COLLECTION OF JEWELLERY DRAWINGS, CIRCA 1910 - 1930s

Gouache and watercolour over pencil and chalk, with some touches of varnish, on card, coloured paper or parchment

The collection covers three distinct groups of jewellery design:
Fourteen drawings in watercolour and body-colour on buff coloured card, each of a pendant to wear on a chain on the neck or wrist. The majority to be set with a pearl, a drop or circular-cut coloured stone, all surrounded by filigree and beaded gold wire work frames, sometimes enhanced with enamel detail.  Some are archaeological in style, with scroll motifs and palmettes derived from classical art. Others are distinctively naturalistic: a butterfly with white wings amidst foliage, vases full of stylised flowers, and two pine cone designs. In a box labelled Schmuck.
Thirty-Five drawings in watercolour and body-colour on black card, each of a clip to be created in platinum and diamonds with variously cut stones. Most are all-white designs, some designs to be set with calibré-cut rubies or sapphires. Several for designs of double clips. The motifs are abstract curved and scroll shapes and strongly geometric designs.  These have been illustrated as they were intended to be worn, gripping the edge of the fabric of the dress; these double clips were the most representative jewel of the late Art Deco period.  Possibly French, late 1930s.
Seventeen Drawings in watercolour and body-colour on black card, each of a brooch, single or double-clip. Some to be made in platinum and diamond, others in gold wire with coloured stones. In addition to abstract designs for the double clips naturalism is strongly represented by shells, a feather and birds.

Probably Central European or French Jewellery designs circa 1910-1938. All clean and well preserved in 3 modern custom-made marbled boxes, one labelled Schmuck. Sold as viewed. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comprising: 67 drawings of jewellery designs in three boxes ; respectively containing 14 drawings on cardboard, 36 drawings on coloured card and 17 drawings on coloured papers; depicting hand coloured designs for jewels to be created in gold and platinum, to be set with precious and semi-precious gemstones, image measurements approximately 163mm x 127mm, 220mm x 130mm and 240mm x 180mm, unsigned, part illustrated.