Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu

An 18ct gold and diamond set suite, by Gilbert Albert, comprising a central slider panel of textured spiral form, with collet set diamond highlight, the slider mounted on a graduated navy blue leather collar, with two further interchangeable leather collars in black and white, together with a pair of matching 18ct gold earrings on post fittings and a ring, the slider, earrings and ring all stamped ‘750’ and bearing maker’s marks, the leather collars with maker’s marks to the clasps and stamped ‘800’, slider length 4cm, earrings length 2.2cm. £1,400-£1,600

Swiss jeweller Gilbert Albert was born in Geneva in 1930. After studying Jewellery and Design at Geneva’s École des Arts Industriels, in 1955 his design talents were spotted and he was approached by Patek Philippe to design some prototype wristwatch cases. Albert worked there as part of the designer team and was head of the workshop from 1955-1962, during which time he created some of the firm’s most daring and original designs, in particular his signature asymmetrical watches. He also worked with Omega SA watchmakers, before opening his own atelier in 1962, specialising in the design and manufacture of unique jewels and objects, often working with unconventional materials. He is the most rewarded Diamonds International Awards jeweller, an award which he received 10 times, three for Patek Philippe, two for Omega and five under his own workshop, a unique achievement.