Platinum and Diamond Ring, Cartier, Early 20th Century

The modified marquise-shaped diamond weighing 8.79 carats, size 5¼, signed Cartier, numbered 2419317.  With signed box.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2145384933 stating that the diamond is D color, SI1 clarity. There is a significant chip (approximately 3 x 3.1 mm) and two smaller chips (1.3 x 1.4 mm and .9 x .6 mm) just below the girdle on the pavilion of the stone. The mounting is nicked and dented due to regular wear. Signed Cartier on outside of shank near one shoulder, numbered inside the shank adjacent to the signature. In good condition overall.
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 GIA report no. 2145384933 stating that the diamond is D color, SI1 clarity.

Harriet Crocker Alexander (1859-1935) was born in Sacramento, California to Mary and Charles Crocker, a "Forty-niner" involved in the construction of the Southern Pacific Railway.  As made evident by her stunning 1902 portrait by John Singer Sargent (in which she appears to be wearing the exquisite Cartier diamond ring offered here), she grew to lead a life befitting an Edith Wharton heroine. She attended the coronation of Czar Nicolas II, was presented at court to King Edward VII, and summered in Paris and Tuxedo Park.  After marrying the prominent lawyer and financier Charles B. Alexander in 1887, she settled into her home on West 58^th Street—then adjoining the Cornelius Vanderbilt mansion—where she frequently hosted charitable events, including ones for war relief organizations.  For her efforts, she was appointed president of the Board of Directors of the New York Orthopedic Dispensary hospital, was awarded the medal of the Reconnaissance Nationale by the French government, and was made president of the prestigious annual Charity Ball.  Mrs. Alexander took ill while travelling in Europe the summer of 1935 and spent her final days at her home in Paris in the company of her three daughters.