A FINE CORAL AND DIAMOND DEMI-PARURE, BY M. GéRARD, CIRCA 1970Comprising a pair of earclips and a ring, each set with an oval-shaped cabochon coral within a surround of graduated round brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18K gold, diamonds approximately 7.00cts total, all signed M. Gérard, numbered, maker's marks, French assay marks, ring size O (adjustable), earrings length 2.5cm** Please note that this lot contains coral and is subject to CITES regulations when exporting outside of the EUFrenchman Louis Gérard worked for many years for the world-famous house of Van Cleef & Arpels before making the decision to establish a maison of his own in 1968. Thus, the house of M Gérard was born and opened its doors for the first time at 8 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Gérard worked primarily with the Atelier Vassort workshop producing magnificent suites of jewellery of the highest quality and craftsmanship and lavishly decorated with diamonds and precious gems. A character with a large personality, Gérard delighted in throwing fabulously stylish parties from Cannes to Monte Carlo, for the jet-setting elite he proudly called clients. His boutiques were situated in London, Lausanne, Monte Carlo and Gstaad, an upscale resort town in the Swiss Alps. However, the rapid expansion and extravagant entertaining budget sadly proved unsustainable and in 1985, Gérard was forced to sell out to a group of American investors. He later succeeded in re-gaining his company and re-launched under the name of Louis Gérard, Joaillier International but this success was short-lived and by 1991, the firm was forced once again to shut its doors.Today, pieces from the prestigious house continue to be highly sought after for their magnificent quality. A number of pieces by the house appeared as highlights of “The Royal House Sale” at Christie’s Geneva in November 2006, one of the top ten most expensive private jewellery collections ever sold at auction.