VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 1975 Paris By Andre Vassort Fluted Clips Earrings In 18Kt Gold
Pair of fluted earrings designed by Andre Vassort for Van Cleef & Arpels.
This is a gorgeous pair of clips-on hoops earrings, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1975. This pair were designed as a left and right with fluted patterns. Carefully crafted at the atelier of Andre Vassort in yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. They are fitted at the reverse with hinged French omega for fastening clips and the addition of gold posts for pierced ears can be easily done.
Weight: 25.5 grams (16.35 Dwt).
Measurements: 28 mm by 26 mm by 13 mm (1.10 x 1.02 x 0.51 Inches).
Hallmarks: They are stamped with beautiful French marks; the eagle's head for the assay and guaranty of the 18Kt gold, the maker's mark AV inside a lozenge cartouche associated to the jewelry atelier of Andre Vassort, the seven-digits serial numbers and signed in full as follow, "©VCA 69 OR .750 B3071-R1 AV".
André Vassort
Little is known about this French jeweler, which is so often the case with the craftsmen and workshops behind the famous Maisons of the Place Vendôme. All around Paris, tucked away in discreet buildings, skilled and highly creative master craftsmen work anonymously for their high-profile clients. One such building was 34 Rue Sainte Anne, where André Vassort set up his workshop, Atelier Vassort, registering his business and maker’s mark in December 1955. He quickly became one of the most recognized and sought after manufacturers of high-quality French jewelry in the mid-20th Century. Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Mauboussin, among others, trusted him not only with creating their own fine jewels but also with special commissions for clients. Frequently these clients would include Royalty of both the West and East as well as Hollywood legends. A particular creation of note is the spectacular emerald, ruby, pearl and diamond crown made on behalf of Van Cleef & Arpels for the coronation of Empress Farah of Iran. He specialized in working with gold and drawing out warmth, movement and texture from the metal but also worked in platinum and across the board in terms of gemstones. His workshop grew to be one of the largest in Paris and alongside his loyal and experienced craftsmen he also employed apprentices. One of these recalls starting at the bench at just 17 years old and spending years learning from experts ‘in the pure artistic tradition’. Much of his jewelry would never have been marked so will remain ‘unknown’ to all except those who made it. However, sometimes his mark appears alongside the signature of one of his famous client’s and occasionally it is seen on its own. When Louis Gérard left Van Cleef & Arpels to start his own company, M. Gérard, in 1968, he chose to use his former employer’s workshop to create his jewelry. Over the next twenty years, Andre Vassort would produce some spectacular jewels for Gérard whose pieces are often noted for their superb manufacture. The Atelier closed in the early 1990’s but not before establishing itself as one of the most important manufacturers of French jewelry of the mid-late 20th Century. Whether you see it on a Boucheron bracelet, a Van Cleef & Arpels sautoir or a pair of Vassort ear clips, the mark of André Vassort is a mark of quality craftsmanship and fine jewelry. (With thanks from HANCOCKS Jewelers, London)
Collateral: These earrings are accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of these Van Cleef & Arpels earrings is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. This pair has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: E110824EENM/.6129
