- 227
GOLD, OPAL AND ENAMEL PENDANT, GEORGES FOUQUET, CIRCA 1910
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- GOLD, ENAMEL, OPAL, PEARL
The plaque depicting a pair of trees in the foreground with a landscape of a lake and mountain, set with opals, decorated with plique-à-jour enamel, suspending a baroque pearl, to a fancy link chain, length approximately 690mm, signed G. Fouquet, French assay marks, original silk covered case Georges-Fouquet, 35 Avenue de L'Opera, Paris.
Literature
Cf: Alastair Duncan, The Paris Salons, 1895-1914, Jewellery I:The Designers A-K, London, 1994, page 257 for an example of a similar jewel by Georges Fouquet.
Cf: Fritz Falk, Schmuck-Kunst im Jugendstil, Art Nouveau Jewellery, 1999, pages 38, 41 and 45 for examples of opal set jewels by Georges Fouquet.
Condition
Stamped with French assay marks for 18 carat gold and maker's marks. Opals with distinct play-of-colour, more reds in the opal used for the sky and blues and greens in the ones representing water, some cracks low down, repaired with glue. Pearl tests as natural saltwater, medium lustre, displaying orient, banding. Chain detachable from pendant with bolt rings. Could benefit from a careful professional clean, mount with scratching consistent with age and wear. In good condition.
Original silk covered case, not fitted. Damaged. Embossed A.D. to exterior.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Georges Fouquet (1862-1957), was the son of a successful Parisian jeweller, Alphonse Fouquet; he trained with him and took on the business in 1895. He was admired for his fine craftsmanship and design. There are several known examples of jewels by Fouquet incorporating polished and specifically shaped opals; at least two examples are in the collection at the Musée du Petit Palais, Paris.