A Paul Flato diamond leaf brooch starred at Skinner's fine jewellery sale on Tuesday, September 13.
The art deco brooch, made from platinum and featuring diamonds and sapphires, had been estimated to achieve between $30,000 and $40,000 at the Boston auction.
It eventually sold for $35,500.
Crafted in 1935, the lot came complete with a photocopy of the Paul Flato receipt for the piece, which states: "Remounting one Sapphire and two Diamond Ring and 66 small Diamonds as Brooch, supplying 50 Diamonds."
The brooch features two large, old European-cut diamonds, weighing 1.20 and 1.12 carats each.
Paul Flato jewellery was worn by several Hollywood stars. Greta Garbo sported Paul Flato jewels in Two-Faced Woman, as did Rita Hayworth in Blood and Sand.
 Paul Flato jewels have star appeal |
''He was the first of the major American jewellers to do highly imaginative work on a par with European jewellers,'' jewellery historian Penny Proddow told the New York Times.
Flato's association with the stars of the black-and-white Hollywood era, and the innovation of his pieces, helped ensure a strong price.
A circa 1940 Paul Flato coloured stone and diamond clip brooch achieved $26,400 at Sotheby's in 2003.
The brooch shared the limelight with a Cartier platinum and diamond strap bracelet, valued at $100,000 to $150,000, which went for $201,450.
Other highlights included an Edwardian alexandrite and diamond pendant, estimated at between $10,000 and $15,000, which made $17,775, and an art deco platinum, emerald and diamond ring made by Raymond Yard, which achieved $36,735.
