A ruby and diamond-set necklace, bracelet and pair of earrings, by M. Gerard, 1970s
£20,000
Auction: 22 October 2021 at 12:00 BST
Description
Composed of textured openwork hexagonal links, interspersed with brilliant-cut diamond-set square plaques and cabochon rubies; together with a bracelet and pair of earrings en suite, post and clip fittings, signed M. Gerard, numbered, French assay and maker's marks AV for Andre Vassort
Dimensions
Lengths: necklace 57.5cm, bracelet19.5cm, earrings 2.4cm
Footnote
André Vassort set up his workshop, Atelier Vassort in December 1955. He quickly became one of the most recognised and sought after manufacturers of French jewellery, working for Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Mauboussin, amongst others. A particularly notable creation is the spectacular crown made for the coronation of Empress Farah of Iran on behalf of Van Cleef & Arpels.
When Louis Gérard left Van Cleef & Arpels to start his own company M. Gérard in 1968, he chose to use his former employer’s workshop to create his jewellery. Over the next twenty years, Vassort would produce some spectacular jewels for Gérard whose pieces are often noted for their superb manufacture. The Atelier closed in the early 1990s but not before establishing itself as one of the most important manufacturers of French jewellery of the mid-late 20th Century.