Pair of yellow gold and diamond ear clips, Van Cleef & Arpels, late 1940s and a bracelet

The pair of ear clips of passementerie inspiration, set with three cords each with a circular- and brilliant-cut diamond tassel of yellow gold fringes set with single-cut stones, signed V.C.A. U.S - Made in Paris and numbered, French assay and maker's marks, pochette, together with a bracelet of jarretiere design similarly set, adjustable length.

Ear clips signed V.C.A-U.S made in France and numbered N.Y. 19674. Total diamond weight approximately 3.30 carats, overall G-I colour, VS-SI clarity as graded and gauged in the mount. Single-cut diamonds on fringes. All with signs of normal wear to the mount, scratches consistent with wear, in good condition.
"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."

Starting in the mid 1940s up to the late 1960s, most of the international jewellers (Cartier, Van Cleef  & Arpels, Mauboussin, Mellerio, Pierre Sterlé, Fulco di Verdura, Bulgari, Tiffany's Jean Schlumberger, Paul Flato) drew inspiration from the latest neo-Baroque trend in fashion, which was a full reaction against the minimalism of the Art Deco period. This very elaborate style, based on a post-War translation of late XIXth century Historicism, was launched by a small coterie group of grand collectors, artists and interior decorators like Madeleine Castaing, Charles de Bestegui, Cecil Beaton, Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, Christian Bérard, Jean Cocteau, Emilio Terry, Edward James, José Maria Sert, Leonor Fini and Lady Mendl. Fabrics, embroidery knots, ribbons, pompons, and tassels became sources of inspiration for creating highly decorative jewellery motifs. It was at this time that new metal surfaces were experimented with, and more versatility was seen in designs: interesting necklace, bracelet and brooch combinations.