Rare Christian Dior Brooch – Mitchel Maer, 1956 – Botanical Design with Colourful Rhinestones and Cabochons

This striking brooch from 1956 is a magnificent example of Christian Dior's early couture jewellery, designed in collaboration with the British designer Mitchel Maer. The piece is richly adorned with cabochons and crystals in vivid green, purple, orange and lime, expertly set in gilt brass.

The organic form – two crossed, pod-like leaf shapes with a finely engraved leaf vein – is typical of Maer's botanically inspired designs from this period.

What makes this piece extra special: it is signed on the reverse “Christian Dior © 1956”, a rare marking that traces it directly to the fashion house's couture collections.

Brand: Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior
Period / Year: 1956
Style: Imaginative and couture. This exceptional brooch is a textbook example of Dior's early jewellery style, designed by Mitchel Maer. His characteristic style – full of colour, texture and romance – is expressed here in a playful, organic form with a rich colour composition.
Materials: Gilt metal with rich textural details, including a gracefully worked leaf vein in relief.
Stones: Round and faceted glass stones in vivid emerald green, amber, purple and peridot green. Alternately glossy and matte, creating a remarkable depth effect.
Design: Organically shaped brooch in an abstract bow or leaf form. Fully set with domed and sparkling glass stones, finished with an engraved gilt leaf shape at the centre. The piece is voluminous and tactile, with an almost palpable couture presence.
Clasp: Traditional brooch pin with safety mechanism.
Dimensions: Approx. 6.5 cm long x 4.5 cm wide
Signed: Yes

An iconic and highly collectable Dior piece from the fashion house's golden age – perfect for lovers of historic haute couture.

Christian Dior, the influential French couturier, understood that accessories are indispensable to a complete look. Jewellery – or bijoux – therefore held an important place within his fashion house.

Dior's jewellery was sumptuous and refined, often made of gilt metal, crystal and imitation pearls. Nature motifs, such as flowers and organic forms, were a recurring theme.

Thanks to advanced techniques such as gilding, enamelling and crystal setting, the pieces acquired a distinctly luxurious look.

Collaborations with top designers such as Mitchel Maer and Robert Goossens led to iconic, timeless creations that fitted Dior's couture vision perfectly.