Very fine and rare rock crystal and diamond brooch, JAR, 1987

Designed as a dragonfly, the wings of carved rock crystal backed with gold, with gold filled veins, each inset with a triangular diamond, highlighted with round diamonds, the body composed of faceted diamond roundels, mounted in silver and gold, signed JAR Paris, case.

This brooch was exhibited at the "Jewels of JAR Paris" retrospective held at the Gilbert Collection in London, November 2nd 2002 – January 26th 2003.

Cf: Arthur Rosenthal, JAR Paris, Avon & Windrush, London, 2002, number 265, for an illustration of this brooch. 

Stamped 750 for gold. Signed JAR Paris on the reverse of one wing. Triangular diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 18.00 carats in total, of VS-SI clarity. Smaller diamonds bright and lively. Rock crystal in very good condition, minor scratches, gold veins with very minor gold losses. Size of the dragonfly approximately 16 cm from wing tip to wing tip. Signs of normal wear to the metal, in good condition. Case signed JAR'S, Paris.
"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."

JAR was established on the Place Vendôme in Paris in 1977 by Joël Arthur Rosenthal, widely acknowledged as being the most talented jeweller of his generation and better known by his trade name JAR. Born in New York City, Rosenthal studied Art History at Harvard University, later working in the film industry and then with Bulgari. Drawing upon the past, but allowing his natural creativity to dominate, he has reinterpreted jewellery as an art form, crossing the boundaries between ornamental jewels and sculpture. JAR's work is always imaginative and beautifully crafted and often incorporates unusual gemstones in brilliant and unexpected combinations. A 10th anniversary celebration exhibition was held in New York in 1987 and a larger highly glamorous retrospective of 400 jewels was on show at The Gilbert Collection, Somerset House in London in 2002.