An Art Nouveau aquamarine, glass, enamel and diamond "Thistles" corsage ornament, by René Lalique. Estimate $120,000 - $180,000. Price Realized $228,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2006

Centering upon a cushion-cut aquamarine, flanked on either side by a symmetrical articulated pair of thistles, made of sculpted bluish green tinted glass, within an openwork rose and old European-cut bow-shaped frame, decorated with green and blue enamel spiked stems, the reverse with gold engraving, mounted in 18k gold, circa 1905, with French assay marks, in a Lalique green leather fitted case, the exterior stamped J. De B. Signed Lalique for René Lalique 

Provenance: Sold Sotheby's Geneva, "Magnificent Jewels", 19 November 1997, lot 5 

Literature: Vivienne Becker, The Jewellery of René Lalique, A Goldsmiths' Company Exhibition, 28 May to 24 July 1987, London, page 94, plate 73

A. Kenneth Snowman, The Master Jewelers, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, 1990, page 130

Marc Lalique, Lalique par Lalique, Paris, 1977, page 53

This is perhaps one of the most largest of the series of "Thistles" brooches that so strikingly illustrates Lalique's use of humble wild flowers in majestic ornaments. 

Christie's. AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF ART NOUVEAU JEWELS, 11 October 2006, New York, Rockefeller Plaza