A cultured pearl, seed pearl, diamond and gold bracelet/watch, by Charles de Temple, 1987


The graduating series of bicoloured 18 carat gold plaques decorated with paisley-motifs, baroque-shaped pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, beadwork detail throughout, the central case opening to reveal a rectangular dial, with baton numerals, on a multi-strand seed pearl bracelet, diamonds approximately 2.30 carats total, clasp signed CdeT and with London hallmark, case with European convention mark and Swiss assay mark, length 18.0cm
|Charles de Temple was born in Mexico in 1929 and was brought up as part of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, touring across America. Having initially become a nightclub singer, he became a jeweller based in Massachusetts. In 1957 he moved to London, and during the 1960s he grew to become one of the pioneers of the modern British jewellery movement. De Temple was known for his unique designs and technical ability to handcraft gold.De Temple's jewels are often large, flamboyant and sculptural statement pieces – as evident in the lots offered in this sale. This style led to high demand for his work in 'swinging' London from the 1960s, resulting in notable high-profile commissions. These included two one off commissions for James Bond films: he made the goldfinger that Honour Blackman wore at the Goldfinger (1962) premiere, and he also designed the ring Bond (George Lazenby) gave to Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969).The pieces by De Temple offered in this sale were collected in the 1980s and include some of his signature designs, such as the 'wrapped' pearl necklace (Lot 153), and reflect how the modern British jewellery movement progressed.