A PAIR OF GEM-SET NOVELTY BROOCHES, BY FASANO, CIRCA 1960 Composed of two whimsical lions,

A PAIR OF GEM-SET NOVELTY BROOCHES, BY FASANO, CIRCA 1960Composed of two whimsical lions, each openwork gold body with circular-cut emeralds for eyes, brilliant and single-cut diamond muzzle and applied black enamel nose, to polished wirework mane and whiskers, mounted in 18K gold, both signed Fasano, lengths 4.4cm & 3.6cmBorn to a family of cotton manufacturers in Chieri in 1900, Mario Fasano’s undoubted eye for beauty would lead to him opening his first jewellery business, ‘Gioielleria Fasano’, in Turin in 1928. Throughout his work, Fasano adhered to the traditional practices of Parisian jewellers, and, while styles changed, the craftmanship that lay at the heart of their work was honoured by him throughout his life. He married Stella Piovano in 1932 and she was to be his life-long partner in every sense of the term. Together in 1935 they opened their first store in Piazza Castello, the heart of Turin’s lively social scene.As the white gems and platinum of the 1930s gave way to the bold colours and yellow gold of the 1940s and 50s, Fasano’s signature pheasant or ‘Fagiona’ brooch, the emblem of his maison, became a recognisable staple in the world of fine Italian jewellery. As the 50s progressed, Fasano’s and Stella’s attention moved more towards the selection of precious and unusual stones, favouring cabochon cuts and those less traditional cuts. When their son Dario Fasano joined the family business in the 1960s, the older generation drew on his experiences studying abroad to bring a fresher spin on their materials and techniques, such as lava stone and gold/bronze combinations.Fasano Jewellers closed operations in 2013, but their pieces still embody some of the best in mid-century jewellery. Condition Report: Diamonds: bright and lively - estimated clarity VSEmeralds: of bluish-green hue, overall well matched in colourBoth signed FASANO and 750 for 18K goldTotal gross weights: 18.7g & 13.6g