JEAN & PIERRE BELLIN: A CORAL, DIAMOND AND CULTURED PEARL PE...

Estimate

€2,500 - €3,500

JEAN & PIERRE BELLIN: A CORAL, DIAMOND AND CULTURED PEARL PENDANT NECKLACE, CIRCA 1970 The ropetwist-link chain suspending two openwork lozenge motifs highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds, within ropetwist and beading detailing, suspending a detachable cultured pearl and coral tassel finishing with gold bead terminals, mounted in 18K gold, with maker's marks 'Sté JPB' for Jean & Pierre Bellin', unsigned, French assay marks, necklace length 50.5cm, detachable tassel length 9.2cm Prospective buyers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of items containing materials from endangered species, such as coral. Therefore, buyers should familiarise themselves with relevant customs regulations before bidding if they plan to import this lot into another country Jean & Pierre Bellin, heirs to a long lineage of master jewellers, represented the fourth generation of a family whose legacy in fine craftsmanship began in the early 20th century. Trained by both their father and grandfather, the brothers honed their skills in the prestigious workshops of Cartier before setting out to revive their own family’s maison. In 1962, they brought new life to the house by opening an impressive atelier at 62 rue La Fayette, one of the largest jewellery workshops in Paris. This expansion followed their original atelier on 16 rue de la Grange-Batelière, established decades earlier. Their sister Pierrette later joined them, as did thier brother Philippe, as representatives of the next generation, ensuring that the Bellin legacy would continue to shine. Jean & Pierre Bellin quickly gained a reputation for being extraordinary craftsmen: their work was defined by a vibrant aesthetic, blending the clean, bold lines of Art Deco with the rich, flowing elegance of Baroque art. They were particularly renowned for their use of emeralds, rock crystal, and other stones that required intricate cutting and imaginative setting. Demand for their pieces was so high that clients were often placed on lengthy waiting lists. Though they were among the most successful independent jewellers in France, a significant portion of their revenue came from international markets, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, where their name became synonymous with refined French luxury. In the 1980s, the two brothers also produced unique, high-priced pieces, destined for Place Vendôme houses such as Mauboussin and Chaumet, and numerous pieces of jewellery for Fred. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Bellin workshop embraced evolving techniques, including the popular “chaté de chaton”, a setting style that added movement and energy to gemstone designs. Whether it’s a turquoise cabochon bird pendant with ruby foliage and emerald eyes or a finely polished brooch with engraved detail, every Bellin jewel holds a spark of individuality and imagination. From the narrow streets of Paris’s 9th arrondissement to private collections across the globe, such as the Sultan of Brunei, Jean & Pierre Bellin crafted a legacy of elegance, imagination, and timeless artistry. In a testament to the enduring appeal of their creations, a sale held last March by Margaux Serrano Maison de ventes in Paris featured 56 pieces dedicated to the jewellery crafted by the Bellin brothers. This exceptional auction offered collectors and connoisseurs the rare opportunity to acquire works from the renowned Parisian house.