COLLECTION OF GEM-SET JEWELS, AFRO, CANNILLA, MASENZA

Comprising: a bracelet composed of fancy polished links inset with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending three charms each highlighted respectively with cabochon sapphires, emeralds and rubies, length approximately 225mm, signed Afro, Masenza Roma; a dress clip designed as a mask, signed  Afro, Masenza Roma; a textured ring, size L, signed Afro, Masenza Roma and a pair of ear clips of hoop design, clip fittings, one signed Cannilla; the other Masenza Roma, part illustrated.

Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece may contain a ruby of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin will be required before import of rubies into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Bracelet: Signed Afro Masenza Roma. Rubies medium dark purplish red, well matched in colour. Sapphires dark blue, well matched in colour. Emeralds medium light green, well matched in colour. One charm opens to reveal a secret compartment containing scent. Ruby open work charm split in two places. Diamonds bright and lively. Scratches and indentations to piece consistent with wear. Dress Clip: Signed Afro Masenza Roma to reverse. Stamped 750 for 18 carat gold. Scratches and indentations to gold consistent with wear. Heavy weighing approximately 55.8 grams. Ring: Signed Afro Masenza Roma. Scratches and indentations to ring consistent with wear. Traces of dirt to underside. Could benefit from a careful professional clean. Earrings:Stamped 750 for 18 carat gold. One Clip signed Cannilay, the other signed Masenza Roma. Large textured hoops detachable. Clip fittings secure. Accompanied by two cases signed Masenza Roma.
"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."

Mario Masenza (1913-1985) came from a long line of jewellers who were also suppliers to the Italian Royal Family. The jewellery shop on the fashionable via del Corso in Roma was founded in 1924.

In the 1940s this establishment became a meeting place for artists and collectors.  Mario Masenza offered the use of his goldsmith's workshop to painters and sculptors later known as the 'School of Rome', including Cannilla, Guerrini, Afro and Mirko Basaldella. They were able to experiment with materials using their creativity through the use of the ancient techniques of fashioning jewellery.

Afro Libio Basaldella (1912-1976) was one of three brothers (Dino & Mirko). After the World War II, Afro accepted Mario Masenza's invitation to dedicate himself to gold jewellery.  The artist Lorenzo Guerrini (1914 - 2002 ) worked between 1946 and 1952 with Masenza and the sculptor Franco Cannilla (1911-1984) exhibited his first gold jewels in Milan in 1949, his production was prolific and he also had successful collaborations with the workshops of Fumanti and Gherardi.