18 Karat Gold, Mother-of-Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch, Sterlé, Paris, Circa 1965

Estimate

10,000 - 15,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Sterlé
18 karat gold, mother-of-pearl, ruby, diamond, brooch

Designed as a calla lily composed of a carved mother-of-pearl segment, the stem set with calibré-cut rubies, the petal and spadix accented by round and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.85 carats, signed Sterlé, Paris, maker's mark, French assay marks.

Condition

Set with 31 diamonds approximately G-H color and VS clarity and 18 medium deep very slightly brownish red rubies of good clarity. The Mother-of-Pearl petal exhibits nice play of color and is a little loose in its mount, but stable. In good condition. Signed Sterle Paris and numbered 8.168 on pin stem.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

For a design of a similar brooch, see Sterlé: Joaillier Paris, Viviane Jutheau, p. 260.

Pierre Sterlé was born in 1905 into a family of high-ranking financial officials. At the death of his father during the First World War, he was left under the tutelage of an uncle, an established jeweller with premises in Paris, in the rue de Castiglione. In 1934, after having worked for several Parisian jewelers, he set up his own business in the rue Saint Anne from where he moved twice, firstly to the rue de Moulins and then to 45, avenue de l'Opéra before closing some thirty years later. In spite of the loyalty of an international clientele, financial difficulties forced him in 1961 to sell numerous designs from his inventory to Chaumet. In 1976 Chaumet took him up in the capacity of creative advisor. The jewels of Pierre Sterlé are distinctive in design and superbly crafted. Semiprecious and unusual stones are often featured in his creations, combined with gold and diamonds. Nature offered an inexhaustible source of inspiration: flowers, leaves, animals and especially birds were recurrent motifs in his productions. All Sterlé's jewels, whether lavishly set with diamonds or beautifully crafted in gold, share the same characteristic: that of being instantly recognized as the work of a genius.