René Boivin “Feuilles” Ear Clips Circa 1950s

Among the most recognizable jewels of René Boivin are the sculptural ”Feuille” (leaf form) ear clips produced in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1950s into early 1960s. In these works, the leaf is not rendered botanically but rather architecturally: carved in rich yellow gold with dimensional curvature and tactile surface modeling. The gold is treated almost as fabric, giving the form volume and movement. The surface is illuminated with pastel-toned sapphires in soft greens, pinks, lavenders, yellows and blues. Rather than centering the design on a single dominant stone, Boivin allowed color to disperse across the surface, creating a painterly, atmospheric effect. The warmth of the yellow gold intensifies the delicacy of the pastel sapphires, a juxtaposition that is distinctly Parisian and entirely Boivin.

These ear clips exemplify the houses’ mid-century philosophy: jewels as sculpture, color as light and form as the primary expression of luxury.

• Approximately 1 inch high
• Approximately 0.875 inches at the widest point
• 31 sapphires in each ear clip
• Approximately 12.5 carats of colored sapphires including pastel greens, pinks, lavenders, yellows, and blues
• 14 grams in weight