When it came to creating elegant jewelry out of unusual materials, Gilbert Albert was a master alchemist. Not only was he the first known jeweler to set meteorite fragments in fine jewelry, but he also crafted works from more earthly components such as sea-urchin skeletons, shark teeth, peacock feathers and fulgurites, which he placed in tubes of glass made from sand that had been struck by lightning.
Born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1930, Albert began training in jewelry design at the age of 15 while attending the city’s School of Industrial Arts. There, he became influenced by European abstract artists such as Piet Mondrian and Constantin Brâncusi. A decade later, luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe spotted Albert’s talents, and for the next seven years, he worked at the company as a designer, developing Patek’s signature asymmetrical timepieces.
In 1962, Albert opened his first atelier and pioneered a method for incorporating unconventional natural materials into his jewelry. Driven by a lifelong love of nature, Albert combined petrified plants, furs, feathers, dinosaur fossils and beetle exoskeletons with traditional precious metals and gemstones to make curious rings, brooches, bracelets and watches. Among his most well-known pieces are his sculptural gold clip-on earrings, pendant necklaces and interchangeable cocktail rings with removable beads.
Throughout his career, Albert’s creations have been exhibited at shows and fairs in Prague, Paris, London, Milan, Copenhagen, Antwerp, Brussels, New York, Vienna, Salzburg, Tokyo, Osaka, São Paulo, Lisbon and Dubai. He was also the first living artist since 1917 invited to display work at the Kremlin, in Moscow.
In addition to receiving numerous accolades for his jewelry designs — he won the Diamonds International Award 10 times — Albert has been recognized for his talents as an artist. In 1999, the Swiss government hired him to design the “Mass” of the Republic of Geneva. He also received the Ramsar Wetlands Conservation Award, and Geneva’s International Museum of the Reformation has one of his sculptures on permanent display.
Even after Albert’s death, in 2019, his artisanal jewelry remains highly coveted among collectors.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of Gilbert Albert rings, necklaces and earrings.
1970s Gilbert Albert 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pearl Scarab Insect Brooch Pendant
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an insect shape brooch designed by Swiss jeweller Gilbert Albert in 1970s. The piece is crafted in 18K gold, features diamond and pearl. Can be worn also as a pendant. Sig...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Gilbert Albert Agate, Pearl, Diamond, and 18K Gold Brooch/Pendant, c. 1965
By Gilbert Albert
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite brooch, crafted by the renowned Swiss jeweler Gilbert Albert in 1960, features diamonds, pearls, agate, and 18-karat yellow gold. Its abstract design, with textured go...
Agate, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Magnificent Gilbert Albert Brooch
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Gilbert Albert, Genève, Switzerland. From the catwalk at Fashion Week to the Art museum Gala, Gilbert Albert's work sets style and trend for any moment of fashio...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilbert Albert 18K Gold Onyx and Diamonds pendant necklace
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Paris, FR
Onyx and Diamonds turned into a mini sculpture to wear. Set on 18K Gold by Gilbert Albert in the 70s, this organic and precious piece is unique and collectible. Born in Geneva in 19...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
$245Sale Price|30% Off
Magnificent Rare NYC Estate 18KT Overlaid Glittering Vintage Giraffe Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Overlaid Gold Giraffe Brooch. This Rare Piece has Magnificent Rare Round Cut Glittering Cubic Zirconia Stones that...
Gold Plate
$2,279Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1920s 18K Gold and Platinum Onyx and Diamond Arrow Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco onyx and diamond brooch in gold and platinum, comprising of one teardrop shaped onyx cabochon and thirty-eight rose cut diamonds, s...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$500Sale Price|33% Off
Magnificent Rare NYC Estate 18KT Overlaid Glittering 1980s Panther Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18K Overlaid Gold Panther Brooch. This Rare Piece has Magnificent Rare Round Cut Glittering Cubic Zirconia Stones that ...
Gold Plate
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
W 1 in L 1.25 in
Victorian Coral Scarab Beetle Bug Insect Brooch Pin Egyptian Revival Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare antique Egyptian Revival Hand Carved Coral Victorian Scarab Beetle Insect Brooch Pin in 9 Karat Gold. The stunning three dimensional scarab beetle bug insect is carve...
Coral, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Magnificent Huge Multi-Facade "Starburst" Rhinestone Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This wonderful huge magnificent multi-facade "Starburst" rhinestone brooch measures 2 3/4" in circumference and 3/8" in depth. This brooch is simply wonderful!
18K White Gold Diamond, Multicolor Sapphire and Pearl Brooch and Pendant
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond, Multicolor Sapphire and Pearl Brooch and Pendant Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 1.90 inches Width: 2....
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Magnificent 16 Carat Diamond Platinum Flower Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Impressive and timeless platinum flower brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, set in platinum, with approx. 16 carats in FG/VVS diamonds. Brooch is 2 1/8" x 1 5/8". Marked: Van Cleef & Arpel...
Diamond, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted during the Art Deco era, this elegant platinum clip brooch showcases the timeless glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. At its center sits a luminous 10mm pearl, framed by a striki...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Huge Magnificent Multi-Color Enamel and Faux Diamonds "Peacock" Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This huge magnificent gilded gold vermeil hardware set with multi-colors of lapis-blue, Irish-green, and ruby-red enamel accented with multi faux diamonds rhinestones throughou...
18kt Gold Natural Pearl and Agate Cameo Pendant/Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 19th century. Dimensions: 5.5 cm x 3 cm. Weight: 13.6 gr. A rose gold brooch and pendant, adorned with an oval cameo on agate representing a richly dressed woman, with...
Agate, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Magnificent Edwardian Diamond Platinum Filigree Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This delicate Edwardian filigree brooch is made in fine platinum and beautifully set with old mine-cut diamonds: a center H-I SI diamond of 2 carats, a...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,500
H 1.35 in D 0.25 in L 1.07 in
Art Nouveau Floral Enamel Pearl and Diamond 18k Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning art nouveau enamel floral lily style spray brooch featuring seven graduating pearls on top of diamond and 18k yellow gold stems. The brooch has two green enamel leaves that...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Scarab Beetle Brooch with Emeralds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold by Gilbert Albert
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Lucerne, CH
Discover the enchanting artistry of Gilbert Albert with this masterfully crafted brooch, shaped as a mystical scarab. Renowned for his unique creations, Albert blends nature and fi...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Gilbert Albert 18 Karat Yellow Gold 9 Interchangeable Ball Pin Brooch
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a dynamic brooch designed by Swiss jeweler Gilbert Albert in 1970s. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold. There are 9 interchangeable semi precious gem (quartz, onyx, opal, jaspe...
Agate, Hematite, Onyx, Opal, Quartz, Jasper, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.85 in L 3.46 in
Gilbert Albert 1970 Swiss Modernist Pendant Brooch 18Kt Gold Shell And 12 Pearls
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist pendant-brooch designed by Gilbert Albert. Very rare sculptural art-piece made in Switzerland, with brutalism and organics patterns at the very early of the 1970's, This one-of-a-kind unique pendant-brooch was crafted by the Swiss jeweler-artist Gilbert Albert in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with textured and polished surfaces. Suited at the reverse, with a hinged double pins, with a security trombone lock. Embellished, with 12 natural round pearls of 5 mm with light color variations and accented with one round brilliant cut diamond of 0.20 carats, F Color, VVS-1. Has a total weight of 51;5 grams and a measure of 88 mm x 47 mm (3.46 by 1.85 Inches). Stamped, with the designer maker's mark AG, the Swiss gold assay hallmark and signed in full, "GILBERT ALBERT A.G. .750". Gilbert Albert, born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1930, is a jewelry designer and one of the most influential jeweler artist of the 20th and 21th century with more than 10 world award winning prizes. He made important sculptural jewelry works for the Patek Philippe company and he worked there as part of the designer team. He was head of the workshop from the 1955 to 1962, during which time he designed his signature asymmetrical watches for the company. Mr. Albert took his inspiration from his passion for modern art, notably works by Brancusi and Mondrian. In 1962 after leaving the Patek Philippe Co, he founded an opened his own firm at rue de la Corraterie in Geneva where one of his workshops is located still today. He also worked for the Omega SA...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilbert Albert Gold Pendant Brooch
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Geneva, CH
Gilbert Albert Diamond and Pearl mounted on 18K yellow gold Pendant Brooch. Circa 1980. Signed Gilbert Albert. Mark 750. Swiss work
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1970s Gilbert Albert Malachite, Opal, Diamond and Gold Necklace
By Gilbert Albert
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite diamond, malachite, opal and 18 karat gold long necklace, with detachable brooch/pendant, by the important Swiss jeweler Gilbert Albert, c. 1970. The necklace measures ...
Diamond, Malachite, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.75 in D 0.75 in L 2.5 in
Gilbert Albert Modernist Tahitian Pearl Diamond Gold Pendant Brooch Large
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Austin, TX
One of a kind meteorite pendant by renowned designer Gilbert Albert. This rare item can be worn as a pendant or brooch. A grouping of nine deep orang...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
GILBERT ALBERT, A Gold Brooch 1970s
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A handsome brooch by Swiss designer Gilbert Albert. The 2 1/2" long 18k free-form yellow gold brooch of abstract design. Looks lovely on a lapel or scarf. Interesting, Unusual and Ch...
18k Gold, Gold
GILBERT ALBERT Modernist Pearl Gold Brooch
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Litchfield, CT
The worlds of art jewelry and fine jewelry collide in this thoroughly wearable and visually striking modernist confection. Superbly fabricated in 18k yellow gold, it engages the mind and amuses the eye. Remarks from Lawrence Jeffrey: "Madeline Albright...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold