Charming Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Onyx and Emerald 'Tiger' Clip-Brooch, Cartier

Modelled as a tiger, set with brilliant-cut yellow diamonds and diamonds together weighing approximately 9.95 carats, speckled by onyx, embellished by pear-shaped emerald-set eyes, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, signed and numbered 754922.

Colour and Clarity: In our opinion, the yellow diamonds are of intense to vivid saturation, colourless diamonds are about F to G colours, all about VS clarity. Two emeralds are of medium bright bluish green colour, eye clean and lively. All onyxes are precisely cut to fit, very good condition. Signed Cartier and numbered to the back. Condition: Karat yellow gold mount, signs of normal wear and minor tarnishing to the metal which is not noticeable, overall in very good condition.
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.

Accompanied by Cartier report and signed box.

_______________________________________

The Graceful ‘Cat’

The charismatic charm of the tiger and the human imagination of this enchanting creature have been featured prominently in ancient mythology, folklore, and in modern art and literature. A tiger’s prowess stirs up a thousand stories in children’s literature and film – The Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the muscular body with distinctive vertical black strips, depicted as such in a fine Chinese Painting by Zhang Shanzi, and notably in jewellery design, the graceful and majestic beauty of a tiger as interpreted  in Cartier’s ‘Great Cat Jewels’.

Amongst the exquisite ‘Great Cat Jewels’ collection, inspired by Cartier’s director of haute joaillerie Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s portrayal of the tiger, the largest of the cat species, was highly sought after by stylish icons and jewellery collectors. Barbara Hutton, the granddaughter of the founder of Woolworth’s retail chain, an icon of style with one of the most impressive jewellery collections of all time, was fond of tigers and preferred Cartier’s rendering of the tiger over the more iconic panther motif. She had commissioned Cartier to create a three-dimensional clip brooch set in diamonds, carved onyx with yellow diamond strips, and a pair of earrings belonging to the prestigious Cartier Collection today, which also takes pride in the Hutton-Mdivani Jadeite Necklace which sold for an impressive $27.44 million, a new world record for a jadeite jewel, sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale this past April 2014.

The craftsmanship of this Tiger clip brooch, a later version similar to the famous Barbara Hutton tiger brooch, is likewise near to perfection, the legs and tail of the tiger articulated to move with the body, the tail hanging majestically out, the body in a composed curl, with piercing emerald eyes - there is something that is magical about the tiger that even in the form of jewellery gives us protective presence.