Lot 465. Important rubellite and diamond brooch-pendant, 'Orchid', Cartier, 2011. Estimate 675,000 — 960,000 CHF (616,893 - 877,359 EUR). Photo Sotheby's

Composed of a carved rubellite weighing 761 carats designed as an orchid, highlighted with briolette diamonds, the largest weighing 11.07 carats, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay and maker's marks, may be worn as a pendant with accompanying diamond and silk cord, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay mark, and a rock crystal pedestal, case signed Cartier.

Accompanied by a Cartier certificate of authenticity, the original sketch by Cartier, and a gemmological report. 

Notes: "Special orders are at the heart of the jeweller’s craft; they are also a part of its legend. Behind each one lies a desire, a savoir-faire, and the knowledge of being one and only one…

Cartier adopted floral motifs early in its history, capturing the flower’s delicate, ethereal forms in precious stones and sowing the seeds for its own secret garden. A profusion of petals, colours and textures blossom into fabulous bouquets, arranged to perfection by the jeweller. Here, Cartier’s emblematic flower, the orchid, is sculpted in a rubellite of 761 carats, mounted on platinum. The eighteen briolette diamonds which Cartier has selected and assembled in its centre exhibit a sparkle beyond compare…Creating this necklace, whose flower is a fragile as delicate, took all the expertise of Cartier’s finest craftsmen. 

Cartier signs here a creation that offers the artistic expression of femininity in its absolute form". Excerpt from the Cartier letter.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels, Genève, 17 mai 2016, 10:00 AM