Coral, onyx, emerald and diamond brooch, 'Panthère', Cartier, Paris, circa 1972 - Sotheby's

Designed as a polished coral surmounted by a panther, the body applied with onyx, pear-shaped emeralds, circular- and single-cut diamonds, signed Cartier, Paris and numbered, French assay and maker's marks, case stamped Cartier. Estimate:  100,000 – 150,000 CHF

THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN PRINCE

PROVENANCE: This brooch along with the preceeding brooch, lot 580, was originally given as gifts by Johannes, Prince von Thurn und Taxis (b.1926-1990).

LITERATURE: Cf: Franco Cologni, Eric Nussbaum, Cartier: le Joaillier du Platine, La bibliothèque des Arts, Paris, 1995, page 210 for an illustration of a similar 'Panthère' brooch from the Collection of the Duchess of Windsor, sold by Sotheby’s Geneva in 1987.

NOTE: The inspiration for these jewels came from Jeanne Toussaint who was affectionately known as 'Panthère' by Louis Cartier. The first piece was created for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor who purchased a brooch of similar design, with the panther atop a polished sapphire. Since then the panthère motif has developed in design and is applauded as one of their most successful creations

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels. Genève | 14 mai 2013 - www.sothebys.com