GILBERT ALBERT RUBY EARRINGS, 0.50 CT

The organic world of Gilbert Albert

Born in Geneva in 1930 and trained at the École des Arts Industriels, Gilbert Albert began designing for Patek Philippe in 1955, before opening his own workshop in 1962. There, he developed a language of asymmetrical and organic forms, featuring gold modelled in relief and unexpected materials, including meteorites. These pre-owned Gilbert Albert earrings reflect his signature style on a smaller scale. Each 18-carat yellow gold stud features two pear-shaped cabochon-cut rubies and four brilliant-cut diamonds set around a textured gold motif with irregular contours. The four rubies have an estimated total weight of approximately 0.50 carats and are a deep red with pink undertones.

Architecture and jewellery craftsmanship

The motif rests on a grained gold base, whose irregular surface evokes a raw material. The two cabochons on each earring are held in place by prongs that extend the relief of the gold. The four diamonds are set in a closed setting, within small collars that punctuate the design, and the eight diamonds in the pair have an estimated total weight of approximately 0.04 carats. Polished into a faceless dome, the rubies cast a deep glow, whilst the diamonds create vivid points of light against the gold. The reverse is openwork beneath the stones. Each earring fastens with an Alpa clasp, whose slightly domed disc locks into a notch on the stem via a spring mechanism to hold the piece securely on the earlobe.

Why choose these second-hand earrings

A Gilbert Albert creation is recognisable by its hand-crafted gold, the result of a lengthy workshop process whose current cost exceeds that of a mass-produced stud. The stud format, more discreet than the sculptural clips often associated with the Maison, allows this Geneva-based signature to be worn every day, on its own or with other yellow gold jewellery. The cabochon-cut ruby – a cut that emphasises colour over fire – gives the pair a rich, even hue.

Contents and condition

The two Gilbert Albert earrings bear the House’s signature and the 750 hallmark for 18-carat gold, stamped inside the motif as well as on the clasps. Refurbished by our artisan jeweller, they have been polished and their settings checked, and all the stones are secure. The pair is delivered 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.