【Montpellier,】19th Century Bracelet Sells for Record 143,000 Euros at Montpellier Auction

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Editor’s Note

A rare enameled gold bracelet by French jewelers Bapst and Falize shattered expectations at auction in Montpellier, selling for €143,000—nearly five times its estimate. The piece, hailed as a “treasure” by the auctioneer, underscores the enduring allure and value of exceptional craftsmanship.

A World Record in Montpellier

A world record was broken this weekend in Montpellier. An enameled gold bracelet by the French jewelers Bapst and Falize was sold at auction by Maison Farran for 143,000 euros, nearly five times its starting price of 30,000 euros.

When the Montpellier auctioneer Jacques Farran discovered this enameled gold bracelet, he immediately knew he had found a treasure:

“Your hair stands on end in front of such a marvel.”

Especially since he had not been called for this piece of jewelry but for another item,

“That’s the very spice of our profession.”

This bracelet was created by a renowned duo of 19th-century French jewelers, Bapst and Falize, who worked for Napoleon III and the Tsar of Russia.

“This bracelet never left the family of Germain Bapst, who gave it to his sister-in-law for the birth of his nephew in 1881,”

explains Jacques Farran,

“Moreover, it was almost never worn.”
The Allure of a Jewel Without Precious Stones

How can a jewel without precious stones trigger such enthusiasm?

“It is an exceptional piece of goldsmithing in perfect condition,”

details the auctioneer,

“This bracelet is made of enameled gold, meaning glass powder fused onto a precious metal, and it tells the story of the love between Henry II, who succeeded Francis I, and Diane de Poitiers. It also has historical value.”

This bracelet was not known. To interest collectors, Maison Farran had beautiful photographs taken by photographer William Moureaux, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and sent them to the specialized press.

“We had contacts, information requests from all over the world, Europe, the United States, and even China. Some came by car, train, or plane to see it.”

Jacques Farran adds that the bracelet, like all valuable objects, is kept in a bank vault.

From 30,000 to 143,000 Euros in 10 Minutes

The bracelet was auctioned on Saturday, November 23, at the Hôtel de la Métropole in Montpellier. Starting at 30,000 euros, it reached the record sum of 143,000 euros, which is a record for a piece by Bapst and Falize. The name of the buyer and the destination of the bracelet are unknown.

“There were six of them battling,”

and that is the only information Jacques Farran agrees to give, discretion being obligatory. As for the auction amount,

“it’s worth it”

for the auctioneer, who fell under the charm of this bracelet

“which is more beautiful than the one in the Musée d’Orsay.”
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⏰ Published on: November 25, 2024