LARA OLADUNNI
Some of the antique jewelleries designed for Dior in the mid-20th-century by Mitchel Maer, who worked for Christian Dior from 1952 to 1956 will be auctioned in Surrey on February 22.
The auction put together by Catherine Southon will feature 100 items in the flamboyantly 1950s collection, some grouped together to make suites in the same style, others in duplicates with different coloured stones.
There is a lively mix of coloured and clear crystal, pearls and semi-precious stones such as citrines and peridots, and many of the pieces have an exotic air, as well as ornate and feminine qualities, in line with Christian Dior’s design philosophy.
The star lots include two necklaces and matching bracelets fringed with turquoise glass drops, pink stones and pearls the estimated price N118, 038.12 to N157, 384.16 (£300-£400); six delicate bracelets with a mix of clear and pink crystal floral motifs set in white metal coil chain estimated price is between N39, 346.04 and N7, 8692.08 (£100-£200); and two swagged gold dolphin necklaces and a bracelet with faux red stones and pearls among other things estimated price is from N118, 038.12 to N157, 384.16 (£300-£400).
Faux pearl ruby set dolphin necklaces with bracelet, part of a lot estimated at £300-£400
Maer’s exuberant pieces had adorned many of Dior’s catwalk creations in the 1950s. In 1956 he went bankrupt and took his company into voluntary liquidation. A year after Dior died, Yves St Laurent brought a new style to the house and Maer’s work slid into obscurity. A renewed focus by Dior on the house’s heritage, however, means an auction of Maer’s pieces held by
Many of the items have had their engraved Dior tags sheared off, because they were initially bought after Maer’s bankruptcy, but all have been authenticated by jewellery experts. Estimates run from £50 to £1,000, but interest and prices are likely to be much higher.