- 398
DIAMOND BRACELET , 1930S
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 CHF
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Description
Of openwork design, set throughout with marquise, baguette, circular- and single-cut diamonds, length approximately 180mm.
Provenance
Formerly in the Collection of Lupe Vèlez
Condition
The marquise-shaped diamonds are estimated to weigh approximately 0.75 and 1.2 carats, remaining diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 10.00 - 12.00 carats, on average H-I colour, VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Gross weight approximately 76 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
“Jewels I have to have to live, they make me sparkle and feel alive" exclaimed the Mexican-born actress and comedienne Lupe Vèlez.
After taking her first steps into the world of theatre at sixteen, Vèlez soon went on to conquer Hollywood with her innate charm and incomparable mix of sweetness and wildness. These qualities, alongside her firm and steely characters portrayed on screen, led to her nickname the "Mexican Spitfire".
In 1929 she met American actor Gary Cooper. Cooper was her one and only true love despite other long-term relationships with some of Hollywood’s finest, and a later marriage with "Tarzan" actor Johnny Weissmuller. The romance between Vèlez and Cooper was one of the most talked about and speculated relationships in Hollywood, publicised regularly in magazines across the world.
It was no secret that Vèlez compiled one of the largest and most valuable jewellery collections in Hollywood, as she was in love with jewels and often commented "I just can't live without them!”
Her collection consisted of various pieces that reflected her fashionable nature and trends of the time, such as amazing bracelets that were stacked along each arm. Vèlez would famously spread out every piece of her collection on a large white rug in her bedroom when guests visited. She would discuss her jewels with friends and they would try items on together as Vèlez wanted “to see how you look in all this".
Vèlez believed that jewellery was the best investment she could make, partly because she could wear and enjoy her pieces at the same time. Her theory proved correct and saved her from the economic crash in 1929, when many of Vèlez’s friends lost all their fortunes.
Today we have the chance to admire not only one of the most beautiful pieces from her collection but also to have a taste of Hollywood’s golden era.
After taking her first steps into the world of theatre at sixteen, Vèlez soon went on to conquer Hollywood with her innate charm and incomparable mix of sweetness and wildness. These qualities, alongside her firm and steely characters portrayed on screen, led to her nickname the "Mexican Spitfire".
In 1929 she met American actor Gary Cooper. Cooper was her one and only true love despite other long-term relationships with some of Hollywood’s finest, and a later marriage with "Tarzan" actor Johnny Weissmuller. The romance between Vèlez and Cooper was one of the most talked about and speculated relationships in Hollywood, publicised regularly in magazines across the world.
It was no secret that Vèlez compiled one of the largest and most valuable jewellery collections in Hollywood, as she was in love with jewels and often commented "I just can't live without them!”
Her collection consisted of various pieces that reflected her fashionable nature and trends of the time, such as amazing bracelets that were stacked along each arm. Vèlez would famously spread out every piece of her collection on a large white rug in her bedroom when guests visited. She would discuss her jewels with friends and they would try items on together as Vèlez wanted “to see how you look in all this".
Vèlez believed that jewellery was the best investment she could make, partly because she could wear and enjoy her pieces at the same time. Her theory proved correct and saved her from the economic crash in 1929, when many of Vèlez’s friends lost all their fortunes.
Today we have the chance to admire not only one of the most beautiful pieces from her collection but also to have a taste of Hollywood’s golden era.