Here we have a very unusual and yet iconic piece of the Sixties. Iconic in size, in materials used and in its signature, Christian Dior! We have been browsing many Vogues and Elles from the sixties but weren’t able to find even a resembling piece. The shapes are that of snails. Their bodies made from silver and covered with burgundy colour suede. At the back, the artist has used 18ct gold to finish the piece. Also set in yellow gold are the 43 brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of a bit less than 7.00 ct, that are spread over the snails.

Antique jewellery object group: parure or suite (matching set of jewellery)

Condition: excellent condition

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French origin.

Style: Vintage Sixties (of the twentieth century)

Period: ca. 1950

Source of inspiration: Mother Nature

Theme: snails

Material: Silver on top and backed with 18ct yellow gold.

Technique: The silver metal snail house has been covered with burgundy coloured suede.

Extra information: Christian Dior – The House of Dior was established on 16 December 1946 in “a private house” at 30 Avenue Montaigne Paris B. In 1950, Christian Dior was the exclusive designer of Marlene Dietrich’s dresses in the Alfred Hitchcock film Stage Fright. Andin 1951, Dior released his first book, Je Suis Couturier (I am a Couturier). Despite the company’s strong European following, more than half of its revenue was generated in the United States by this time. In 1957 the death of Christian Dior the21-year-old Yves Saint-Laurent became Artistic Director. Saint-Laurent left after the completion of six Dior collections. (from Wikipedia)

Diamond(s): 43 brilliant-cut diamonds with an estimated weight of 6.74ct. (colour and clarity: K/M, vs/si).

– All diamond weights, colour grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.

Brand: Christian Dior

Signature: Christian Dior

Hallmarks: No trace.

Dimensions: brooch 6,40 cm (2,52 inch) x 5,60 cm (2,20 inch), earrings 2,90 cm (1,14 inch) x 3,30 cm (1,30 inch)

Weight: 77,50 gram (49,83 dwt)