Formerly in the Collection of a British Noble Family
Chaumet
Impressive Diamond Brooch/Devant-de-Corsage 尚美 | 鑽石 胸針
Auction Closed
November 12, 02:56 PM GMT
Estimate
60,000 - 110,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
The openwork plaque of geometric design collet- and millegrain-set with old mine- and old European-cut diamonds, accented by baguette diamonds, supporting an articulated fringe, unsigned, partial maker’s marks for Chaumet, French assay marks for platinum and gold; circa 1931 and later.
Accompanied by a Chaumet certificate of authenticity, dated 14 September 2025, stating that the jewel was commission by a distinguished British noble family in 1931 and was modified on request of the client in the 1950s.
Formerly in the Collection of a British Noble Family
Magnificent Jewels, Sotheby’s Geneva, 16 and 17 November 1993, lot 715.
Private Collection
This devant-de-corsage was commissioned from Chaumet in 1931 by a distinguished British noble family. Chaumet's archival records reveal that this commission was completed between 31 March and 30 June 1931, using stones provided by the jeweller. A photograph, dated to 26 May 1931, records the layout of the stones on wax, whereas a photograph, dated 30 June 1931, features the brooch in its original configuration. In the 1950s, the client requested that several pieces from her collection including a tiara, a necklace and several diamond brooches be modernised. The baguette diamond lines on the brooch were re-used to create a pair of earrings and the two outer sections of the fringe were removed, giving it its current more streamlined appearance.