An 18 Karat Gold and Sapphire 'Ribbon' Bracelet, Verdura, 1960

set with 136 round sapphires weighing approximately 5.95 carats, length 7 inches, signed Verdura.

In good condition overall. The sapphires are a richly saturated slightly violetish blue, ranging from eye-clean to lightly included. Some stones showing slight abrasions at the facet junctions and a few examples bearing minor chips. Gross weight approximately 25 dwts. Clasp tongue has been replaced. Signature partially rubbed. Fitted with a safety closure. Dimensions: 7 inches by 3/8 inch.
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.

"It was 1987 and I was previewing the Duchess of Windsor jewelry at Sotheby’s New York.  There was a crush at the cases and someone asked to see “Wallis Simpson’s Verdura heart-shaped compact.” Someone in the queue asked, “What’s Verdura?” A diminutive, smartly dressed woman directly in front of me pulled up both sleeves revealing eight multicolor bracelets, four on each arm and announced so all could hear, “…that’s Verdura!”  It was Brooke Astor displaying her collection of Verdura ribbon bracelets.  I introduced myself as the “new owner of Verdura,” having only purchased the firm two years before.  She went on to tell me that she wore the bracelets in various combinations for different holidays… red, white and blue for the Fourth of July and red, green and white for Columbus Day, etc. Over the years I saw her frequently in New York and Palm Beach whenever she came to see our new collections.  The last time she visited Verdura she was in her late 90’s and purchased a pair of emerald earrings.  She was alone and as she was leaving I said, “Mrs. Astor, I will see you down to your car.” She replied, “Mr. Landrigan, you have better things to do.” However, I did prevail."

– Ward Landrigan, Chairman and CEO of Verdura