- 442
AMETHYST, TURQUOISE AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, CARTIER, CIRCA 1915
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 CHF
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Description
Designed as a vase of flowers, set with a pear-shaped amethyst and a cabochon turquoise accented with similarly cut amethyst and circular-cut diamonds, on a cord necklet with onyx and diamond rondelle terminals, signed Cartier, numbered, French maker's mark.
Provenance
A Casket of Highly Important Jewels, The Property of the late Gladys Marie, Dowager Duchess of Marlborough, Christie's, London, July 1978, lot 73.
Literature
Cf.: Stefano Papi & Alexandra Rhodes, Famous Jewellery Collectors, Thames & Hudson, London, pg. 77 for an illustration of this necklace.
Condition
Signed CARTIER, numbered 1773, maker's mark for Henri Picq. Amethyst of strong saturation, clean to the naked eye, a few scratches to the facet edges, minor nicks. Turquoise cabochons well matched in colour, greenish blue, with good polish, some areas with visible matrix. Diamonds estimated to weight a total of approximately 1.00 - 1.50 carats, bright and lively. The cord necklet in overall good condition. Evidence of wear consistent with age and wear. In overall very good condition. Gross weight approximately 21 grams.
"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.
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."
"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.
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."
Catalogue Note
Gladys, Duchess of Marlborough
Born in 1881 in Paris the eldest of four daughters of Edward and Florence Deacon, the well-established, extremely wealthy Americans, Gladys grew up to be the most intelligent and most beautiful of the sisters. Marcel Proust wrote after meeting her “I never saw a girl with such beauty, such magnificent intelligence, such goodness and charm.”
It was during a trip to London in 1898, that Gladys first met the Duke of Marlborough. He and his American-born wife, Consuelo Vanderbilt, succumbed to Gladys’ charm and immediately invited her to their home, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. It was the beginning of a strong friendship. It was not long after, in 1907, that the marriage of the Marlboroughs’ ended in legal separation followed by divorce fourteen years later. By this time, Gladys had become the Duke’s mistress and promptly accepted his marriage proposal.
It was during the 1920s and early 1930s that she acquired some truly wonderful jewels such as those offered here for sale.
The marriage of the Marlboroughs ended in divorce in 1933 and Gladys disappeared from the limelight and social arena.
Born in 1881 in Paris the eldest of four daughters of Edward and Florence Deacon, the well-established, extremely wealthy Americans, Gladys grew up to be the most intelligent and most beautiful of the sisters. Marcel Proust wrote after meeting her “I never saw a girl with such beauty, such magnificent intelligence, such goodness and charm.”
It was during a trip to London in 1898, that Gladys first met the Duke of Marlborough. He and his American-born wife, Consuelo Vanderbilt, succumbed to Gladys’ charm and immediately invited her to their home, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. It was the beginning of a strong friendship. It was not long after, in 1907, that the marriage of the Marlboroughs’ ended in legal separation followed by divorce fourteen years later. By this time, Gladys had become the Duke’s mistress and promptly accepted his marriage proposal.
It was during the 1920s and early 1930s that she acquired some truly wonderful jewels such as those offered here for sale.
The marriage of the Marlboroughs ended in divorce in 1933 and Gladys disappeared from the limelight and social arena.