Lot 315
  • 315

Vivien's charm bracelet

Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
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Description

  • chalcedony, jadeite
  • length approximately 187mm
the double curb link bracelet set with a six charms including: an oval locket inscribed Lady Hamilton with the initials VL, containing a photograph of Vivien Leigh as Lady Hamilton and a portrait by George Romney; a book inscribed Gone with the Wind, the pages inscribed Vivien Leigh and Scarlett O'Hara, with an engraved image of the character; a round charm with a design of a boat against a sunset, the sky of blue chalcedony; a jadeite pendant carved with a design of a bat; and two chalcedony drops. 

Condition

Stamped 14K for 14 carat gold to clasp tongue and interior of back cover of 'Gone with the Wind' charm. Jump ring of 'Lady Hamilton' charm with British hallmark for 18 carat gold. Gross weight approximately 81.5 grams. Charms: 'Lady Hamilton' charm: hinge intact, closing securely, evidence of solder to clasp. Pictures in good condition, image of Lady Hamilton with brown marks. Measuring approximately 30 x 26mm. Chalcedony charm: chalcedony pale yellowish grey with orange and brown veins, translucent, measuring approximately18.7 x 10.4 x 12.9mm. Glue residue to top of stone. Jadeite charm: jadeite bright green, with characteristic mottled texture, some surface-reaching fractures, some areas of chipping to edges, measurements approximately 29 x 27 x 1.3mm. Chalcedony charm: white, translucent to opaque, with surface-reaching inclusions. 18.3 x 15.4 x 8.7mm. Blue chalcedony charm: Chalcedony blue, translucent, with banded structure visible. Diameter approximately 26mm. 'Gone with the Wind' charm: Hinge intact, clasp secure. Light scratches to metal and stone surfaces consistent with wear. Bracelet clasp secure. Some small traces of solder around jump rings. 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."

Catalogue Note

'I like good-luck charms and I am superstitious about some things. Not about whistling in dressing rooms, for instance. I don’t like that because it is a bore and disturbing other people. I don’t like seeing the new moon through glass. I suppose because I’m a country girl and like to be out in the open air.'
Vivien, interviewed by the Daily Express, Friday 19th August 1960, p.8.

Two of the charms in this highly personal bracelet commemorate some of the most memorable achievements of Vivien's career. Her Oscar-winning® performance in Gone with the Wind (1939) is commemorated by a charm designed as the novel by Margaret Mitchell from which the film was adapted, the interior pages revealing both her name and that of her character, Scarlett O'Hara. Vivien's own copies of both the novel and the screenplay are also offered in this sale. Similarly, the oval locket contains a recreation by Vivien of a painting of the famous entertainer and muse Emma, Lady Hamilton by George Romney. Vivien starred as Lady Hamilton (1675 - 1815) in That Hamilton Woman (1941), opposite Larry, who played Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. In pairing Vivien with her onscreen characters, both of these charms underline the deep connections she felt between herself and the women she brought to life on film.