Adam's Fine Jewellery & Watches Tuesday May 15th 2018

24 Tuesday 15 th May 2018 28 AN ART NOUVEAU DIAMOND BROOCH, CIRCA 1890 The scrolling openwork brooch set throughout with old brilliant and single-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and gold, diamonds approximately 0.90ct total, width 3.2cm € 500 - 700 30 AN ART NOUVEAU PERIDOT, SEED PEARL AND ENAMEL BROOCH, 1905 Of stylised floral design, set central with an oval-shaped peridot, within a seed pearl crown, between green enamel leaves, PRXQWHG LQ . JROG ZLGWK FP € 300 - 500 Art Nouveau was the first truly international design movement. It was popular between 1890-1910, during the period known as the Belle Époque. Jewellery was one of the most important expansions of this movement and the industry under- went a stylistic revolution. Soft, sinuous lines and organic forms inspired by flora and fauna characterise the jewellery of this period.To decorate these natural motifs, jewellers favoured the use of smaller gemstones rather than larger, more dramatic diamonds as seen in the previous centuries.A preference for delicate colours led jewellers to experiment with semi-precious stones, such as agate, moonstone, aquamarine, as well as new materials like horn, molded glass, ivory and some metals. New techniques such as enamelling were important for the expression of colour. The decorative femininity and elegance of this period could be beautifully described through pastel enamels, miniature gem- stones, and curved metal lines, making jewellery the perfect medium to express the spirit of the Art Nouveau. 29 AN ART NOUVEAU PINK TOPAZ AND GOLD BROOCH, BY WALTON & CO., CIRCA 1900 The openwork oval plaque decorated with fancy-cut pink topazes, within textured gold leaves, PRXQWHG LQ . JROG VLJQHG:DOWRQ &R ZLGWK FP €800 – 1,200