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TWO CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND DEMI-PARURES
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 CHF
bidding is closed
Description
One demi-parure composed of a bracelet and a ring, set with cultured pearls, brilliant-cut, marquise-shaped and baguette diamonds, bracelet length approximately 190mm, ring size 581/2, and the other composed of a necklace and a pair of ear clips, set with cultured pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, shortest length approximately 470mm.
Condition
Ear clips with French maker's mark and assay mark for 18 carat gold. Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 23.00 - 25.00 carats, on average G-H colour, VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Cultured pearls with typical surface imperfections. In good condition. Total gross weight approximately 427 grams.
"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."
"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
By family tradition, these cultured pearl and diamond jewels were made by René Sim Lacaze, a close friend of the family. The ring was originally the clasp of the three row necklace. The clasp of the necklace was later modified and a matching pair of earrings was made. René Sim Lacaze was one of the most important jewellery designers of the 20th century. He was born René Lacaze in Paris during the summer of 1901 and was immersed in artistic beauty from a very young age. While growing up, he spent a lot of time with his mother in her dressmaking studio and often went to visit museums with his uncle. René discovered his passion for jewellery when a family friend would narrate his stories on the extraordinary gemstones and jewels that he had encountered in his life as a jewellery trader.
René started a four-year training course at Atelier Mentel, a Parisian workshop collaborating with famous jewellers such as Cartier, Boucheron and Janesich. At the age of 20, he had to interrupt his training to complete his military service, where he became the cartographer. He returned to Paris eager to continue his career in jewellery. Eventually René was hired by Van Cleef & Arpels, where he became the artistic and design director in 1926.
In 1928, in honour to his newlywed wife Simone, René decided to add the first syllable of her name to his own, and from that moment he was referred to as René Sim Lacaze.
He and Renée Puissant, the daughter of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, formed a formidable artistic partnership. In their thirteen year collaboration, Art Deco’s iconic pieces came to life, including the Minaudière, the Ludo bracelet and the most famous of all, the innovative Serti Mystérieux. Suggested by the Duchess of Windsor in the 1930s, the Zip necklace was one of their avant-garde creations. Together, René and Estelle were able to turn imagination into reality and forged a creative heritage which endures to this day.
This extraordinary venture came to an end due to World War II. René Sim Lacaze later joined Mauboussin, while in parallel, he started working for himself. He was commissioned by numerous prestigious jewellery houses, such as Cartier, Harry Winston and Sterlé.
René Sim Lacaze was indisputably one of the greatest jewellery designers of the 20th century. He passed away on January the 5th, 2000, at the age of 99, leaving behind beautiful and inspirational designs.
René started a four-year training course at Atelier Mentel, a Parisian workshop collaborating with famous jewellers such as Cartier, Boucheron and Janesich. At the age of 20, he had to interrupt his training to complete his military service, where he became the cartographer. He returned to Paris eager to continue his career in jewellery. Eventually René was hired by Van Cleef & Arpels, where he became the artistic and design director in 1926.
In 1928, in honour to his newlywed wife Simone, René decided to add the first syllable of her name to his own, and from that moment he was referred to as René Sim Lacaze.
He and Renée Puissant, the daughter of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, formed a formidable artistic partnership. In their thirteen year collaboration, Art Deco’s iconic pieces came to life, including the Minaudière, the Ludo bracelet and the most famous of all, the innovative Serti Mystérieux. Suggested by the Duchess of Windsor in the 1930s, the Zip necklace was one of their avant-garde creations. Together, René and Estelle were able to turn imagination into reality and forged a creative heritage which endures to this day.
This extraordinary venture came to an end due to World War II. René Sim Lacaze later joined Mauboussin, while in parallel, he started working for himself. He was commissioned by numerous prestigious jewellery houses, such as Cartier, Harry Winston and Sterlé.
René Sim Lacaze was indisputably one of the greatest jewellery designers of the 20th century. He passed away on January the 5th, 2000, at the age of 99, leaving behind beautiful and inspirational designs.