Sapphire and diamond bead necklace, Cartier, circa 1930

The five-strand necklace composed of numerous sapphire beads spaced at intervals by platinum and diamond rondelles, completed by a rectangular-shaped clasp flanked by a pair of double rings set with small round, single-cut and baguette diamonds, the clasp also accented in black enamel, mounted in platinum, length 17 inches, signed Cartier, numbered 2919649.

The Estate of Mrs. Francis P. Garvan, Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., December 5, 1979, lot 62.   

Sotheby's New York, December 10, 1985, lot 211.

Length stated in description is the full length without the strands being twisted as a torsade. Diamonds are of decorative quality, a few tiny ones missing from the rondelles, not noticeable to the naked eye. The string has stretched somewhat, and will need to be restrung soon. Signed Cartier, 2919649 on side of rectangular clasp.
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.

This neckace was formerly in the Estate of Mrs. Garvan whose husband, Francis Patrick Garvan (1875-1937), was a distinguished lawyer and long-time president of the Chemical Foundation. In 1929, he received the Priestley Medal, the highest honor awarded by the American Chemical Society, and was the only non-scientist to do so. Garvan also established the Society's Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal in 1936 to "recognize distinguished service to chemistry by women chemists." 

Garvan married Mabel Brady in 1910 and the couple had seven children. Mabel Brady Garvan was involved with the Garvan-Olin Medal for thirty years after her husband's death. In addition to their philanthropy in chemistry, a vast collection of early American arts and crafts known as the Mabel B. Garvan Collection was donated to Yale University which remains one of the most comprehensive in the nation.