooch is finely modelled as a peacock; the body consists of circular-cut sapphires, to a sprung fan of rose-cut and cushion-shaped plumes each highlighted with a square cut emerald ‘eye’ and a circular-cut ruby, which is perched on a pearl. It is estimated to sell for £10,000 – 15,000.

Jewels by Gustave Baugrand are rare. In 1867, at the height of his short-lived career, he exhibited his designs at the Exposition Universelle in Paris to much critical acclaim. Baugrand is also known to have made jewels for the personal collections of Emperor Napoleon II and Empress Eugenie as well as the Queen of Portugal.

Baugrand was awarded the Legion d’Honour for his services to the jewellery industry, but tragically his career was cut short in 1870 when de died during the Siege of Paris.

Also included in the sale are rare and highly sought “little masterpieces” by Lucien Falize. The French jeweller made extensive use of historical, particularly Renaissance, traditions and incorporated architectural and sculptural elements, as well as different enamelling techniques, into his designs.

An enamel and diamond pendant pendant of Indian inspiration created during the last quarter of the 19th century is estimated at £10,000 – 15,000. The slightly domed cartouche is decorated with translucent red “cabochonne” enamel, overlaid with a rose-cut floral motif, within a border of ropetwist decorated, rose-cut diamond and gold florets.

Also by Falize is a Renaissance inspired gold and enamel bangle decorated with red translucent “cabochonne” enamel and gold lattice, depicting helmeted child warriors hunting fantastical birds. It is estimated to sell for £6,000 – 8,000.

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