DIAMOND BANGLE, CHANEL

Designed as a camelia, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds and similarly cut diamonds of black tint, set at the center with an oval diamond weighing 2.41 carats, inner circumference approximately 160mm, signed Chanel, numbered, French assay mark for gold and maker's mark, case stamped Chanel, two small diamonds of black tint deficient.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2161519131, stating that the oval diamond, weighing 2.41 carats, measuring 10.13 x 7.45 x 4.90 mm, is E Colour, VVS1 Clarity. Signed CHANEL, numbered 13N160, French maker's mark and assay mark for 18 carat gold. Diamonds of black tint estimated to weigh a total of approximately 4.00 - 4.50 carats, near colourless diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 25.00 - 27.00 carats, on average G-H colour, VS clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Two small diamonds of black tint deficient. In very good condition. Gross weight approximately 116 grams. Case stamped Chanel.
"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."

Camellias are synonymous with the designs of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. The blossom motif has been reinvented in many timeless forms within Chanel collections from as early as the 1920s, used both to accessorise clothes and as the form for some of their finest jewellery creations. It is thought that inspiration for Coco’s camellia designs stemmed from her early experience watching a performance of Alexandre Dumas’ literary work La Dame aux Camélias, where the flower takes centre stage. Following this discovery Coco adorned herself with silk versions of her favourite flower, developing these designs using a diverse range of materials, even extending her love of the bloom to chandeliers in her house.

In 1932 Coco launched her first fine jewellery collection titled Bijoux de Diamants comprising 35 diamond pieces. Coco commented at the time that diamonds were used ‘because it represents, in its density, the greatest value in the smallest volume’. In 1993 Chanel re-joined the world of high jewellery, recreating designs from Coco’s original collection, including the trademark camellia set with diamonds or rubies. 

This pavé-set diamond bangle is an example of pieces created during this period. It is a celebration of not only diamonds, which formed such a major part of Chanel’s first jewellery collection, but the bangle also depicts one of the most instantly recognisable emblems associated with Chanel – the camellia.



Accompanied by GIA report no. 2161519131, stating that the oval diamond is E Colour, VVS1 Clarity.