RARE AND UNUSUAL NATURAL PEARL, SEED PEARL AND DIAMOND EVENING BAG, CIRCA 1923, Van Cleef & Arpels

Composed of seed pearls with a white leather interior, trimmed by a seed pearl triangular overlay, suspending nine drop-shaped natural pearls, supported by rosecut diamond-set caps, strung on a double-rope cord, embellished by rose-cut diamond-set rondelles, mounted in platinum.

This handbag was owned by Florence Gould 1895–1983. Born in San Francisco 1895 Florence La Caze, father (Maximilien Lacaze) a French publisher who made his fortune in the USA. Florence moved to France after the famous earthquake of 1906 but would continue to hop between France and the USA throughout her life. She began a career as an opera singer until she married Frank Jay Gould in 1923. The multi-millionaire was son of Railroad magnate Jay Gould, Florence Gould is most remembered as a great patron of the Arts. Whilst she and her husband lived in Juan-les-Pins on the French Mediterranean, they accumulated a large collection of French Impressionist paintings. Their house was hub of artistic gatherings and many of the French literary and Art World elite were to pass through its doors. The Goulds also established a gambling casino and several hotels and restaurants. Mrs. Gould founded a number of literary and artistic prizes, including; the Critics Prize, the Max Jacob Poetry Prize, the Roger Nimier Prize for literature, the Engraving Prize and the Musical Composition Prize. She also set up the Florence Gould Foundation, devoted to French-American cultural exchange and friendship. As Mrs Gould had no family when she died, the majority of her wealth was left to the Foundation and it supports many projects and awards to this day. For a similar seed pearl evening bag from the Collection of Majorie Merriweather Post see Paul Desautels', Majestic Jewels Find a New Setting at the Smithsonian, June 1974, page 41.

Colour and Clarity: Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from VCA stating that the pearl handbag was made in 1923. Please refer to the certificate for details. In our opinion, the pearl drops dangling from the handbag are of white colour, slightly baroque drop shape, good lustre with moderate surface blemishes. Tiny seed pearls are cream white colour, medium to good lustre. Condition: There is one small light brown-yellow stain on the handbag close to the lower bottom. Also, there is a small area where the pearls are loosened showing almost a tiny hole. Both the stain and loosening pearls are not noticeable unless careful and close check, and they do not affect the overall beauty and integrity of the piece. Surface abrasions and wear to the diamond-set platinum rings, consistent with its age, overall 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. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by a Van Cleef & Arpels certificate of authenticity stating that the pearls are natural saltwater pearls.