18K Yellow Gold R. G. Lecomte Turquoise Peacock Motif Brooch

This is a monumental, sculptural yellow-gold peacock brooch by French jewellery artist R.G. Lecomte, masterfully executed and rich in colour, texture, and movement. Measuring an impressive 8.5 cm from top to bottom, the peacock is depicted in elegant side profile, its form animated through Lecomte’s signature hand-finished surfaces. The head is formed by an oval cabochon-cut turquoise, from which three fine gold wires rise to create the base of the crest. 

Crowning the crest is a white-gold cluster of nine bezel-set old European-cut diamonds, providing a striking contrast to the saturated blue of the turquoise. A textured yellow gold beak extends gracefully from the opposite side of the head. The nape of the neck is rendered in ribbed 18K yellow gold, encircled by five additional bezel-set old European cut diamonds, each mounted in white gold. The remainder of the neck transitions into a heavily stippled, hammered gold texture, wrapping fluidly around a second, significantly larger oval cabochon cut turquoise, which forms the peacock’s body. 

From this turquoise body emerges the dramatic train. The upper section is adorned with three rows of round sapphires (16 total), meticulously prong-set and aligned to emphasize the fan-like spread. Below, the train extends into five swirling, high-polished gold bars of varying lengths, each sculpted to convey motion. Set across these bars are nine oval cabochon-cut turquoises, carefully arranged to rest harmoniously atop the polished gold surfaces. At the tips of two of the lower swirls sit two further diamond clusters, each composed of nine old European cut diamonds in white gold, adding brilliance and visual balance to the composition. The reverse is fitted with a double-prong dress or fur clip, consistent with high jewellery of the period. Signed and stamped: R.G. Lecomte Paris.

Georges René Lecomte (Born 1867 – Died 1958) was a distinguished Parisian silversmith and metal artist active between the World Wars and into the early post-war years. Born in Paris, he studied under Bouvard and Eugène Lelièvre, and exhibited extensively from 1927 through 1953. Lecomte collaborated with several of the most prestigious French firms of his era, including Risler at Carré (later G. Carré), Keller, and Fouquet-Lapar. In his later career, he expanded into decorative arts and lighting, working in metals such as copper, with examples held in the Musée d’Art Moderne, Paris (1937). Le Comte’s work is particularly admired for its exceptional attention to detail and meticulous hand-finishing “au marteau” (hammered), resulting in beautifully planished and tactile surfaces, qualities vividly evident in this brooch.

Based on the materials, construction, signature, and stylistic elements, this brooch was most likely created in the late 1930s to early 1940s, during the late Art Deco to early post-war transitional period. The bold scale, sculptural naturalistic motif, use of richly coloured cabochon gemstones, white gold diamond accents, and the presence of a double-prong dress/fur clip are all characteristic of high French jewellery from this era. While the use of old European-cut diamonds suggests stones that may predate the piece, their integration aligns with Lecomte’s interwar and immediate postwar production.

• 18K yellow gold
• (11) oval, cabochon-cut turquoise (68.33 ctw)
• (16) round sapphires (3.51 ctw)
• (32) old European-cut diamonds (.96 ctw)
• • Diamond clarity: SI-2 - I-1
• • Diamond colour: G-H
• Gram weight is 37.8
• Measures approximately 8.5 cm from top to bottom
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $22,800.00 (note: may not reflect selling price)

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.