Gilbert Albert’s gold bead relief design
Born in Geneva in 1930, Gilbert Albert headed Patek Philippe’s design studio from 1955 to 1962 before opening his own jewellery workshop. A multiple winner at the Diamonds International Awards, he developed a distinctive style, inspired by the forms of nature and surfaces worked in relief. These pre-owned Gilbert Albert earrings reflect this design language. Crafted from 750 yellow gold, they form a domed teardrop shape 15 mm high, wider at the top, entirely covered in gold beads. No gemstones are set in them; the entire effect relies on the metal and the way it reflects light.
Architecture and jewellery craftsmanship
The surface features polished gold beads of varying diameters, clustered closely together. The larger ones catch the light, whilst the finer ones fill the gaps, revealing small openings that lend the composition a sense of lightness. On the reverse, the concave shell is openwork and its interior remains textured, which reduces the mass of gold without detracting from the volume when viewed from the front. When worn on the earlobe, these stud earrings retain a compact shape and give the yellow gold a bold presence without looking overdone. The clasp uses the Alpa system: a grooved pin onto which a domed disc locks by pressure, making it more secure than a standard push-button clasp.
Why choose these second-hand earrings
A beaded relief, shaped and then polished by hand, requires workshop time that a brand-new creation today commands at a premium price. Choosing these Gilbert Albert earrings as pre-owned jewellery gives you access to the signature style of a Geneva-based jeweller at a reasonable price. Their understated design can be worn on its own or with other yellow gold jewellery, and their organic shape sets them apart from the more common smooth studs.
Contents and condition
Each earring bears the Gilbert Albert signature and the 750 hallmark on the reverse. The pair has been polished and inspected by our artisan jeweller, who has restored the lustre of each bead. They are supplied with their 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.
