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Lot Essay
The Belle Epoque, which spanned the years from 1895 until 1914, was famous for its so-called "white jewels" set primarily in diamonds and platinum, and often enriched by Oriental pearls. They were considered as a sub-category of the Garland Style developed by Louis Cartier and adopted by jewellers of the establishment. Not limited to garland and festoon motifs, this style came to encompass most jewels set predominantly with diamonds in delicate platinum millegrain settings. The jewels, typified by their daintiness, drew inspiration from design books of the 18th Century. Lots 322 and 324 were created by the renowned French firm of Chaumet and are quintessential examples of that trend.
According to the Chaumet Archives in Paris, these two brooches were probably each originally part of a larger jewel, most likely a "devant-de-corsage" or a pendant necklace. Each bears Joseph Chaumet's maker's mark which consists of a lozenge centring on the initials JC with a crescent above and a star below. This was utilised from December 1890 until April 1928.
According to the Chaumet Archives in Paris, these two brooches were probably each originally part of a larger jewel, most likely a "devant-de-corsage" or a pendant necklace. Each bears Joseph Chaumet's maker's mark which consists of a lozenge centring on the initials JC with a crescent above and a star below. This was utilised from December 1890 until April 1928.