Christie’s Jewels Online: Nature’s muse
Flowers have been used as a motif in jewellery design throughout history. Here, Angelina Chen, Christie’s Jewellery Head of e-commerce, reviews a selection from Christie’s Jewels Online auction, 11–21 April
Often dubbed ‘nature’s muse’, flowers have been a source of creative inspiration since the beginning of time. Jewellers and designers alike have used various floral motifs in their work stretching as far back as the ancient world. Today, the natural world continues to be an important design element for contemporary artists in all mediums.
David Webb diamond brooch
David Webb Diamond Flower Brooch. Designed as a diamond set flower head. Estimate: $10,000 - 15,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
David Webb’s diamond flower brooch has an animated feel, encompassing the idea of petals blowing in the breeze. Each petal is a different size and shape, and the use of diamonds is meant to showcase a moment in time.
Chanel ‘Camellia’ hoop earrings
Chanel ‘Camellia’ Hoop Earrings. Designed as hoops with camellia shapes. Estimate: $1,200-1,300. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
The classic motif of the camellia flower was a constant source of inspiration for Coco Chanel throughout her career in haute couture. These earrings have an abstract sensibility, yet unmistakably express a delicate and airy classic Chanel motif.
Van Cleef & Arpels floral earrings
Van Cleef & Arpels Floral Earrings. Of floral design with turquoise, diamond and gold wirework. Estimate: $4,000-6,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
A statement earring can shape an outfit and also imbue a sense of style to the wearer. Van Cleef & Arpels are masters at making a bold statement with jewellery. With varying sizes and colours of cabochon turquoise, these intricate shapes add a further flourish for the wearer.
JAR floral earrings
Floral Earrings by JAR. Designed as pansies of colored aluminium. Estimate: $2,600-3,200. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
These earrings recall the lightness and fragility of a pansy. The durability of aluminium can lead to fantastic results in jewellery: these limited-edition ear clips were created in 2002 to coincide with the exhibition of JAR’s work at London’s Somerset House.
Antique enamel and floral diamond brooches
Group of Antique Enamel and Diamond Floral Brooches. Comprising two brooches of floral design with enamel and diamond accents. Estimate: $1,000-1,500. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Originally made in the 1890s, these enamel brooches in light lilac show the intricate details embedded in the design — most notably in the veins on each petal.
Amethyst, nephrite and diamond flower brooch
Amethyst, Nephrite and Diamond Flower Brooch. Designed as a spray of carved amethyst violets with nephrite leaves and diamond accents. Estimate: USD $2,000 - 3,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
The clever use of gemstones in this brooch results in an extraordinary display of colours that reflect the flower’s various shades. The leaves and petals are individually hand-carved, providing structure and texture.
Diamond floral earrings
Diamond Floral Earrings. Of floral design set with mixed cut diamonds. Estimate: $2,000-3,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Oscar Heyman & Brothers Floral Diamond Earrings. Designed as flowers of diamonds set in platinum. Estimate: $7,000-10,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Oscar Heyman & Brothers Floral Diamond Earrings. Designed as flowers of diamonds set in platinum. Estimate: $7,000-10,000. This work is offered in Christie’s Jewels Online, 11-21 April.
Finally, of course, diamond floral earrings are the ultimate classic. What better way of celebrating the fleeting beauty of Mother Nature’s finest forms?
Discover fine jewellery from Chanel, David Webb, Van Cleef & Arpels, JAR and more, in the Christie’s Jewels Online auction 11-21 April, 2016.
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