Posted by Beth on April 1, 2016, 7:30 am, in reply to "Re: begum Yvette"
I have hesitated to ask - but!
Does anyone know if the violin brooch is a Van Cleef and Arpels creation? I am hoping that someone might have a catalogue of the sale of the jewels of the Begum Aga Khan III - the lady I refer to as the Begum Yvette, and that it may give us some clues.
The setting of the rubies in the jewel appears to be a mystery setting which I associate with the Maison Van Cleef and Arpels, but obviously other firms have done similar, although not precisely the same type of setting. From a photo, I have no idea of which firm might have made this exquisite jewel.
The detail of the workmanship in this jewel is astounding. Normally, I concentrate on the gems and design or history but, in the case of this particular jewel, the skills of the jewellers (the craftsmen who did the metal work), and the designer have engaged my interest above all else. (I forgot to mention the gem setters - those who set gems in mystery settings have to have finer skills than most gem setters) In years to come it would be of interest to historians of jewels to know the names of these people.
If I have to wait for the catalogue to be available online, I will understand and wait patiently - I hope!
I hope that which ever firm made this jewel has kept a record of the craftsmen who actually made the jewel.
on April 1, 2016, 7:30 am, in reply to "