Perles et Parures, Les Joyaux, fantaisie par Gavarni, texte par Méry. Minéralogie des dames par le Cte Foelix. [suivi de] Les Parures, fantaisie par Gavarni, texte par Méry. Histoire de la mode par le Cte Foelix.

First edition, illustrated with a repeated frontispiece and 30 plates by Gavarni engraved on steel by Geoffroy. Printed on fine vellum. Copy from the deluxe issue with plates finely heightened in watercolor; These engravings are presented in very beautiful frames with lace-cut margins. Illustrated orange-tinted covers preserved (spine and back covers with advertisements also preserved).
Half lemon yellow morocco binding with corners, late 19th century. Spine with false raised bands richly decorated with roses in compartments ornamented with stars and other decorations. Red morocco title labels, second title labels in soft green shagreen. Some rubbing. Small brown spots on the leather of the upper cover. Uncut copy, shorter titles in margins. Some occasional foxing.
Handsome copy.
Méry's texts are short stories centered around a precious stone or jewel. The engravings illustrate various feminine adornments, in the first volume around jewels, pearl, reliquary, pendant, rosary, sapphire, bracelet... in the second volume, shawl, muff, mantilla, turban, bouquet, crown...