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Art Nouveau Louis Rault 18K Gold, Diamond & Ruby Goddess Athena Brooch


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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Art Nouveau: Pre 1900: Item # 1393093
Kensington House Antiques
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A stunning Art Nouveau medallist brooch depicting Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, and patron of the arts, in 18K gold. The goddess is depicted with several of her attributes, including a dragon-topped war helmet, a wreath of olive leaves, an owl, and a drama mask representing the arts. Her helmet is studded with a star-set ruby and a band of rose-cut diamonds and she wears a necklace of rose-cut diamonds. This design was created by Louis Armand Rault, a lead designer for Boucheron 1868-75. This is once of his most iconic designs, though it is unusual in having quite so many gemstones added. Rault apparently licensed many of his designs to various makers, though the gold examples are French more often than not. This example is fully stamped with French marks for 18K and has an illegible maker's mark. The front is also marked with Rault's monogram. The pin could easily be converted to a pendant with the addition of a folding bail.
  • Origin: France, ca. 1880.
  • Condition: excellent; sharp detail; all original.
  • Dimensions: 1" diameter.
  • Weight: 5.0 grams.
  • Approximate Gemstone Weight: ruby, .02 carat; diamond, .05 carat.