Pair of ruby and diamond ear clips, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1988. Photo Sotheby's 2013

Each designed as a leaf composed of calibré-cut rubies en serti mystérieux, and tapered baguette diamonds, signed Van Cleef Arpels and numbered, French assay and maker's marks, pouch by Van Cleef & Arpels. Lot 608. Estimate 75,000 — 115,000 CHF. Lot sold 197,000 CHF

Litterature: Cf: Sarah Coffin, Set in Style: The Jewellery of Van Cleef & Arpels, 2011, page 32 for a pair of similar ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Note: A similar pair of ear clips was sold by Sotheby's Geneva, in April of 1987, in the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor sale, lot 83.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Geneva, 14 May 2013