A Mid-Century textured gold brooch in the form of an owl with a carved angel skin coral and diamond face and emerald eyes, in 18k and platinum. Attributed to Fred Paris.

Fred Joaillier, known simply as Fred, was founded in Paris in 1936 by Argentine-born Fred Samuel. Describing himself as "Le Moderne-Joiallier-Créateur" on his business card, Samuel introduced a modern aesthetic to French jewelry, notably championing cultured pearls and developing a signature light-pink cream shade known as "Fred colour."

Animal jewels occupied a special place in the repertoire of the great French houses during the 1950s and 1960s, allowing designers to combine technical virtuosity with humor and personality. This owl brooch expertly balances naturalistic character with stylized modern design. Warm angel skin coral and cool platinum-set diamonds frame vivid chrysoprase eyes that bring the creature alive. The finely textured gold of the body reflects the emphasis on sculptural form that characterized important Mid-Century jewelry design.