Lot 367
  • 367

GOLD AND AMETHYST PARURE, KÖCHERT, CIRCA 1835

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 CHF
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Köchert
Comprising: a necklace of elaborate metal work including floral motifs, set with oval amethysts, supporting a detachable pendant set with a pear-shaped amethyst, length approximately 460mm, stamped P & H.K; a pair of pendent earrings, hook fittings, a belt buckle; and a tiara, detachable comb fittings, fitted case stamped Pioté & H. Köchert.

Condition

Necklace signed P & H.K for Pioté & H. Köchert, pair of pendent earrings, belt buckle and the tiara unsigned. In overall good condition, some loss to the metal work. Total gross weight approximately 204 grams. Fitted case stamped Pioté & H. Köchert, Joailliers et Bijoutiers à Vienne, rue Obere Breuner Strasse, Nro 1158.
"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.
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

Köchert In 1807 Emanuel Pioté, a Frenchman and the original founder of what is known as A.E.Köchert, arrived in Vienna. By 1811 he was in the position to consider setting up his own workshop and soon started to receive orders from the Court. Jacob Heinrich Köchert joined Pioté’s workshop, was soon in very good terms with the entire family and eventually married Piotés sister Dorothea. In 1825 Köchert entered in partnership with Pioté. The brothers’-in-law success in the jewellery field was crowned in 1832 by the acquisition of the title of ‘Imperial Court Jeweller’. The fame of Köchert started to expand throughout Europe at a time when the reputation of Austrian jewellery was spreading far beyond the boundaries of the Empire. 

The business was passed on in the Köchert family over several generations. By the end of the century Heinrich Köchert (1854-1908) was in charge. He surrounded himself by brilliant collaborators and designers and excelled in the creation of lavish fin-de-siècle jewels set with important gemstones. Empress Elizabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary became one of his most loyal patrons.

Heinrich was succeeded by his son Theodor (1859-1936), who then was succeeded by his two sons Erich and Wilfred who led the company through the stylistic developments of the 1930s and the difficulties brought about by the Second World War.

After Erich Köchert’s death in 1949, his son Gotfrid inherited a half-share in the firm and carried on the old tradition of his forefathers, just as his cousin Dr Dieter Köchert, Wilfried’s son, was to do later.

In 1971 the firm was granted the right to use the national coat of arms in reward of the invaluable services to Austrian economy and culture. After the death of Wilfred and Gotfrid in 1981 and 1986 respectively, the firm remained in the hands of their descendants and is presently run by the brothers Christoph and Florian and their cousin Wolfgang Kőchert.