Gilbert Albert
Gilbert Albert was born in 1930 in Geneva and studied at the l’Ecole des Arts Industrials. In 1955 he began working for Patek Philippe as designer, and then the head of the workshop. He designed a number of unusual and original timepieces during his seven years with the firm. He won the Diamonds International Award three times. His most famous collection is ‘Ricochet’ which featured distinctive asymmetrical and angular faces. The visually arresting designs remain highly sought after and collectible today.
After Patek, he went to work with Omega before setting up his own atelier and turning to jewelry design. His goal was simply to follow the advice of a college mentor who had said “if you want to succeed, do what others will not do.” He used unusual and unexpected materials such as fossils, minerals and scarab shells which he incorporated into designs. He was the first designer to set meteorites into jewelry. His contrasting use of roughly hued nature with highly polished or heavily textured gold sets his designs apart.
His firm was sold to the 32Group in mid October 2010.
After Patek, he went to work with Omega before setting up his own atelier and turning to jewelry design. His goal was simply to follow the advice of a college mentor who had said “if you want to succeed, do what others will not do.” He used unusual and unexpected materials such as fossils, minerals and scarab shells which he incorporated into designs. He was the first designer to set meteorites into jewelry. His contrasting use of roughly hued nature with highly polished or heavily textured gold sets his designs apart.
His firm was sold to the 32Group in mid October 2010.