Gem set dress set, Cartier, 1940s

Comprising: a pair of cufflinks engraved with star motifs, set with cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires, signed Cartier, numbered; and three buttons, each signed Cartier, two numbered, one unnumbered.

Each signed Cartier Paris. Two buttons numbered 8997, one not numbered. Cufflinks numbered L8998 and L8997 respectively. Sapphires dark blue, rubies purplish red, emeralds medium green, transparent, typical inclusions visible under magnification, abrasions consistent with wear. Scratches to metal consistent with wear. In 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. 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Born in 1894 in Bakou, Russia, to a wealthy family, Princess Thérèse Vatchnadzé (Teresa Wacznadze) enjoyed the privileged life of pre-revolutionary Russia. This came to an end with the revolution of 1917.

She studied briefly at the University of Moscow and then married David Adamoff, a brilliant jurist. Immediately after the birth of their son Jean (Ivan) in 1918 Thérèse was sent abroad with substantial means. Her father asked her to get her two sisters and her brother out of Soviet Union after she settled . She realized on the ship taking her to Constantinople (Istambul) that her husband was not on board. During the crossing, she was courted by Prince Irakli Vatchnadze and eventually married him after years of searching for her husband. Thérèse managed to get her youngest sister Irina out of the USSR but her sister Tania and her brother never left the USSR. She settled in Paris and became a successful fashion designer. Prince Irakli never managed to find work and lived of his wife’s earnings. Many men of that generation were supported by their wives who managed to have a career in the Western world. Notables among which King Faysal were among her clients. It is rumored that some of her jewels were his gifts.

Literature:

Cf: Thérésa Vatchnadzé, 'De Bakou à Paris'.

Cf : Anouche Kunth, 'Exils Arméniens – Du Caucase à Paris (1920-1945)', Collection Contemporaine Henry Poussin, September 2016.