Lot 380
  • 380

Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels, New York, 1951

Estimate
75,000 - 100,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Van Cleef & Arpels
The dancing figure set centrally with 1 cushion-shaped sapphire weighing approximately 3.75 carats, further set with 1 old-mine diamond weighing 2.72 carats, 2 old European-cut diamonds weighing 2.56 carats, 3 old European-cut diamonds weighing 3.72 carats and completed by 131 old European-cut and old-mine diamonds weighing approximately 11.70 carats, mounted in platinum, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, N.Y., numbered 18113 S.O.

Provenance

Property from the Estate of Jeanne E. Kerbs, Sotheby's New York, October 17th and 18th, 1984, lot 655.

Jeanne Kerbs was born in New York City and she remained a life-long resident of New York, devoting much of her life to the promotion of health care and community service organizations.  In memory of her parents, she created both Kerbs Memorial Hall at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Memorial Boathouse at Conservatory Lake in Central Park.  Mrs. Kerbs was active as officer and Trustee of the New York College of Pediatric Medicine, Trustee of the Emergency Shelter, and a member of the Founders Committee of the Central Park Conservancy.

Condition

The diamonds are approximately G-J color and VS-SI clarity, with an occasional I clarity stone. The sapphire is a rich medium blue color and is slightly included. In good condition and signed Van Cleef & Arpels N.Y. 18113 S.O. on pin bridge.
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.

Catalogue Note

Van Cleef & Arpels jeweled ballerina brooches were first created by Maurice Duvalet, a French-born designer who moved to America at the end of World War I.  Collaborating with the Parisian firm Van Cleef & Arpels, who opened a New York branch in 1939, and John Rubel, their manufacturer, Duvalet studied paintings and photographs of the most famous names in ballet history as inspiration for his pieces.  Some of his muses consisted of Maria Camargo, a French dancer who was depicted in 18th century paintings, and the legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova who was the first to travel and dance around the world.  A consummate draftsman with an unerring sense of style, Duvalet fashioned the first group of ballerinas predominately in rose-cut diamonds which are reputed to have originated from the Spanish Crown Jewels. 

There are several theories as to how the idea for these charming dancers first developed, but one of the most likely is that it was the inspiration of Louis Arpels, son of the founder of Van Cleef & Arpels, who was the enthusiast for classical ballet and opera.  Whatever the source, the dancers held an immediate appeal for the American public.  Emerging from the Great Depression, but with the war in Europe threatening to involve the United States, they responded enthusiastically to these graceful creations.  Modeled in a variety of poses and decorated with sparkling stones, they were irresistible to Americans, who looked longingly back to an earlier, more gracious time when they enjoyed the cultural pursuits that peace and prosperity afforded.