Object Description
A charming gold and gem-set chick brooch by Jacques Lacloche c. 1950s, the chick depicted standing on a branch, the body in heavily textured 18ct yellow gold, the open beak set with a piece of polished coral, the eye with an emerald cabochon and embellished with single cut diamonds, all to a double pin brooch fitting on the reverse. This sweet little chick with its cartoonishly large head, is typical of the animal and bird brooches that were so popular during the middle of the 20th century. All the major French jewellery houses sold them and they were often collected by clients who delighted in their whimsical nature.
Maker
Jacques Lacloche
Period
Circa 1950s
Origin
French
Setting
18ct yellow gold signed Lacloche Paris and with maker’s mark and French assay marks
Weight
15 grams
Dimensions
3.6cm/ 1.4″ tall
Condition
Very fine
Directors Notes
After the closure in 1931 of Lacloche Frères, the jewellery firm Jacques had run with his three uncles, he opened a small concession in the Carlton Hotel in Cannes in 1936. However, it wasn’t long before he returned to Paris and opened a shop at 8, Place Vendome under the name SARL Jacques Lacloche. He remained here until the early 1960’s selling bold, brilliant jewels to a discerning clientele including Prince Rainier for whom he created a wonderful sapphire and diamond brooch as a wedding gift for Grace Kelly.