An impressive diamond necklace, by Cartier, circa 1955
The lattice bib of brilliant and square-cut diamonds, suspending a graduating fringe of pear-shaped diamond drops, each within an openwork brilliant-cut diamond lozenge, diamonds approximately 100.00 carats total, signed Cartier Paris, numbers partially indistinct, maker’s marks, French assay marks, length 36.0cm.
The three largest pear-shaped diamonds each accompanied by certificates from the GIA stating that the diamond weighing 5.56 carats is D colour VS2 clarity, the diamond weighing 6.98 carats is D colour Si1 clarity and the diamond weighing 4.35 carats is D colour Vs clarity. Certificate numbers 15724280, 15724284, 15724286, dated 22nd February 2007.
This spectacular diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1955, perfectly encapsulates the flamboyance of the post-war period when fashion turned its back on the austerity and deprivations of the war years. Set with approximately one hundred carats of diamonds, the fringe of diamond drops is designed to sit on the collarbone and would have perfectly complemented the glamorous `New Look` evening gowns of the 1950s, which were draped in luxurious fabrics, with low décolletés and tightly corseted waists.
It formed part of the collection of Anne Moen Bullitt, a wealthy beauty whose wardrobe, once described as “an amazing collection from the golden age of couture”, perfectly matched her society lifestyle.
Anne’s father was William Christian Bullitt, the American millionaire diplomat, journalist and novelist. Her mother, who died when she was eight, was Louise Bryant, an American journalist and radical who counted Eugene O’Neill and F. Scott Fitzgerald as friends and who was part of the Parisian ex-patriot set of the 1920s.
Sold for £ 602,400 inc. premium