Art Nouveau 18 karat gold and enamel gem-set brooch, L. Gautrait, circa 1900

In Egyptian taste, depicting the head of a contemplative maiden with floral headdress emerging from a modified triangular motif of stylized lotus blossoms, decorated with plique-à-jour and cloisonné enamel, 3 triangular peridots, numerous rose-cut diamonds, and 7 old European-cut, tapered baguette and square-cut diamonds, including three of brown and yellow hue, signed L. Gautrait, French assay mark. Estimate 10,000—15,000 USD

Sotheby's. Important Jewels. 04 Feb 09. New York www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's