Pair of White Gold, Chalcedony, Sapphire and Diamond 'Couronne' Cuff-Bracelets, Suzanne Belperron, Paris

The double-fluted cuff-bracelets composed of carved chalcedony in the form of stylized crowns, bordered by 14 chalcedony beads, each bead topped by a cabochon sapphire, further decorated by old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.80 carats, internal circumference 6 and 5¾ inches; 1932-1937. With fitted box.

Sotheby's Geneva, April 2-3, 1987, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, lot 125.

Diamond Divas 2008, The Diamond Museum, Antwerp, April 11-June 8, 2008.

Masterpieces of French Jewelry, Legion of Honor, Fine Arts Musuem of San Francisco, February 10-June 10, 2007.

The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor by Nicholas Rayner and John Culme, pages 134-135.

The Windsor Style by Suzy Menkes, pages 172-173.

Suzanne Belperron by Sylvie Raulet and Olivier Baroin, pages 54-57.

In fair to good condition. A few nicks and bruises to the surface of the bangles. Both cuffs have previous breaks that have been repaired with adhesive, which has yellowed a bit with time and are reinforced on the underside with metal plates and rivets. The breaks are toward the backs of the bangles, not noticeable from the top. These breaks were sustained sometime during the lifetime of the Duchess of Windsor since they can be seen in the original Sotheby's catalogue of the sale of the Duchess of Windsor on April 2 & 3, 1987 in Geneva. The chalcedony is a pleasant shade of lavender blue, with a few areas of darker veining and some color banding and mottling. The sapphires are medium blue and lightly included. Diamonds are approximately F-G color and VS clarity. Each fits a small wrist; one is slightly larger than the other, presumably because the Duchess wore them back-to-back up the arm. The fitted box is of a barrel/treasure chest shape with a violet leather exterior lined with pink suede and fitted with two padded cylinders to support the bracelets. With outer black paper box.
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 certificate no. B35404052012 from Belperron stating that the cuff-bracelets were manufactured in Paris by B. Herz after a design by Suzanne Belperron between 1932 and 1937, and are formerly the property of the Duchess of Windsor. Together with a copy of the original sketch.

Please refer to the printed version of the catalogue, available in PDF format online, to view additional information on this lot.