MAUBOUSSIN
An Art Déco ruby and diamond necklace, 1930
Further images
Of Indian inspiration, composed of articulated sections of polished Burmese ruby beads accented with square-cut diamonds, embellished by geometric scroll spacers set with circular- and baguette-cut diamonds, suspending a graduated...
Of Indian inspiration, composed of articulated sections of polished Burmese ruby beads accented with square-cut diamonds, embellished by geometric scroll spacers set with circular- and baguette-cut diamonds, suspending a graduated fringe of similar design, convertible to form two different lengths, circa 1930, signed Mauboussin Paris, mounted in platinum. Created on the occasion of the iconic 'Ruby' exhibition held in 1930. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Note:
Mauboussin hosted three important exhibitions between 1928 and 1931. Each of these exhibitions was dedicated to a specific precious stone: the first being dedicated to the emerald in 1928, the second to the ruby in 1930 and the final one in 1931 to the diamond. These impressive exhibits were lauded a real tour de force for the house itself and for the market in general, which had suffered greatly in the wake of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, and they travelled internationally to wide acclaim. The ‘Ruby’ exhibition of 1930 went as far as to affect the international price for rubies at the time. After having seen tough times due to the unveiling of synthetic rubies, the ruby market would suddenly find itself unable to meet demands at the high end with clients such as the Prince of Wales, the Maharajah of Kapurthala, the Maharajah of Indore, ministers, artists and politicians all flocking to the event. Journalists wrote emotionally of the exemplary French craftsmanship on display, the Asia-inspired aesthetics, and of the excitement felt in the room when faced with such modern designs; geometric diamond facades given warmth and fire by the finest rubies that had ever been seen. The influence of Maharajas’ legendary love for the finest precious gems in their various forms was also met with delight as the novelty of un-facetted precious stones, polished en cabochon, carved as flowers and leaves, or as curtains of fiery beads, found great favour. This necklace is the perfect example of the exhibition’s conception: a love letter to the Burmese ruby.
Note:
Mauboussin hosted three important exhibitions between 1928 and 1931. Each of these exhibitions was dedicated to a specific precious stone: the first being dedicated to the emerald in 1928, the second to the ruby in 1930 and the final one in 1931 to the diamond. These impressive exhibits were lauded a real tour de force for the house itself and for the market in general, which had suffered greatly in the wake of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, and they travelled internationally to wide acclaim. The ‘Ruby’ exhibition of 1930 went as far as to affect the international price for rubies at the time. After having seen tough times due to the unveiling of synthetic rubies, the ruby market would suddenly find itself unable to meet demands at the high end with clients such as the Prince of Wales, the Maharajah of Kapurthala, the Maharajah of Indore, ministers, artists and politicians all flocking to the event. Journalists wrote emotionally of the exemplary French craftsmanship on display, the Asia-inspired aesthetics, and of the excitement felt in the room when faced with such modern designs; geometric diamond facades given warmth and fire by the finest rubies that had ever been seen. The influence of Maharajas’ legendary love for the finest precious gems in their various forms was also met with delight as the novelty of un-facetted precious stones, polished en cabochon, carved as flowers and leaves, or as curtains of fiery beads, found great favour. This necklace is the perfect example of the exhibition’s conception: a love letter to the Burmese ruby.