MARRET & BAUGRAND - Lot 28

MARRET & BAUGRAND Transformation set in 18K (750/000) yellow gold and fine pearls, consisting of a brooch pendant, two corsage pins and a drapery necklace; the pendant decorated with foliate and shiny scrolls, all linked by palm link chains, holding pendants of old-cut diamonds, button or drop-shaped fine pearls. Louis-Joseph & Charles Labitte (Labitte Frères) jeweler's hallmark (Insc. 1846) Work circa 1865 Overall gross weight: 110.1 g. Dimensions of the largest pearl: 7.92 x 10.68 x 7.03 mm. H: 7 cm (brooch); W: 38.8 mm (necklace); H: 3.3 cm (pendants) (pearls not tested, diamond missing on brooch) In its original red velvet case with a silver monogram "RD" beneath a count's crown, the inside cover in blue silk with gilded inscription "MARRET & BAUGRAND / Joailliers.Bijoutiers / DE S.M. L'EMPEREUR / 19. rue de la paix. RUE DE LA PAIX." Marret & Baugrand was one of the most prominent jewelers of the Second Empire. Located at 19 rue de la Paix in Paris, the company distinguished itself from the 1850s onwards at the Universal Exhibitions, where its creations received several medals of honor. Supplier to Emperor Napoleon III, the company was appreciated for the finesse of its settings, the elegance of its compositions and the exceptional quality of its pearl and gemstone ornaments. In the spirit of the great historicist revival of the 19th century, Marret & Baugrand drew from Renaissance, Gothic and Byzantine repertoires alike, developing a refined and erudite style characteristic of Second Empire Parisian jewelry. After Gustave Baugrand's death in 1870, the company's assets were taken over by Ernest Vever, a future great name in French jewelry. Bibliography : Henri Vever, La Bijouterie française au XIXème siècle, 1908, vol. II, p. 298-303.