Convertible Necklace-Brooch with Diamonds in Platinum on Gold, c. 1905

The Belle Époque was a carefree time, a celebration of beauty and life. Whether in Paris, Vienna or Berlin, the fashions and balls of the great cities throughout Europe were very similar and revelled in luxury, one last time before the terrible wars. People looked forward to the future, and the pursuit of beauty and joie de vivre was to be the guiding principle of life. In keeping with the lifestyle of the time, wonderful pieces of jewellery were created with sparkling diamonds, finely crafted in platinum and gold. Such jewellery was a must for elegant evening gowns or formal dresses, evening receptions or important receptions - and there were many such occasions, especially in the winter months, when people spent time in the big cities to see and be seen! To ensure that the lady of the world did not appear equally adorned for every occasion, many pieces were designed to be convertible: This piece, for example, can be worn as a brooch or as a necklace. The chain and brooch pin are detachable for this purpose. The piece is set with fine diamonds in old cuts of wonderful quality, which sparkle and flash in untinted white. Its typical shape and the central flower element are borrowed from the popular Garland style, which dominated the world of elegant evening jewellery for many years. However, the lines also reveal a subtle but definite echo of the recently popularized Art Nouveau style: Particularly in the outer curves that wind dynamically around the frame of the flower. We have commissioned an independent appraisal, which will be enclosed with the piece itself.

Estimate:£6,416.01

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