Important Jewels: Part I
Important Jewels: Part I
Attributed to Falize
Gold, Silver, Diamond and Enamel Pendant-Watch
Lot Closed
October 19, 06:58 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
The pendant-brooch and case decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamel in a foliate pattern, the brooch designed with a stylized winged creature terminating in the face of a crowned bearded male, curling around two rose-cut diamond flowers, the watch case decorated with a rose-cut diamond cipher, reversing to a matte white dial with black Arabic numerals and gold filigree hands, the dust cover engraved 'Lemonnier, Ancien Joailler de la Couronne.'
- Overall length 4¾ inches
- 18 karat gold
- French import mark
- Manual movement
- Circa 1878
The enamel work on this pendant-watch is typical of that produced by Maison Falize, not only in terms of the Renaissance-revival styling, but also in the use of red cabochonne enamel. Curiously, the watch dust cover is signed Lemonnier, who may have outsourced the making of the jewel. According to Vever, the firm of Lemonnier collapsed after the 1870 war. Around 1878-1879, after working for colleagues on a freelance basis, Lemonnier ended his career. It is interesting to note that a watch of similar design by Emile Olive (who worked for Falize at this time) is illustrated in Falize, by Katherine Purcell, p. 68, pl. 92., and had apparently been exhibited at the Exposition des Arts du Metal in 1880.