鑽石項圈, 卡地亞（CARTIER）

·鏤空花葉造型
·鑲圓形及玫瑰式切割鑽石
·內圓周約326毫米
·無款識
·盒子附Cartier 印記
·其中兩顆鑽石缺失

*拍品資料以英文為主，中文翻譯僅供參考

Special occasions call for special gifts, particularly when celebrating the wedding anniversary of one of the most prominent couples of the Belle Epoque in Sicily. Presented to Giulia Branciforte, Principessa Lanza di Trabia e di Butera, née Florio (1879-1947) on the occasion of her twentieth wedding anniversary from her husband, Pietro Branciforte, Principe Lanza di Trabia e di Butera (1862-1920), this choker would likely have been purchased from the Cartier shop in Paris, opened in 1899 on the rue de la Paix. The Florio family was one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Italy having built, throughout the 19th Century, an impressive entrepreneurial empire, ranging in activities from shipping, banking  and wine making, to tuna canning, textiles, metal work and chemicals. At the delicate age of fifteen, Giulia married Pietro Branciforte, whose noble roots could be traced back to 13th century Sicily. The couple made for a perfect fin de siècle match. The financial well-being of the House of Trabia and Butera was greatly aided by their union and the sum of five million lira which came with it, an unthinkable fortune for the time.  The money would be well spent and used in the restoration of the Palazzo Butera, located on the Foro Italico facing the Mediterranean Sea, which would become the quintessential meeting place of the elite in Palermo during the period of the Belle Epoque. Giulia, known for great kindness and grace, is remembered for the humanitarian initiatives she pioneered during the two World Wars, and for the support she showed towards the poor. 

Cf: Fundación Colección Thyssen-Bornemisza Board of Trustees, The Art of Cartier, page 19 for another example of a belle époque diamond choker by Cartier.

Diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 24.00 - 27.00 carats, on average of G-I colour and VS-SI clarity, as gauged and graded in mounting, additional segment estimated to contain approximately 2.00 carats. Clasp secure, later alteration. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use, two small diamonds deficient. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 240 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."