M. GÉRARD: A COLLECTIBLE LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND DRESS RING...

Hammer

€7,000

M. GÉRARD: A COLLECTIBLE LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND DRESS RING, CIRCA 1975 Of bombé design, the frontispiece embellished with lapis lazuli to one side, and pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds to the other side, mounted in 18K gold, diamonds approxiately 3.50cts total, signed M Gerard, numbered, with maker's mark 'AV' for André Vassort, French assay mark, ring size N 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 village in the Swiss Alps. However, the rapid expansion and extravagant entertaining budget sadly proved unsustainable 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 are highly sought after for their high quality. A number of pieces by the house appeared as highlights of “The Royal House Sale” at Christie’s Geneva in November 2006, one of the top ten most expensive private jewellery collections ever sold at auction.