A gold, onyx, enamel and diamond cigarette and vanity case, French, circa 1920. Estimate £6,000 - 8,000 (€8,200 - 11,000). Photo Bonhams.

Decorated with thin black enamel stripes, the ends also with black enamel and millegrain-set rose-cut diamond borders, with a black onyx pushpiece, on a black enamel-link chain and black enamel suspension ring, a wool tassel at its base, the interior designed to hold cigarettes in the lid, fixed by a panel with a pencil and "aide memoire" on one side, a mirror on the other, and two further compartments, one for powder and one for lipstick, maker's marks, numbered, French assay marks, four diamonds deficient, length 8.4cm

Note: This lot is very similar to cigarette and vanity cases produced by Cartier during the 1920s. The Japanese "inro" was the inspiration behind the cylindrical shape whereby both lid and base provided room for compartments. For further information see Rudoe, Judy 'Cartier, 1900-1939', 1997, British Museum Press, London, pages 126-128.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY, 24 Sep 2015 12:00 BST -LONDON, NEW BOND STREET