Two gem-set brooches, Gilbert Albert

each designed as beetles, one multi-colored with a pear-shaped orange sapphire head, accented by bezel-set diamonds and pearls and hardstone wings; one of iridescent green with carved opal leaf wings, further accented with bezel-set round brilliant-cut diamonds and black pearls; each signed Gilbert Albert, no. 2523 and 5920; accompanied by original signed box; mounted in eighteen karat gold. (colored pearls not tested for origin, both opals chipped) - Sold for $7,200

Footnote: A native of Geneva, Gilbert Albert, born in 1930, studied jewelry and design at the local Ecole des Arts Industriels. In 1955 he joined Patek Philippe as designer and head of the famed watch maker's workshop, where he worked for seven years and won the prestigious 'Prix de la Ville de Geneve' twice. His jewelry creations are highly individual and modern, and exemplify his love of nature. He combines gold and precious stones with a variety of natural materials including crystals, meteorites, corals, shells, scarabs and, fossilized dinosaur bones. Gilbert’s creations are exhibited worldwide.

Bonhams. Fine Jewelry, 16 Dec 2008. San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved. www.bonhams.com