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ANIMAL DESIGNS
Butterflies, panthers, snakes, insects...and lions, frogs, bears, caterpillars, crabs and chameleons: the animal theme has always inspired jewellers, it makes history, creates trends and famous icons. It is a creative design in which jewellery meets art and gives life to small veritable masterpieces. The numerous illustrious examples of this phenomenon include the creations of the largest high-fashion Maisons: the flamingo brooch by Cartier, belonged to the Duchess of Windsor, as also the brooches, bangles and rings in the shape of panther and large felines; the engraved turtles and the embroidered wings of the Buccellati birds; the cartoon style animals of Van Cleef & Arpels designed in 1954 for a young public, as well as sparkling butterflies by the same artist; the goldfish with flexible tail and ruby eyes by Jean Schlumberger, who also designs magnificent shells for Tiffany; the articulated snakes and the dragonfly brooch by Bulgari; shells, turtles and starfish, playful symbol of happiness in the creations of René Boivin; the zebra bangle in gold, white and black enamel and diamonds, one of the masterpieces of David Webb, quintessence of American jewellery; moreover Vhernier, de Grisogono, Leo Pizzo, Chantecler, include the animal theme in all their collections.
In alto: gruppo composto da due spille a forma di elefante, in oro testurizzato 18 e 14 Kt, con due diamanti tondi, una perla coltivata, due rubini rotondi. Proprietà del John S.D. Eisenhower Trust, precedentemente della Collezione Dwight D. e Mamie Eisenhower. A fianco: fermaglio a forma di elefante, in oro 18 Kt, decorato da diamanti taglio circolare, occhi in rubini taglio circolare. Circa 1970, firmato Hermès.
Top: group composed of two elephant brooches, in 18 and 14 Kt textured gold, with two round diamonds, one cultured pearl, two round rubies. Owned by John S.D. Eisenhower Trust, previously of the Dwight D. e Mamie Eisenhower Collection. Side: elephant clasp, in 18 Kt gold, decorated with circular-cut diamonds, circular- cut ruby eyes. Circa 1970, signed Hermès.