An 18 carat gold, ruby and diamond parure, by Van Cleef & Arpels
Lot 180. An 18 carat gold, ruby and diamond parure, by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate GBP 100,000 - GBP 150,000 (USD 129,000 - USD 193,500) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
Comprising a necklace, designed as a graduated series of ruby cabochon and brilliant-cut diamond clusters, interspersed by oval shaped pavé-set diamond links and circular-cut ruby highlights, suspending a brooch pendant, together with a pair of ear pendants, a ring en suite, the necklace dismountable to form a pair of bracelets, London import hallmarks for 1981, 60.0 cm., 7.5 cm., 4.0 cm., ring size L-M, with French assay marks for gold. Signed VCA, nos.29507, 29510, 30457, 29507, 29511, 29506 respectively
Provenance: Given to Lady Spencer by Lord Spencer as a token of his love and gratitude, circa 1980. Lady Spencer was further photographed wearing part of this suite with Dame Shirley Bassey, when attending a function at Covent Garden, London, in 2004.
Christie's. The Collection of Raine, Countess Spencer, 13 July 2017, London, King Street