An Elegant Platinum and Diamond Brooch, Cartier, France

Suspending an articulated pendant of geometric design, the top centered by an antique cushion-cut diamond weighing approximately 5.30 carats, the top and fringes accented by five pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 6.50 carats, further set with numerous old mine and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 22.00 carats, signed Cartier, Made in France, numbered 5904C; circa 1925.

The center diamond is approximately 5.30 carats, H-I color, VS clarity. The flanking pear-shaped diamonds are approximately J-K color and SI clarity. The remainder of the old mine-, old European- and pear-shaped diamonds over 1 carat are approximately I-J color, predominantly SI clarity, with a few examples of I clarity stones. The smaller diamonds throughout are approximately G-J color, VS-I clarity. The brooch fringe is exceptionally flexible, with wonderful movement when worn. Top portion of brooch appears to have a mechanism to detach the pendant, but there is no tool with which it may be removed. Signed Cartier and Made in France on the underside of the rim of the brooch, on either side of the attached fringe; numbered on the upper rim of the brooch. The shoulder brooch noted from book illustration was previously in the collection of Elton John, sold by Sotheby's London, December 14, 1993, lot 92.
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.

For a shoulder brooch and sautoir of similar design, please see Cartier: 1930-1939 by Judy Rudoe, pages 274-275.

Virginia Holben Rogers was born in rural Illinois in 1911 and after attending Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, courageously moved to Chicago during the depths of the Great Depression.  Virginia soon met and married Ward C Rogers, and after his death in 1977, headed the company that he founded; Rogers Radio Communication Services, Inc.  The communication and paging company prospered under her leadership, ushering in the early phases of the emerging cellphone business.  Her intellect, charm and drive endeared her to customers and business peers alike, with whom she frequently shared the philosophy “A deal is a good deal only when it is good for all concerned”.  She sold the business to Metromedia, Inc in 1982 and began the more philanthropic phase of her life. 

 Ginny, as her friends called her, was an early pioneer of The Committee of 200, a group of prominent businesswomen devoted to fostering opportunities of women in business.  She was also extensively involved in many arts, education, handicapped rehabilitation and children’s needs charities in the Chicago area until her death at age 101. 

 The proceeds from the sale of this brooch will benefit eight prominent charities in Illinois.