A gemset malachite, rock crystal, lapis lazuli and hardstone centre piece, by Chaumet, circa 1960

Designed as two Ionic columns on an onyx pedestal, one column composed of polished rock crystal and ridged lapis lazuli, highlighted with a band of brilliant-cut diamonds and surmounted by a malachite capital with carved volutes, the other of similar design but with malachite base and red jasper capital, each volute highlighted with an applied spiral suspending a spray of collet mounted cabochon-cut sapphires, the whole supporting an entablature of lapis lazuli, malachite and red jasper, signed Chaumet, Swiss assay marks, height 36cm., turquoise leather footed presentation case by Chaumet. Estimate: £8,000 - 12,000

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Bonhams. Fine Jewellery, 24 Apr 2008. New Bond Street