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The Marvel Room
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Carnet by Michelle Ong, David Webb and Mauboussin are among the glorious line-up of jewellery houses that have delighted gem-lovers the world over for centuries. As the season of sparkle begins, we spoke to Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, Head of Fine Jewellery & Watches at Adam’s Auctioneers, to find out more about her selection of jewels (from the above houses), which she specially curated with Brown Thomas Fashion Director Shelly Corkery for The Marvel Room. She tells us some of the stories behind the most decadent pieces in the collection...
JEWELLERY IS AN ART FORM
Although many in Claire-Laurence Mestrallet’s family say diamonds are in her genes (her father was a diamond dealer), she believes she fell into the profession by coincidence. “It really happened by accident. It was not something I thought I’d ever be doing today. I wanted to be a photographer when I was a kid, and then I wanted to work in PR within the art world. It wasn’t until Christie’s offered me my first job within their jewellery department in Geneva that the passion grew in me.”
As the curator with our Fashion Director of a very special selection of jewels for The Marvel Room this year, Claire has brought an eclectic mix to the fore. “There is a mixture of contemporary and antique jewels in the selection; most are extremely rare, and some are very old and date back to the mid-19th century.”
She takes us through some hero pieces in detail...
Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, Head of Fine Jewellery & Watches at Adam’s Auctioneers, photographed by Doreen Kilfeather.
The star lot is undeniably the pink diamond ring in The Marvel Room, which is worth €1,000,000 – not only are pink diamonds extremely rare, but the clarity of this diamond is sensational too.
Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, Adam’s Auctioneers
JEWEL IN THE MARVEL CROWN
Among the collection is quite literally the jewel in the crown – a pink diamond ring (see picture). Claire says, “It has been said that of all diamond production in the entire world, only 2% are coloured diamonds, so for this ring, it’s the rarity that really makes it stand out. It’s also an amazing size at 3.92 carats and a VS2 clarity. The rarest diamonds in the world are of a red, blue and pink hue. From an auctioneer’s point of view, getting to see and sell a pink diamond of this quality at Brown Thomas is extremely exciting. A jewel worthy of a Christmas proposal perhaps?”
A diamond bracelet by Cartier circa 1930s.
DECO DIAMONDS
Cartier has a long history of sales to royalty. King Edward VII referred to Cartier as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers”. His reputation was such that at his coronation, 19 of the tiaras worn at the ceremony were by Cartier. Into the 20th century, socialites and movie stars followed suit, with Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Gloria Swanson all being great collectors of Cartier jewellery. This deco diamond bracelet offers true Hollywood allure.
A ruby and diamond butterfly brooch set in carbon, by contemporary jeweller Michele della Valle.
DIAMONDS THAT BRING JOY
Claire has sourced jewellery pieces from contemporary jewellers such as the renowned Michele della Valle. “This beautiful butterfly brooch is made of carbon with diamond and ruby highlights – it’s one that is definitely worth coming to see for yourself in The Marvel Room.”
Jewellery must bring joy. The word gioia means joy and jewel in Italian. So yes, it must bring joy and beautify those who wear it.
Michele della Valle
A 19th century sapphire and diamond necklace circa 1880.
JEWELS FIT FOR A PRINCESS
This sapphire and diamond necklace is a showstopper; the most eye-catching features of the necklace are its fleur-de-lis motifs and contrasting sapphires. Claire says, “This necklace is absolutely stunning. It has an amazing sapphire and diamond weight and the quality of the sapphires are simply superb. The vivid cornflower blue sapphire, also known as the Ceylon sapphire, is from Sri Lankan mines, and is highly prized. This is an extraordinary piece, not only because of the size of the sapphires, but because it is over 150 years old and in impeccable condition.”
A pair of diamond and gem-set seahorse pendent earrings, by contemporary jeweller Michele della Valle.
SPARKLING SEAHORSES
Another incredible piece by contemporary Italian jeweller Michele della Valle which has been selected for The Marvel Room are these whimsical seahorse earrings. Claire elaborates, “These earrings are finely made, and the diamonds are top quality. Michele’s talent and sense of design is what make him one of today’s most renowned contemporary designers. We are with Michele when he says, ‘As a gift, a jewel must contain an explicit or non-explicit message,’ so perhaps these seahorse earrings could be for someone with a love for the ocean?”
We are finding that people are looking for quality pieces that will be with them a lifetime. When a piece has a story behind it or was pre-loved, customers love the heritage and want to give them a second life.
Claire-Laurence Mestrallet
DIAMONDS REALLY ARE FOREVER
This special collaboration between Adam’s and Brown Thomas (as well as circular initiatives with Vestiaire Collective and Siopaella) shows our commitment to creating a sustainable approach to fashion and style. On this topic, Mestrallet says, “Trends come and go, but beautiful jewellery continues to mesmerise decades and centuries after it has been produced; and not only that, you can give new life to a piece of jewellery you have inherited such as a diamond brooch and transform it into a pendant or a ring – or you can sell your pieces at auction and replace them with more contemporary pieces like the ones that are available in The Marvel Room. The pieces here will bring joy to the wearer now, but because they are of such sensational quality, they can be passed on through the generations or to another person to enjoy centuries from now.”
Find the complete collection from Adam’s x Brown Thomas in The Marvel Room in our Dublin store; all prices available upon request in store.
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