GILBERT ALBERT: A GOLD AND DIAMOND ‘LES BILLES-BIJOUX’ PENDA...

Estimate

€1,800 - €2,200

GILBERT ALBERT: A GOLD AND DIAMOND ‘LES BILLES-BIJOUX’ PENDANT WITH GEMSTONE BEADS AND LEATHER NECKLACES
The interchangeable bead pendant of textured and polished organic design, accented with a brilliant-cut diamond, accompanied by rhodonite, hydrogrossular garnet, hematite, labradorite, malachite, unakite, rutile quartz, jasper chalcedony, agate chalcedony, tiger’s eye, agate chalcedony and sugilite together with six leather strap necklaces in pink, green, red, brown, purple and grey hues, pendant mounted in 18K gold, maker’s mark for Gilbert Albert, accompanied by brochures from Gilbert Albert, length of pendant 4.3cm, length of necklaces 41.5cm

Gilbert Albert was born on September 30, 1930, in Geneva. Inspired by his father’s reverence for the natural world, Albert’s creative vision redefined the relationship between nature and adornment.
Albert’s design journey began early with him attending the esteemed School of Industrial Arts in Geneva. His exceptional talent caught the eye of Patek Philippe, and by the age of 25 he was working in Philippe’s workshop, where he revolutionized watch design. Breaking away from conventional forms, Albert introduced asymmetrical cases and sculptural aesthetics, creating iconic timepieces that transcended mere functionality. His groundbreaking “Ricochet” series, celebrated for its daring geometry, earned him three prestigious Diamonds International Awards during his tenure—recognition that solidified his status as a leading innovator in horology.
In 1962, Albert opened his own atelier, transforming the unconventional into the extraordinary with materials such as meteorites, fossilised bones, and the exoskeletons of scarab beetles. His philosophy was to preserve the inherent beauty of nature without alteration, a principle that infused his jewellery with an air of mystery and allure.
Among his most iconic pieces is the innovative necklace with interchangeable beads, which affords its wearer a highly individualised expression of beauty. His work often featured the sacred beetle pattern, paying homage to ancient cultures that revered these creatures.
His passing in October 2019 has been exceeded by the legacy Gilbert Albert left behind, with his creations highly sought after in auction houses worldwide, celebrated as masterpieces of both art and nature.