The whimsical hot air balloon with a male passenger highlighted in enamel, the balloon set with a cabochon brownish red spinel weighing 157.69 carats accented by round diamonds and cabochon emeralds, the basket decorated with step-cut emeralds and round diamonds, decorated with an articulated anchor and three pearls measuring approximately 4.8 by 4.7 mm to 4.5 by 4.1 mm, with the three pivoting flags set with two triangle-shaped diamonds and one triangle-shaped yellow sapphire, signed Verdura.

In good condition, with some very minor enamel loss to the passenger. The spinel is a medium deep orangy red, less purple than shown in the printed catalogue. Moderately included with some surface reaching fractures and cavities visible under close inspection. The diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.05 carats are approximately G-I color, VS-SI clarity. The lively yellow sapphire is a medium slightly orangy yellow, eye clean. The emeralds are a medium deep slightly bluish green, lightly included. The drop pearls have a silvery white body color. With scratch number VC 1404. Very well made. Please note that the pearls have not been tested for natural origin. Please note that the brooch does not date from circa 1960 as stated in the printed catalogue, but is of more recent manufacture. Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 55832 stating that the spinel is of natural origin, with no indications of enhancement. A hot air balloon brooch of similar design is illustrated in Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler by Patricia Corbett, page 46. According to Verdura, this brooch of unique design was only made once by the firm.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 55832 stating that the spinel is of natural origin, with no indications of enhancement.

Please note that the pearls have not been tested for natural origin.

A hot air balloon brooch of similar design is illustrated in Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler by Patricia Corbett, page 46. According to Verdura, this brooch of unique design was only made once by the firm.