M. Gérard Ι A sapphire and diamond brooch by André Vassort
Yelllow metal

The articulated brooch designed as a horseshoe suspending horseshoe and floral motifs, set with cushion-shaped, brilliant-cut diamonds and similarly-cut sapphires throughout, set in yellow metal, diamonds approximately 4.30 carats total, signed M. Gérard, André Vassort maker's mark, stamped 750, numbered, length 8.2cm

After many years working at Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Gérard established his own firm M. Gérard in 1968, opening his first boutique on Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Many of his pieces were made by Atelier Vassort, a workshop he had likely encountered while working at Van Cleef & Arpels.

By the late 1970s, the firm had opened boutiques in Gstaad, London, Geneva, Cannes and Monaco. It had also become the largest exporter of fine jewels from France. In 1985, the company was bought by a group of American investors, but upon Louis Gérard’s retirement the firm closed. He later reopened under his own name at 16 Avenue Montaigne, launching a less exclusive line of jewellery suitable for everyday wear. The firm closed its doors for good in 1991.

André Vassort established his workshop, Atelier Vassort, in 1955. He became renowned for his fine workmanship and was sought after by elite French jewellery houses Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Mauboussin. Louis Gérard left Van Cleef & Arpels to establish M. Gérard in 1968. Together, they went on to create exquisite jewels for the more than 20 years.