Van Cleef & Arpels

Broche rubis, saphir, or et diamants, "Danseuse" | Ruby, sapphire, gold and diamond brooch, 'Danseuse'

Auction Closed

March 26, 04:38 PM GMT

Estimate

30,000 - 40,000 EUR

Lot Details

Description

Figurant une ballerine ornée de rubis tailles ronde et ovale, de saphirs taille ovale et de diamants tailles 8/8 et brillant, dimensions 65 x 45 mm, signée, numérotée, poinçons français pour le platine (950°/00) et l'or 18K (750°/00), poinçons de maître, poids brut 26.37 g, écrin signé Van Cleef & Arpels, fin des années 1940.

Depicting a ballerina set with circular-cut and oval rubies, oval sapphires, single- and brilliant-cut diamonds, measuring approximately 65 x 45 mm, signed, numbered, French assay marks for platinum and 18 carat gold, maker's marks, gross weight 26.37 grams; case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels; late 1940s.

Please note that the brooch bears the maker's mark for Atelier Billy and is numbered 58757. Veuillez noter que cette broche porte le poinçon de maître pour l'atelier Billy et est numérotée 58757.

Van Cleef & Arpels has a rich history with dance, starting in the 1920s when co-founder Louis Arpels frequented the Opéra Garnier. In 1941, the brand began creating iconic ballerina clips, featuring dancers in tutus set with diamonds and precious stones. The pieces, often adorned with vibrant gems like turquoise, rubies, and emeralds, captured dancers mid-pose, exuding movement and life. Some clips used textured gold instead of gems, catering to those who favored precious metals. The first brooches were a collaboration between Maurice Duvalet and John Rubel in the early 1940s. After ceasing production in the 1960s, Van Cleef & Arpels revived the ballerina designs in the 2000s. The 2007 Ballet Précieux collection and 2018’s Twelve Dancing Princesses collection further celebrated this iconic motif.