GEM-SET PENDANT, FUSET Y GRAU, CIRCA 1920

Depicting a girl blowing pearl bubbles, her arms and face of carved ivory, to a red and blue plique-à-jour enamel background, within a chased surround of acanthus leaves and scrolls highlighted with circular-cut sapphires and similarly and single-cut diamonds, signed Fuset Y Grau, two small diamonds deficient.

Cf: Ramon Manent, Argenters i Joiers de Catalunya, 1985 for examples of Spanish jewels from the Modernista - the Catalan variant of Art Nouveau.

Cf: Fritz Falk, Schmuck-Kunst im Jugendstil, Art Nouveau Jewellery, 1999, page 113 for an illustration of a jewel in a similar manner by Lluís Masriera, circa 1915.

Potential bidders who intend to export this lot are advised that permits may be required for import in certain countries. If you are interested in this lot please contact the Jewellery Department before bidding. Diamonds bright and lively, two small stones deficient from drop. Sapphires dark blue colour, well matched. Pearls of cream body colour with greyish overtones, medium lustre. Enamel in good condition. Ivory with typical banding and evidence of carving. Heavy pendant weighing approximately 55 grams. Scratches to mount consistent with age and normal wear. Would benefit from a careful professional clean. 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."

Fuset y Grau was a contemporary of Lluís Masriera also based in Barcelona and working in a similar manner, very little is published about his jewellery, his work was exhibited in the Decorative Arts Exhibition 1925 in Paris.