Property from a Prominent New York Family
René Lalique
Diamond Necklace-Bracelet Combination 鑽石 項鏈 或 手鏈
Auction Closed
June 16, 05:03 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
The front composed of alternating open navette-shaped and loop-motif links set with rose-cut diamonds, the back composed of knife-edged navette-shaped links centering rose-cut diamonds alternating with smaller rose-cut diamonds, length approximately 15¼ inches, detachable for wear as two bracelets measuring approximately 8 and 7¼ inches, with French assay mark and maker's mark for René Lalique; circa 1890s.
Elizabeth Sarah Jay, née Morgan, thence by descent.
Elizabeth Sarah Jay, née Morgan (1889–1975), was born in New York City and raised at Wheatly, the Morgan family estate in Old Westbury, Long Island. A woman of striking beauty, she was the great-granddaughter of Edwin Denison Morgan, 21st Governor of New York and Civil War general. Her husband, Delancy Kane Jay, was a direct descendent of John Jay, first Chief Justice of the United States.
Although the necklace dates to the late 19th century, according to family lore it was a gift to ESJ from her distant relation John Pierpont Morgan in 1910. It is an unusual and compelling example of René Lalique’s early work. Composed of white diamonds set traditionally in silver-topped gold, the necklace differs from the more colorful nature-inspired motifs of Lalique’s mature Art Nouveau style, but its sinuous lines and inventive design already reveal the master jeweler’s talent.
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