Jean Després, multi row necklace  composed of seed pearls alternating small platinum elements set with rose-cut diamonds and 750 gold elements set with chrysoprases, faceted diamonds and enhanced with black enamel, signed, length 43 cm

Jean Després is a French silversmith and jewellery designer working in the Marais in Paris, he is friend with many famous artists including Braque, Signac and Modigliani. War will suspend his business and he will start industrial design of aircraft engines. Once the war over, he would resume to the creation and making of unique avant-garde pieces. Formal and conceptual innovation  prevails over quality and materials. Initially participating anonimously in various exhibitions in Paris, his creations will be  highly prized by Joséphine Baker. He caused a scandal in 1931 with his 'engine jewels' mixing modern shapes and unusual associations of materials. He then participated in major national and international exhibitions. His creations are highly appreciated and collected by great writers and artists such as Signac, François Pompon, Andy Warhol and are still and even more sought after today.