Lot 66
£20,000
Auction: Jewellery: 30 March 2022 | From 11:00
Composed of two rows of baroque cultured pearls, each within a textured 18ct gold cage setting, to a textured clasp accented by two half pearls, maker's mark CdeT, London hallmark
Charles de Temple was born in Mexico in 1929 and was brought up as part of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, touring across America.
Having initially become a nightclub singer, he became a jeweller based in Massachusetts. In 1957 he moved to London, and during the 1960s he grew to become one of the pioneers of the modern British jewellery movement. De Temple was known for his unique designs and technical ability to handcraft gold.
De Temple's jewels are often large, flamboyant and sculptural statement pieces – as evident in the lots offered in this sale. This style led to high demand for his work in 1960s 'swinging' London,, resulting in notable high-profile commissions. These included two one off commissions for James Bond films: he made the goldfinger that Honour Blackman wore at the Goldfinger (1962) premiere, and he also designed the ring Bond (George Lazenby) gave to Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969).