A truly spectacular mid-century brooch of exceptional quality and ambition, bearing French assay and maker's marks. The subject is a Native American chief, his face carved from rich carnelian and his elaborate headdress rendered in a swirling combination of platinum and 18ct gold, set throughout with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds in a vivid display of colour and craftsmanship. At 22.6g and 6cm in height, this is a brooch of real scale and presence — a statement piece in every sense, and a remarkable example of French mid-century jewellery at its most ambitious and theatrical.

The Details

• Circa: 1950
• Weight: 22.6g
• Dimensions: 6 × 3.8cm
• Stones: Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, carnelian
• Metals: Platinum and 18ct gold
• Hallmarks: French assay and maker's marks