Whilst gone from the collection, some of our incredible pieces will never be forgotten for their rarity, ingenuity and the fascinating stories they told.
An incredibly rare necklace, this piece was once owned by Bona Tibertelli de Pisis, the Italian painter and wife of Parisian writer André Pieyre de Mandiargues, both of whom are associated with the Surrealist Movement.
This pearl necklace was made by the famed Parisian house of Froment-Meurice, most likely circa 1860, at a time when the firm was newly under the second generation management of Émile Froment-Meurice (1837-1913). Émile was son of renowned French jeweller François-Désiré Froment-Meurice (1802-1855), described by Victor Hugo as the Cellini of his day, and who is still considered the premier French goldsmith of the nineteenth century.
On the reverse of the fitted case is a stamp upon which is written in ink ‘Madame de Mandiargues’, referring to former owner Bona de Mandiargues, who passed away in 2000. Notwithstanding their own successes, both Bona and her husband were closely associated with some of the most important artists and writers of the twentieth century, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, André Breton and Octavio Paz.
This piece was formerly in the collection of the Maharajas of Indore, one of the greatest of the jewellery collecting Indian families, and was last owned by Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II (r. 1926-48). It would have most likely been made during the reign of his father, Tukoji Rao Holkar II (r. 1903-1926), a known customer of Garrard’s, as recorded in their purchase ledgers, although the order for this piece was not found (the collection of ledgers being incomplete).
With outstanding provenance and the finest of craftsmanship attributed to Garrard, this turban ornament, known as a sarpech, is a masterclass in both design and engineering. The form, a winged orb, in this case probably meant to be a stylised sun, was an ancient Indo-Persian symbol of divinity and royalty, and thus befitting of a Maharaja. It features a mechanism that allows the diamond set stars to rotate against a background of dark blue engine-turned enamel.
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This vintage Cartier watch is of French origin, and has been traced back in the Cartier archives to 1941. Created at a most perilous moment in French history, its romantic symbolism provides a stark contrast to the realities faced by this wartime society.
Designed in the naturalist style that Cartier was famed for in this era, the romance of the floral motifs is clearly exhibited through the ruby decoration. This watch is featured in the book ‘Le Temps De Cartier’, which showcases some of the finest examples of Cartier timepieces throughout their history.
This watch has returned home, having been acquired by Richemont, for whom Cartier is a subsidiary.
An early piece by the maison, this ring was handcrafted under the founder Sotirio Bulgari, circa 1925. Bold gemstones, ornate design, and master craftsmanship are all exhibited in this important piece.
Perhaps its most intriguing aspect is its connection to the Catholic Church as this piece was first owned by a cardinal, with rubies to represent the blood of Christ and diamonds representing purity.
This ring is engraved 'S.BULGARI XII . MCMXXV' for December 1925. During his pontificate, Pope Pius XI (1857-1939) created four cardinal deacons in the consistory of December 14, 1925. Among these esteemed men were Bonaventura Ceretti, Enrico Gasparri, Patrick O’Donnell, and Alessandro Verde. It is believed that this ring was specially commissioned for one of these cardinals. Acquired from us by Bvlgari, this ring will be meticulously preserved as a testament to the brand's early craftsmanship and innovation. Its journey from our collection to the Bvlgari archive further solidifies its significance, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at its beauty and historical importance.
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This 1970s ring by renowned French jeweller M. Gerard features nature’s rarest gemstones.
All Kashmir sapphires in existence were mined over an incredibly short span of time, between the years of 1881-1886. Coveted above all other sapphires, they are known for their superiority of colour, a rich cobalt blue and soft, velvety appearance. Today, to come across one natural and unenhanced Kashmir sapphire is a rarity of the highest order. To find two, beautifully matching in colouration, is almost unheard of.
M. Gerard, who once worked for Van Cleef & Arpels before setting up his own maison in 1968 had a desire to create ‘the most beautiful jewels in the world’. He lavished his pieces with the finest gemstones and diamonds, and this remarkable ring is no exception.
A masterpiece of Renaissance craftsmanship, this incredible ring features a rose cut diamond, traces of exceptional colourful enamelling and intricate engraving.
However it’s most exquisite feature lies hidden beneath the diamond, a hinged key inside the bezel. In 18th century Europe people would present a key to the object of their affection as a symbol to unlock the key to the heart.
Highly prized because of its rarity, coupled with an intense luminosity, original Russian demantoid garnets today are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
With a name meaning 'diamond-like', this gem has an incomparable brilliance and fire, which surpasses that of even a diamond! First discovered in the Russian Ural mountains in 1853, demantoids found fame amongst the finest jewellery workshops in Paris, New York and St Petersburg at the turn of the century. They were a particular favourite of Fabergé, who used this gem in his imperial creations.
This exceptional ring is set with an impressive 4.00 carat demantoid and features a bright and vivid green hue. Specimens of demantoid garnet are mostly small, and once cut, only a few stones weigh more than one carat, making this particular gem a true rarity.
This demantoid also features a clear and striking horsetail, a radiating inclusion, unique to Russian demantoids, that is especially coveted by collectors.
Conceived by Giorgio Bulgari in 1932, the very first Trombino Bulgari ring was set entirely with diamonds as an engagement ring for his future wife, Leonilde Gulienetti.
The Trombino, which translates to ‘little trumpet’ is one of Bulgari’s most instantly recognisable and iconic designs. Undeniably eye-catching, the Trombino Bombé cluster was pioneering as it enabled the central impressive gemstone(s) to stand proud as the centrepiece. The broad integrated shank of the Trombino design consists of grain set round diamonds with a graduated horizontally set row of baguette-cut diamonds tapering down from the central gemstone.
This Trombino features two incredible emerald-cut diamonds, with a combined weight of over 10 carats!