A Sotheby’s Fine Jewels auction in Paris will shine the spotlight on the elegance of the Belle Époque and Art Deco eras, with two exceptional pieces made between 1900 and 1920 headlining the sale.

One of the highlights of the event, which runs from March 31 to April 15, is a necklace from the house of Mellerio in its original case. Dated from around 1900, the piece features the Négligé design and is adorned with rubies and diamonds.

“It certainly has held a place of honour in the jewellery collection of its original owner,” according to the auction house. Négligé necklaces were very much in vogue at the beginning of the 20th century, and very popular with the élégantes – a term used to describe fashionable women.

Sotheby’s is also presenting a brooch, embellished with old-mine cut diamonds and onyx, from the house of Boivin. The piece reflects the geometry and rigor of Art Deco.

Crafted around 1910, its avant-garde geometric lines announce the Art Deco movement that would begin in the following decade, noted Sotheby’s. 

“Its elongated C design is composed of a curved line accented with onyx, ending with two old mine-cut diamonds that add sparkle to the sobriety of the piece,” it added. “Madame Boivin was particularly fond of the Art Deco style, the black and white so typical of the period, as well as the use of fancy and cushion-shaped diamonds, often associated with onyx, rock crystal and pearls.”