The sprung snake chain embellished to the clasp with a clip ornament designed as two flower heads, the petals set with cushion-shaped sapphires of blue and yellow hues, the pistils with circular-cut rubies and sapphires, mounted in yellow gold, chain length approximately 735mm, may be worn as a bracelet, the clips may be detached and worn separately, clip fittings, chain unsigned, French assay and maker's marks, clasp and clip fittings signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered, French assay and maker's marks, case, one small ruby deficient.

Cf : L'Estampille/L'Objet d'Art, 'Van Cleef & Arpels à ♉Galliera', no. 5, hors série, 1992, page 40-41.

Cf : Van Cleef & Arpels, Exhibition catalogue, Musée de la Mode et du Cos🐽tume,💃 1992, page 104 and 109.

Cf : Sylvie Raulet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris 1986, page 198.

Ruby of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece may contain ruby of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin will be required before import of rubies into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Please note that one small ruby is deficient. All pieces stamped with French assay marks for gold. Clip fittings and brooch/necklace holder signed Van Cleef & Arpels, all three also numbered 58115, although on one clip fitting indistinctly, necklace stamped with maker's marks and numbered 52064. Coloured stones well matched in colour, with typical inclusions visible under close inspection, some scratches, nicks and abrasion. Clasp secure. Minor scratches to the metal, consistent with age. Well executed and well preserved, in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

As stated in Vogue magazine in 1938, the Passe-Partout is a 'ravishing jewel, finely crafted and ornamented with precious stones which can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, clip or belt ornament'.  This original creation of Van Cleef & Arpels pushed the boundaries of Haute Joaillerie through its innovative capability of multiple functionality and thus 🐻of successi💟ve transformations.