Topaz bangle, Suzanne Belperron, circa 1935

Designed as four silver bands swing set with collet-set cushion-shaped, circular-cut and oval light blue topaz, smaller inner circumference approximately 125mm, French assay and partial maker’s marks.

Originally purchased by Elsa Schiaparelli from Suzanne Belperron.

Accompanied by a certificate from Olivier Baroin. Partial maker's mark. Stamped with French assay marks for silver. Topaz of nearly colourless to light blue colour, few inclusions, some small nicks and scratches. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 179 grams.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Elsa Schiaparelli was born in Rome, at the Palazzo Corsini, on 10 September 1890. After living in both London and the United States, she eventually settled in Paris, in 1922. It was there that she began her collaboration with the noted fashion designer Paul Poiret. She presented her first collection in January 1927.

Schiaparelli was a true eccentric, and loved to shock with her creations. Her designs often used surrealist trompe l’oeil patterns. One of her most recognizable dresses, which she designed in conjunction with Salvador Dali in 1937, was an evening gown with a lobster design. Cecil Beaton photographed the Duchess of Windsor wearing this unusual dress.

Schiaparelli admired Suzanne Belperron’s creations for their simplicity, the avant-garde combination of jewels and stones, and their sheer modernity. She was photographed in Vogue magazine in 1933 wearing several Belperron jewels. Throughout the 1930s, Belperron and Schiaperelli creations were used in photo spreads in all the leading fashion magazines.

The archives of these two creators reveal many of the same clients: opera singer and socialite Ganna Walska, Daisy Fellowes, Indian Princess Karam of Kapurthala, Mrs. Harrison Williams (the future Countess Mona Bismarck) and the Duchess of Windsor.