JOHN DONALD 1969 Modernist Brooch In 18Kt Gold Diamonds & Sapphires
Geometric brooch designed by John Donald (1928-2023).
This is an amazing geometric brooch created in London England by the artist-jeweler John Donald during the modernism period, back in 1969. This highly collectable modernist brooch has been carefully crafted with parts made up in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with textured finish. The brooch is embellished with a great selection of natural earth mined gemstones, such; two blue sapphires and eight European cut white colorless diamonds. Fitted at the reverse with a concealed hinge pin brooch, with a trombone security lock.
John Donald
He was one of the most innovative jewellers of the Twentieth Century. John would probably describe himself as an accidental goldsmith, hailing, as he did, from a family of professional golfers from Elgin in Scotland. Once he had found his path, John became one of the vanguard of designers, goldsmiths and silversmiths, including Gerald Benney, Andrew Grima, Robert Welch and David Mellor, who flourished in the 1960s and 1970s. After the intricate designs of the Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, large stones often became the most important and prominent element of a piece jewellery, defining social status. John overturned this concept and, throughout his career, he has been determined to show that design is paramount and stones and texturing are additional but subordinate to the design. He experimented with ideas referring to the basic form and structural geometry of plants, natural crystals or honeycomb, imbuing them with the energy which he had discovered in Italian Baroque art. Often he refers back to the essence of Victorian design, his favourite period. References to this era can be seen throughout his career. One of the first designer goldsmiths to set up his own retail shops (three in London and, at one time, one in Geneva), John realised that a shop front was vital in the days before the advent of the internet. He claims that this was a necessity to become more solvent in order to finance his ongoing design process. It is more likely that it is an illustration of the drive, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomises this master craftsman.
Country: London, England.
Period: Modernist, 1969.
Diamonds: Mounted in four-prongs settings, with very fine 8 European round cut diamonds, with a total weight of about 1.35 carats, white colorless F color, VS clarity
Sapphires: Mounted in four-prongs settings, with 2 well matched cushion cut blue sapphires, with a weight of about 0.42 carats.
Birthstone: Sapphires for the month of September.
Weight: 16.4 Grams, (10.55 Dwt).
Measurements: 54 mm by 32 mm, (2.13 x 1.26 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks; for the city of London, the maker's mark JAD associated to John A. Donald, the mark for the assay and warranty of the 18kt gold, the letter O for the year of 1969 and signed as follows, "JAD .750".
Collateral: This brooch by John Donald is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this brooch by John Donald is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 10 gemstones are secured in the setting. This brooch was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P100625ANNM/.3942
