Cartier Bracelet to Lead Sotheby's Geneva Sale

RAPAPORT... An Art Deco Cartier bracelet from a prominent femalecollector is set to go under the hammer for $2 million to $3 million atSotheby's November Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva. The center stone is a 47.07-carat, royal-blue Burmesesapphire with high clarity, cut in a cabochon shape, flanked by twopear-shaped, white diamonds weighing 9.27 carats and 8.60 carats. The bracelet,made by Cartier in 1927, is one of several items the auction house will offerfrom the collection, Sotheby's said Wednesday. The unnamed Asian-American collectoramassed the jewels over five decades. "This wonderful collection of jewels and gemstones wasclearly assembled with both passion and joy, and we know that they weretreasured and often worn by their owner," said David Bennett, worldwidechairman of Sotheby's jewelry division. "The Cartier Art Deco bracelet isstunning in its design; its central stone is a sensational Burmese sapphire ofthe highest quality and color." Sotheby's will also offer a Cartier ring set with an11.20-carat, D-color diamond, with a presale estimate of $500,000 to $600,000,and another by the jeweler featuring a 17.48-carat Burmese sapphire, valued at $350,000to $550,000. Highlights from the collection will be on view in New Yorkand Los Angeles in September, before heading on an international tour to HongKong, Singapore, Taipei, London and Geneva prior to the November 11 and 13sales. Image: The Cartier bracelet. (Sotheby's)