535
Van Cleef & Arpels
A Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphire Vanity Case, Van Cleef & Arpels, Circa 1940
- Estimate
- HK$60,000 - 75,000€6,900 - 8,600$7,500 - 9,500
HK$68,750
Lot Details
Push button decorated by calibré-cut sapphiresThe case opens to reveal a powder case, lipstick holder and a smaller lidded compartment18 karat yellow goldSigned <em>Van Cleef & Arpels</em>, numbered <em>45728</em> and <em>65874</em>
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Catalogue Essay
The invention of vanity case was a result of the change in status and lifestyle of women after the First World War. Not only were they allowed to put on make-up in public, smoking was also considered a fashionable pastime. Cases (nécessaires) made of precious metal and gemstones incorporating lipstick holder, mirror, comb, powder compact, and sometimes also cigarette holder became the staple accessory. Similar to modern day evening bags, ladies often owned multiple vanity cases of various designs to match their day and evening attires.
Van Cleef & Arpels
FrenchWhen Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels fell in love, their marriage paved the way for iconic jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels to become a symbol of unification. With their background in precious stone dealing, the Arpels found their perfect match in the Van Cleefs, a family of expert stonecutters. In 1906, Estelle's brother Charles established the company name with Alfred's help and opened shop in the Place Vendôme in Paris. To this day, this Parisian neighborhood is associated with turn-of-the-century luxury.The Van Cleef & Arpels aesthetic has always had its finger on the pulse of worldwide trends: For example, the house took inspiration from Tutankhamen upon the Egyptian king's discovery in the 1920s, which spurred a global phenomenon marrying Egyptian Revival and Art Deco motifs. Over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has produced intricate watches, earrings and necklaces with a signature elegance that mirrors contemporary tastes.
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