Bamboo according to Gilbert Albert
These Gilbert Albert earrings in 18-carat yellow gold feature bamboo, one of the botanical motifs that the Geneva-based jeweller designed to complement his interchangeable beads. Workshop manager at Patek Philippe in 1955, Gilbert Albert set up his own business in 1962 and was awarded the Diamonds International Award on ten occasions for jewellery crafted from natural materials. Each setting here holds a crackled rock crystal sphere weighing approximately 7 carats, a colourless quartz criss-crossed with internal fissures that refract the light into silvery reflections. Offered as a pre-owned piece, the pair retains the GA master’s mark and the 750 hallmark.
Architecture and jewellery craftsmanship
The setting takes the form of a bamboo stalk winding around the sphere. Segments with a bark-like striated pattern alternate with polished, ringed knots, and a tapered tip finishes the line at the top. A hinge concealed within the stem opens the setting into two parts, releases the bead and allows another of the same size to be fitted. When closed, the stem holds the sphere in place without any prongs or settings. When worn, the matt-finished gold chiselling frames the transparency of the crystal and positions the bead at the centre of the earlobe. Each earring is secured by a stem fitted with an Alpa clasp, whose domed disc with a notched rim clips into place to lock the earring to the ear.
Why choose these second-hand earrings
Gilbert Albert’s creations have found their way into public collections, with nearly 100 signed pieces joining the Geneva Museum of Art and History in 2016. Choosing these second-hand Gilbert Albert earrings gives you access to goldsmith’s craftsmanship and a hinge mechanism that would today require extensive workshop work. The concept of interchangeable beads extends the value of the purchase, as the brand’s beads circulate on the second-hand market, allowing you to change colours with the seasons.
Contents and condition
The earrings bear the GA master’s mark and the 750 hallmark, whilst the Alpa clasps are marked 18K and 750. Refurbished, they have been polished and inspected by our artisan jeweller. The pair is supplied with its two mounted crackled rock crystal beads and two Alpa clasps, in a The Swiss Collector box.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of these earrings, which are covered by a 12-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Refurbished – The piece has been polished and inspected by our master jeweller, who has restored it to its original lustre.
