Brutalist and Modernist Jewelry by William De Lillo and Robert Clark Leads Doyle’s Upcoming Sale

Belgium-born designer William De Lillo started his career working for Cartier, Harry Winston, and Miriam Haskell. At Miriam Haskell, he met head designer Robert E. Clark, with whom he founded William De Lillo Ltd. in 1968. Inspired by the cultural changes around them, the duo pioneered ‘gender bending’ jewelry for men in the 1970s and 80s. Doyle’s upcoming Fine Jewelry auction will include Brutalist jewelry pieces by William De Lillo. The collar bib necklace, bracelet, and pair of ear clips feature rhombus-shaped sterling silver accents. Each piece bears De Lillo’s signature.

Also on offer is William Harper’s Firebird brooch. Harper began his career as an abstract painter. He later switched to enameling before finally moving to jewelry making. Harper combines enamel, fine gold, and non-traditional materials like baroque pearls, scarabs, and bones in his creations. The pear-shaped Firebird brooch dates back to 1994. It features a baroque pearl and enamels in various colors. Jewelry pieces from Bulgari, Pablo Picasso, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels round out the sale’s offerings. Those interested in these or any other pieces can view each lot on Doyle.