The house of Mauboussin, that held its own against competitors such as Cartier and Boucheron in the Roaring Twenties, was a champion of a new bold and fantastical style from its new store at 20 Place Vendôme. Typical of its output c.1955 is this diamond riviere, above, with two rows of graduating round brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds mounted in platinum.
According to the original invoice headed Mauboussin Place Vendôme Paris and dated February 20, 1962, the necklace comprises 19 principal round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 19.67cts in total, 62 remaining round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 12.07cts in total and 117 baguette-cut diamonds weighing 21.32cts in total, ‘all of top quality’.
Offered for sale at Adam’s in Dublin on September 18 as ‘the property of a Continental lady’ with an estimate of €120,000-180,000, the hammer price was €150,000 (£130,500).
Classic ornament
Also pictured above is a classic Victorian silver, gold and diamond bouquet corsage ornament c.1880 sold within estimate at €22,000 (£19,100). Offered in an original fitted case, it comprised three old cushion and brilliant-cut diamond flowerheads mounted with springs ‘en tremblant’ allowing the brooch to quiver with movement. The three principal diamonds weigh approximately 1.00-1.20cts each.
According to department head Katie McGale, the total (including premium) €871,000 was the highest-grossing jewellery auction ever to take place in Ireland with a solid 73% of the 243 lots sold.
