Onyx and diamond pendant, Jean Després, 1920s

The rectangular pendant of architectonic design, centring on an onyx panel inset to the centre with a circular-cut diamond, signed J. Després.

Mounted in silver. Signed to reverse J. Després. Chip to onyx , on botton left hand corner, later resin restoration and small nicks to remaining corners. Central diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat, I/Included clarity.
"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."

Jean Després 1889-1980 born in Souvigny, France, moved to Paris to apprentice as a silversmith in 1903. He later attended drawing classes at the Paris schools, and spent the evenings in the artistic quarters of Montmartre where he became aquainted with De Chirico, Modigliani, Soutine and  Vlaminck who were to all influence his later work. During The first World War he became a draughtsman for the air force which was also to later heavily influence his modernistic designs. After The First World War Despres took over the running of the family business which was to mark the start of his designing career. Innovative with his use of materials, inspired by his artist friends in Paris, he embraced the dramatic contrasts of silver, lacquer and onxy exhibiting at the 1925 Paris Universal Exhibition.