Yves Saint Laurent Made In France 1980's by Robert Goossens Graduated Roses Bracelet

Yves Saint Laurent Made In France 1980's by Robert Goossens Graduated Roses Bracelet featuring five graduated roses with double-bud links and a Goossens oversized spring ring clasp embossed with rose detail and signed 'YSL' in vertical with 'Made In France'.  There is some loss of plating to some of the high points on the roses and at the links, in line with age and reflected in the price, but the gold plating in a semi-matte finish still catches the light beautifully.  This gorgeous bracelet screams Goossens, and provides a wonderful insight into his expert craftsmanship.  It measures 20cm long (wearable length 19cm and it weighs 71.6g.  Just beautiful!

The son of a foundry worker, Robert Goossens was born in Paris, France in 1927. He served a jewellery apprenticeship at a young age, and went on to become an exceptional jewellery designer, earning himself the moniker Monsieur Bijou during his career-defining collaboration with Coco Chanel.  Goossens was well known for his work for Chanel, but he also worked regularly for Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Balenciaga as well as other prominent design houses.  His love of paintings and artefacts in Paris museums heavily influenced his work, which was mostly inspired by Maltese, Byzantine and Renaissance design.  Robert Goossens died in 2016 at the age of 88, and in many people's view, is arguably the greatest costume jewellery designer of all time.