Coin specialist Baldwin's has released further details of the highlights in its upcoming Hong Kong Coin Auction 50. Offering a wealth of Far Eastern coins, word coins, medals and banknotes, the sale is scheduled to take place on April 7.
Among the most interesting lots included in the sale is a hand wrought jewellery ensemble designed by the 19th Century French goldsmith‐jeweller dynasty, the family Froment‐Meurice.
The jewellery set comprises 33 Roman and Ancient Greek coins mounted in the distinctive rococo style. It is believed to have been a highlight of the firm's spectacular display at the 1900 World Fair Exposition in Paris.
The set is housed in an elongated octagonal case with brass hinges, maroon velvet exterior, velvet and satin lining and two hasps. It is presented over two levels in the presentation case, while the larger pieces are displayed on top with the smaller pieces on a layer beneath.
 The exceptional jewellery set, crafted by the family Froment‐Meurice |
The lid of the case bears a blank embossed crown of a German Prince, possibly a Prince of Prussia or another leading German state.
Overall, the set comprises, two all‐gold necklaces (the larger of the two has a detachable pinback broach attached that can be worn separately), two sets of Roman gold coin earrings, a heavy‐set slave bracelet and two hairpins (designed for the high‐pile "Gibson‐Girl" hairstyles of the time).
Finally a single ornate gold juncture with jump ring is also included, used to join detachable parts of the set. According to Baldwin's, the combined weight of the pieces is 488.91 grams or 15.69 troy ounces.
This magnificent lot beautifully showcases the skills and achievement of the family Froment‐Meurice and, being of great historic significance, carries an estimate of $200,00-250,000.
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