Art Deco diamond and gem-set ladybug sautoir.

I've actually been avoiding posting this piece because I'm not sure how to do it justice.

1920, flapper, Gatsby, Downton, jazz, long necklace, ladybug, insect, calibré-cut amethysts, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, ruby, sapphire, emerald, brilliant cut diamonds, plaque, brooch, geometric, antique jewelry, estate


This stunning example of Art Deco gorgousness was made sometime in the 1920's, as you may have suspected, my jewelry sluths.

As you can see above, this peice features an intricate geometric plaque set with single- and brilliant-cut diamonds, decorated with calibré-cut amethysts, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The plaque may be detached and worn as a brooch. And, although Sotheby's didn't mention it in their listing, I think the central element is a diamond, ruby and sapphire ladybug. You see that too, right? I'm not nuts?

It's a sautoir, so - as we have discused - that means it features a pendant hanging from a (usually long) chain. This is short for a sautoir; it only measures 16 inches from the clasp to the tip of the pendant. But oh, how glorious the chain is.

1920, flapper, Gatsby, Downton, jazz, long necklace, ladybug, insect, calibré-cut amethysts, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, ruby, sapphire, emerald, brilliant cut diamonds, plaque, brooch, geometric, antique jewelry, estate


As you can see here, that fabulous plaque is hanging from a fine chain millegrain set with rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires to match the design of the pendant. For me, this gem-set chain is what makes this a truly exceptional piece (that, and the ladybug).  I love the pandant, but it's not particularly usual for the period - although it is remarkably colorful. The chain, though! Spectacular.

1920, flapper, Gatsby, Downton, jazz, long necklace, ladybug, insect, calibré-cut amethysts, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, ruby, sapphire, emerald, brilliant cut diamonds, plaque, brooch, geometric, antique jewelry, estate


This sautoir was listed in Sotheby's May 2011 Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby's.

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