PARIS.- Mademoiselle Chanel was well-known for her many rich and famous lovers. One of them, Dmitri Pavlovich Romanov, gave her a magnificent diamond bracelet. Frustrated at having to keep her valuable presents in a safe, she had the idea of asking designers to create a line of fashion jewels that could hold their own against fine jewellery. Since then Chanel has been famous the world over for its suits, No. 5 and costume jewellery.

For the first time ever, a sale is being exclusively dedicated to Chanel jewellery. With prices between €20 and €20,000, over 410 pieces will be up for auction, three-quarters of which come from a private collection. Complete sets worthy of fine jewellery in limited editions (some of only ten examples) will be facing the bidding: a whole range of earrings, strings of pearls and other jewels illustrating the spirit and style of Coco Chanel throughout fifty years of creation.

Precious variation
Although they cannot be described as fine jewellery, these pieces possess all the same technical and aesthetic characteristics. The meticulous work with pâte de verre and the attention lavished on the pearls make these jewellery items all the more admirable. "You just have to turn them over to see the amazing work involved – work worthy of fine jewellery," says expert Dominique Chombert.

From one collection to another:

CHANEL by Gripoix, 1960/1970 season:
This exceptional choker was designed by Gripoix. It consists of a gilt metal chain interspersed with white Baroque fantasy pearls, featuring a large knot motif set with glass cabochons resembling rubies and emeralds. It is signed on the plaque. (€2,800/3,000)

CHANEL - 1986/1989 seasons:
A choker consisting of two rows of Baroque fantasy pearls, one holding white drops. They are surmounted with lanterns set with faceted Swarovski crystals. The clasp is decorated with white fantasy half-pearls. It is signed on the plaque. (€2,200/2,400)

CHANEL by Victoire de Castellane - 1991-1992 Autumn/Winter ready-to-wear collection:
A gilt metal star-shaped brooch set with Swarovski crystals that look just like diamonds and pâte de verre reminiscent of jade. The brooch is signed (€400/450).

CHANEL - 1996 Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection:
A steel curb chain necklace partially set with Swarovski crystals with coordinating clasp. It is signed on the plaque. (400/450 €)

CHANEL - 2005/2007 seasons:
A magnificent long steel chain necklace with two Swarovski crystal Chanel logos; it extends into a double row of chains interspersed with Swarovski crystal beads and measures 120 cm. (€1,100/1,300)

A brooch with a logo in faceted Swarovski crystals surrounded by rhinestones (€120/150)

A belt made of faceted crystal beads interspersed with a steel logo set with a Swarovski crystal (€350/400). These come from a collection that is particularly rare because of the complicated manufacturing process. It is estimated that fewer than 100 examples of each model were made.

CHANEL – 2011 Cruise Collection:
A gilt metal ring surmounted with five pâte de verre camellias, which give the illusion of genuine citrines. The pistils are made of Swarovski crystals that look like genuine diamonds. (€200/250)