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Lot 171
AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE LADY'S WATCH
Estimated Value:
19.000 € - 22.000 €
Result:
incl. Premium and VAT
Description:
Paris, Atelier M. Gerard, ca 1970/80L. 16,2 cm (17, 2cm) mit Kastenschloß
Ladies' watch 750/000 from the Atelier M. Gérard. Back cover: M. Gerard, Paris SB 1085 19154. The bracelet and the bezel are set with ca. 266 brilliant-cut diamonds and 18 individually cut diamonds total ca. 9.70ct TW/VVS and 62 baguette-cut sapphires ca. 10.50ct. Furthermore, the dial is completely set with ca. 134 brilliant-cut diamonds 1.35ct TW/VVS. Quartz movement. 2 replacement elements enclosed (small defect) - diamond and sapphire details in description. Total weight: 80,4g.
Private collection North Rhine-Westphalia
After working for one of the most famous jewellery houses, Van Cleef & Arpels, for many years, Frenchman Louis Gérard decided to set up his own business.
He founded M. Gérard in 1968 and opened his first boutique at 8 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Driven by a professed desire to create "the most beautiful jewels in the world", he designed extravagant ranges of necklaces, bracelets and earrings lavishly set with diamonds and coloured gemstones. Much of the jewellery was produced by the Atelier Vassort workshop, which Gérard had undoubtedly become acquainted with during his time at Van Cleef & Arpels.
n the course of the next two decades, Vassort produced some spectacular jewellery for M. Gérard, whose pieces were often noted for their superb workmanship. The jewels attracted a wealthy jet-set clientele from Europe and the Far and Middle East, and Louis Gérard enjoyed catering to them by hosting extravagant parties and organising shows in fashionable locations such as Cannes and Monte Carlo. Within ten years, boutiques were opened in Gstaad, London, Lausanne and Monte Carlo, and in 1980 the company announced in its advertisements that it was the leading exporter of French fine jewellery for the fifth consecutive year.
In November 1985, Gérard sold the company to a group of American investors, as the company was struggling financially due to excessive expenses. It was later bought back and reopened in a new showroom at 16 Avenue Montaigne under the name Louis Gérard, Joaillier International
