T his sale offers a collection of bespoke pieces by renowned jeweller Michele della Valle showcasing Michele’s signature style, drawing inspiration from the natural world, and incorporating both classic and unconventional gemstones to create dramatic, unique visions in a kaleidoscope of colour.
"I look at the Earth and think ‘we are not alone’ and now that we are ready to explore Mars, there will be someone or something who will observe and wait for us."
"Named ‘Aventino’, St. Peter is seen from the keyhole is a unique experience, a gem not to be missed when visiting the fascinating Eternal City. Through “the hole” as it is affectionately called by the inhabitants of Rome, the Dome appears in a magical perspective framed by the vibrant green of the hedges."
For centuries, the animal kingdom has been a muse to jewelers, not only inspiring some of the most memorable jewels in history. Animal motifs have taken on many themes throughout the years. From the Egyptian scarab to the 20th century, animal jewels enjoyed several periods of revival.
René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, both master jewelers of the Art Nouveau movement, embodied the epoch by finding inspiration in the forms and lines of nature. Pendants featuring swooping fireflies and brooches with enamel insects crawling up glass branches characterised the times, while later insect designs from the 1960s continued to prove their popularity. The Deco Period ushered in Cartier’s famous menagerie of jeweled animals, including the famed panther.
In years that followed, elephants, giraffes, and exotic birds from the African plains all found their way into bejeweled creations. In the 1960s David Webb’s bold jewels often featured animals using colour, volume and structure, which would become his signature style. Today, animal jewels are still some of the best loved, including the whimsical menagerie of animals created by Michele della Valle.
Michele della Valle’s stunning creations are fashionable and easily wearable both day and night. His style is built around colourful precious and semi-precious gemstones which make his striking, sometimes amusing creations even more prized.
This pair of ear clips demonstrate Michele’s mastery of craftsmanship, using the cabochon emerald to bring out the play of colour in the opals, creating a jewel which appeals to both a classic and contemporary sense of style.
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