Drawn to the energetic pace of life in New York City after a childhood in northern France, James Taffin de Givenchy made the transatlantic move with the determination to find his own artistic identity. Through an early career at leading global auction houses and jewelry firms, Givenchy grew his appreciation for quality craftsmanship, design history and the importance of glamour in the every day. In 1996, Givenchy set forth with these guiding principles and established a high-jewelry salon of his own on Manhattan’s storied Madison Avenue. Focused on the use of unique and unexpected materials, such as steel, wood and ceramic, the houses’ designs are crafted to highlight the individuality of each stone, letting the material dictate the jewel’s eventual form.

The present series of rings (Lots 93 and 94) provide a sample of Taffin’s sense of lighthearted sophistication expressed through substantial gemstones brought to light with minimal styling and distinctive design. In Lot 93, a colorless, high clarity diamond converses with the varied color range of demantoid garnets, purple topazes and citrines. Lot 94 presents a richly-colored ruby in a modern presentation as surrounding diamonds snake around the wearer’s finger, the single-cut stones providing a pleasing glimmer. The rings encapsulate exactly what Taffin designs embody – the pairing of magic and charm found in the unusual, while maintaining the precision, artistry and character that inspires each coveted Taffin jewel.