Gem set and diamond box, Cartier, 1926

The silver box of rectangular form and boat-shaped profile, set with hinged silver, gold and nephrite twin lids decorated with two circular laque burgauté Chinoiserie panels enhanced with rose diamonds and cabochon rubies, flanked by nephrite, jadeite, gold and diamond cylindrical finials, the sides each decorated with a brick pattern and applied with a jadeite, sapphire and ruby motif, supported by carved ebonite feet, measuring approximately 197 x 91 x 65mm, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay and maker's marks, later fitted case by Cartier.

Cf: Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier, London, 1999, pg. 164.

Cf: Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti, Franco Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Milan, 1989, pg. 79 for a similar Chinoiserie scene.

Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece may contain rubies of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin will be required before import of rubies into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Accompanied by Cartier certificate of authenticity no. GE2004-108. Signed Cartier Paris Londres New York, inscribed HSA 2283, numbered 01901, maker's marks. Stamped with French assay marks for silver and 18 carat gold, mounted in silver, yellow gold and silver-gilt. Coloured stones well matched, minor nicks and scratches. Chinoiserie panels with minor craquelling, very few scratches and minor areas of loss. Diamonds bright and lively. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use, some tarnish around the Chinoiserie panels. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 980 grams.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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