Take a step back in time and own a piece of 20th century Paris with these three iconic and sought-after pieces available exclusively at Tatler
Phillips Auction House has teamed up with Tatler for an exclusive offering of three vintage jewellery pieces, specifically curated for our readers through Tatler Unlisted. Each piece from Gabriel Falguières, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels is incredibly rare and have long been worn as an expression of self, sophistication and elegance.
The first piece, the Fecundite brooch is an exceptionally rare item that was first unveiled at the Exposition Universelle in 1900 in Paris. The exhibition showcased the Art Nouveau movement with the brooch taking the spotlight thanks to its simple curves and overtones of nature that embodies the aesthetic of the period.
The iconic and emblematic piece, priced at HK$425,000, occupies a special place in history, boasting exquisite provenance that earned a place in La Joaillerie Francaise en 1900, a book that accompanied the exhibition.
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The next stunning jewellery piece is the Lion of Persepolis pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels, personally commissioned by the Shah himself. To celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire in October 1971, the Shah of Iran threw the most lavish and expensive party ever held in today's standards. Royals, Heads of State and VIPs from all over the world attended the event in a specially-constructed tent city in Persepolis.
A few weeks after the main event, the 50th anniversary of Les Petits Lits Blancs (Little White Beds), a French foundation that raised funds for children affected by tuberculosis, was subsequently held in this sumptuous tent city. As a gift to commemorate the evening, a few selected VIP attendees were given a very limited number of pendants in 18K gold, depicting the famous lion of Persepolis.
It's not known how many were made and how many remain in existence today. The pendant, priced at HK$205,000, is a pristine example of one of Van Cleef & Arpel's most important pendants. It's signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered four on the reverse and engraved with the date of the event and the words, “bal du cinquantenaire des petits lits blancs Iran 28 Octobre 1971".
See also: Van Cleef & Arpels Reveals A New Look At Its Flagship Store
