Rating and value of Jean Després jewels, necklaces, bracelets, rings

If you own a piece of jewelry by or about the artist Jean Després, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.  

Artist's rating and value Jean Després          

A celebrated goldsmith and jewelry designer of his time, Després leaves behind a unique artistic identity. This legacy consists mainly of Art Deco jewelry. Today, prices for his creations are rising under the auctioneer's hammer, and his stock is stable. His jewelry is particularly prized, especially by French buyers, and the price at which it sells on the art market ranges from €30 to €250,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Després' jewelry. In 2015, a silver and black lacquer cuff bracelet, model n°7, dating from 1931 sold for €250,000, whereas it was estimated at €5,000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious 

Artist's style and technique        

Jean Despès produces Art Deco jewelry, mostly in silver. He is famous for his goldsmithing skills and original jewelry inspired by aviation pieces.

The life of Jean Després      

Born in Allier in 1889, Jen Després is a French goldsmith. He came from a family of artisan glassmakers. His father apprenticed him to a friend in Paris's Marais district. He took drawing classes and frequented the Futurist and Cubist circles of the day, where he rubbed shoulders with Chaïm Soutine, Modigliani, Picasso and Georges Braque, his best friend. In 1914, he was drafted into the auxiliary service because of a health problem, but was eventually mobilized in the air force. This period had a lasting influence on his work, as he drew inspiration from the various drawings he made for the air force. He took over his parents' workshop, where he created "bijoux-moteurs" inspired by the aesthetics of aeronautical parts. He rejects high jewelry and the use of precious materials, preferring copper, silver or pewter.

He first took part in the Salon des Indépendants in 1926.

In 1940, Després became president of the goldsmiths' union. Josephine Baker became one of his most loyal customers, and he exhibited in several countries. As well as being a talented artist, he was an important figure in the art world, forming friendships with Fernand Léger, René Lalique and many others.

He died in 1980 at the age of 91.

Jean Després' imprint on his era

Jean Després left an important artistic legacy, bearing witness to the permanent artistic renewal of the 20th century. His works are on display in many prestigious art collections around the world, although he is relatively unknown to the general public.

Today, his works are still successful at auction. Although some of his works are kept in museums in Europe, private collectors play a major role in preserving his work, especially his jewelry.

Recognizing the artist's signature

Jean Després sometimes signs or hallmarks his jewelry. However, some copies do exist, so expertise is essential.

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a piece of jewelry by or after Jean Després, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.