Adam's Fine Jewellery & Watches 5th December 2023

55 64 A CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, BY M. GÉRARD, CIRCA 1970 Composed of five rows of cultured pearls cen- tring a textured gold motif highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds and suspending a cul- tured pearl tassel, mounted in 18K gold, signed M. Gérard, numbered B81/2, with maker’s mark ‘AV’ for André Vassort, French assay mark, with maker’s travel pouch, necklace length approx- imately 40cm, length of pendant with tassel 9cm € 4,000 - 5,000 André Vassort established his work- shop in 1955. He became renowned for this fine workmanship and was sought after by the elite French jewellery houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Fred Paris and Mauboussin. To- gether with Gérard, they created exquisite jewellery piec- es for more than twenty years. Frenchman Louis Gérard worked for many years for the world-famous house of Van Cleef & Arpels before making the decision to establish a maison of his own in 1968. Thus, the house of M Gérard was born and opened its doors for the first time at 8 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Gérard worked primarily with the Atelier Vassort workshop producing magnificent suites of jewellery of the highest quality and craftsmanship and lavishly decorated with diamonds and precious gems. A character with a large personality, Gérard delighted in throwing fabulously stylish parties from Cannes to Monte Carlo, for the jet-setting elite he proudly called clients. His boutiques were situated in London, Lausanne, Monte Carlo and Gstaad, an upscale resort town in the Swiss Alps. However, the rapid expansion and extravagant entertaining budget sadly proved unsus- tainable and in 1985, Gérard was forced to sell out to a group of American investors. He later succeeded in re-gaining his company and re-launched under the name of Louis Gérard, Joaillier International but this success was short-lived and by 1991, the firm was forced once again to shut its doors. Today, pieces from the prestigious house continue to be highly sought after for their magnificent quality. A number of pieces by the house appeared as highlights of The Royal House Sale at Christies Geneva in November 2006, one of the top ten most expensive private jewellery collections ever sold at auction.