AN ART DECO EMERALD, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BELT BUCKLE-BROOCH, CARTIER
Lot 228

AN ART DECO EMERALD, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BELT BUCKLE-BROOCH, CARTIER

Closed19 June 2019

Price Realised

USD 1,545,000

More Information

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AN ART DECO EMERALD, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BELT BUCKLE-BROOCH, CARTIER
Octagonal step-cut emerald of 38.71 carats, buff-top calibré-cut sapphires and emeralds, old and single-cut diamonds, platinum and 18k white gold (French marks), 3 ½ ins., 1922, unsigned, partial maker's mark (Atelier Renault), no. 0346, red Cartier case
Cartier, 2004: Certificate of Authenticity
AGL, 2019, report no. 1100313: 38.71 carats, Classic Colombia, insignificant to minor clarity enhancement, traditional type
Gübelin, 2008, report no. 0801570: 38.71 carats, Colombia, indications of minor clarity enhancement

Sybil Sassoon, Marchioness of Cholmondeley (1894-1989)

Specialist note

Featured in Cartier's booth during the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925, this magnificent emerald, sapphire and diamond belt buckle boasts an impeccable provenance. Especially created by Cartier for the 1925 exhibition, its design, gemstones and colors are striking. This belt buckle is a perfect example of Cartier’s wonderful ability to reinterpret inspiration from the East, mixing Indian themes with Western Art Deco style.
The belt was designed to complement the chic low-waisted dresses that were in vogue, specifically for Sybil Sassoon, Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Sybil Sassoon, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, was the daughter of Sir Edward Sassoon and Baroness Aline de Rothschild. The importance of Lot 228 is demonstrated by the fact that she chose to wear it, alongside her most important jewels, for both the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. On both these occasions, she also famously wore the sapphire and diamond tiara and necklace that were originally part of the French Crown jewels.