Maison ROUVENAT, Successor Félix DESPRES, Belle Epoque work, - Lot 97

Maison ROUVENAT, Successor Félix DESPRES, Belle Epoque work, 1900s "Knotted ribbon" brooch in yellow gold 750‰ and platinum 950‰ entirely set with old-cut diamonds, including a larger central one of approx. 0.70 carat. Embellished with a transformable 750‰ yellow gold pin system (the motif could presumably also be worn as a hair accessory). French work, Diamond hallmark of Félix Després partially legible. Dimensions: 4.2x5cm. Gross weight: 15.5 g. With its shaped burgundy morocco case signed "ROUVENAT Fabricant Joaillier Félix Després Successeur 62, rue d'Hauteville Paris" and numbered "R.M.". Provenance: Purchased by Edgar Morgan (jeweler on rue de la Paix) for his daughter at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Maison Rouvenat is one of the great names in jewelry in the second half of the 19th century. After the death of Léon Rouvenat - the company's founder - in 1874, his widow continued the business. In 1883, she joined forces with Félix-Auguste Després. Després, who began his apprenticeship with Rouvenat in 1865, ensured the success of the House at the turn of the century, of which our brooch is a brilliant example of the white jewelry so fashionable at the time.