Obsidian, mother-of-pearl and diamond brooch, 'La Femme à la coiffure de plumes', Sterlé, circa 1970

The lady's bust carved in black obsidian, the hair embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds and stylised feathers set with mother-of-pearl, signed Sterlé Paris and numbered, French assay and maker's marks.

French assay marks for gold, pin fitting signed Sterlé Paris and numbered 8.361. Black obsidian and mother-of-pearl in good condition. Diamonds bright and lively. Signs of normal wear to metal. In good condition.
"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."

This brooch, called "La Femme à la coiffure de plumes, is one of a series of figures that Sterle created between 1965 and 1974. Other examples of this theme are: "Le Chinois"; L'Archet"; "L'Indien"; "Le Joker" and "L'Arlequin". These heads were all carved by the renowned lapidarist Robert Lemoine.