The articulated, five-arm brooch, signed René Boivin Paris to the clasp, had been estimated at €80,000-120,000 in the February 9 auction but six bidders on the phone and one in the room pursued the jewel to more than double that guide, with the hammer falling at €235,000 (£209,820) to a foreign private collector. It was the highest price of the auction.
The Starfish brooch was part of a group of six jewels by Boivin consigned from the same family collection.
The group also included a yellow gold and gemset parure comprising a brooch and a pair of earrings of flowerhead form and an articulated bracelet, all set with citrines and diamonds.
Originally offered as three lots, these were reunited to sell together for €29,000 (£28,890).
The buyer’s premium was 26%.
