Born into one of the most historically renowned jewelry families in Catalonia, Lluis Masriera designed some of the most important pieces in the modernisme and art nouveau movements. Inspired by his schooling with famed enameller Edward Lossier and his introduction to Art Nouveau in the salons of Paris in the 1890s, Masriera brought the style to Barcelona and infused it with Catalonian tradition, helping to define the Modernisme movement. After becoming art director in 1900, he melted down his family's entire stock and designed a Modernisme collection that went on to define his family's legacy. His turn-of-the-century designs are some of the most sought after and continuously produced in the world, highlighting the finest enameling techniques. This fine example, originally designed around 1908, was produced in the late 1920s, after the Masriera family merged with the Carreras, one of Barcelona’s most historic jewelry families. Stunning plique-a-jour enameling defines this piece, adding a gorgeous stained glass backdrop for this ethereal maiden in heavy 18k yellow gold. Around 39 full cut diamonds glitter in three rows against the incredible enamel work. The maiden ponders an orb of natural pearl while another dangles below her draped, blue enamel-detailed robes. This brooch measures about 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches at its widest. It features a secure tube-catch pinback.

Inventory# P09714