Lot 272. An exquisite coral, diamond and pearl tiara, by Cartier. Estimate USD 200,000 - USD 300,000. Price realised USD 775,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
Designed as two rows of graduating coral tablets, each tablet centering upon a diamond-set detail of star motif, set along the top with a series of graduating pearls and collet-set diamonds, flanked on each side by single and old-cut diamond festoons, with French assay marks for platinum and 18k gold, comb fitting deficient. Signed Cartier, Paris, no. 0330, with maker's mark.
The Metropolitan Opera Guild Collection.
Note: This tiara was a gift from Mrs. Kathleen O’Donnell Hoover to the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Mrs. Hoover, a talented author and musician, joined the Guild in 1937 and became the Chairman of the Acquisitions and Memorabilia Committee. A key member of the organization, Mrs. Hoover was greatly involved with the Guild’s acquisitions and she herself was a generous contributor to the collection. She purchased the present tiara during the 1950s and in great charity, donated it to the Guild for all to enjoy.
Christie's. Magnificent Jewels & the Rockefeller Emerald, 20 June 2017, New York, Rockefeller Center
