Aquamarine, chrysoprase, pink and purple sapphire and diamond ring, ' Incroyable et Merveilleuse', Dior

The oval aquamarine weighing 53.67 carats to a bucolic decor, the branches set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the leaves set with chrysoprase, the flower heads with pink and purple sapphires, to the similarly set butterfly, mounted in white gold, size 54, signed Dior and numbered, French assay and maker's marks, one diamond and one purple sapphire deficient deficient, case.

Signed Dior and numbered PPN94002. Together with original drawing. Aquamarine stated to weigh 53.67 carats, clean crystal, vibrant colour. Diamonds stated to weigh 4.11 carats, sapphires stated to weigh 5.51 carats, chryoprases stated to weigh 2.62 carats. For further information please refer to the accompanying work sheet. One diamond deficient on the butterfly and one purple sapphire deficient at te back of a flower head. Hardly any signs of 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."

 

 

Christian Dior was the brilliant creator of the 'New Look' in 1947.  His revolutionary creations at that time provoked great controversy but fashionable ladies adored this style. They took to his designs of hourglass lines and long rustling skirts as Dior reinvented post-war fashions throughout the 1950's.  The house of Dior has always attracted some of the greatest talents in the history of fashion; Yves St Laurent, Marc Bohan and John Galliano, to name but a few. 
In May 1999, Christian Dior Haute Joaillerie first opened its doors in Paris on the avenue Montaigne, to be followed shortly by another on the Place Vendôme and boutiques in New York and Los Angeles.  The creative force behind this new direction is Victoire de Castellane.  Taking her cue from Christian Dior himself, Madame de Castellane is determined to infuse the same revolutionary spirit into the world of haute joaillerie.  Victoire de Castellane is a spontaneous woman who revels in beauty and life and adores extravagance in jewels.  All her jewellery is designed with that personality and philosophy in mind.  Much enthralled by romanticism and poetry, Victoire de Castellane creates striking and original jewels, drawing on her love of colour and exoticism, mixing precious and fine stones in a kaleidoscope of bejewelled fantasy.