Hammer

£12,000

A pair of impressive mid 20th century gold, natural unheated Burma ruby and diamond cluster clip-on earrings, designed as a large diamond in claw setting surrounded by rubies of various cuts and sprays of smaller diamonds, diamonds totalling approx. 2cts, the largest ruby measuring 8x6x4.9mm and weighing approx. 2cts, unmarked but tests as 18ct gold, 2.5cm long, gross weight 14.8g

Accompanied by a report from the Gem and Pearl lab stating that the rubies are unheated and of Burmese origin.

Provenance: given by American heiress and socialite Barbara Woolworth Hutton (1912-1979) to her goddaughter Jean Diana Morley Kennerley, and thence by descent through the family.

Hutton was known for her lavish lifestyle and unparalleled collection of important jewellery, which included pieces from renowned jewellers such as Cartier, Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari. In 2014 a jade necklace owned by Hutton sold at Sotheby’s for a record price- the highest price ever achieved at auction for both a piece of jade jewellery and Cartier jewellery- of $27 million dollars. Lot 64 in this sale, the emerald and diamond double flower ring, embodies Hutton’s taste in jewellery in its impressive scale and unsparing use of precious gemstones.