MÉRY (Joseph). Les Joyaux. Fantasy by Gavarni. Text by Méry. Minéralogie des dames by Cte Fœlix. - Les Parures. Fantasy by Gavarni. Text by Méry. Histoire de la mode by Cte Fœlix. Paris : G. de Gonet, Martinon, Mme veuve Janet ; Leipzig : Charles Twietmeyer, [1850]. - 2 volumes in-8, 275 x 187: frontispiece, (2 ff.), 316 pp. 16 plates, illustrated cover; frontispiece, (2 ff.), 300 pp. 15 plates, illustrated cover. Red half calf, purple percaline boards, gilt fillets, ornate ribbed spine, covers preserved (period binding). First edition of these fine works illustrated with a total of two identical frontispieces and 31 copper-engraved plates by Geoffroy after GAVARNI. Known under the general title of Perles et parures, these two books bring together thirty "fantasies" composed by Joseph Méry around women's fashion accessories, 16 for Les Joyaux and 14 for Les Parures. Each text is accompanied by a beautiful engraved plate after Gavarni showing women in situation with their finery. Together, these engravings form a truly admirable suite of fashion illustrations. Each volume ends with a text by Count Fœlix, one on Mineralogie des dames, the other on Histoire de la mode. A complete copy of the general covers printed in red, and containing the plates colored at the time and printed on wove paper with the margins trimmed in lace. They are not laminated on colored paper, as is sometimes the case. Spines a little rubbed and faded, corners rubbed. Slight soiling to covers. Some rare spotting. Provenance: Fondation Napoléon, with dry stamp (cat. May 27, 2013, no. 45).