Lot 175. A diamond "Comète" necklace, Chanel, 1995. Estimate US$ 180,000 - 250,000 (€ 150,000 - 210,000). © Bonhams 2001-2018
designed as a comet, centrally set with a round brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 4.25 carats, to a radiating spray of graduated similarly cut diamonds; signed Chanel, no.7B14, with maker's mark and French assay marks; accompanied by a signed box; estimated remaining diamond weight: 68.90 carats; mounted in platinum; length: 12in. (adjustable)
Accompanied by HRD report # 931478803, dated December 15, 1993, stating the 4.25 carats diamond as: G color, VS1 clarity.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Chanel, dated January, 2018, stating that the 4.25 carats diamond is G color and VS1 clarity; the 4.05 carats diamond is F/G color and VSS clarity, and the remaining 64.85 carats total diamonds are F/G color and VSS clarity.
Accompanied by a booklet of authenticity from Chanel, dated May 29, 1997.
Note: In 1932, a few short years after the stock market crashed, Coco Chanel debuted her first high jewelry collection in Paris. When asked why she chose to launch a jewelry collection at the height of the great depression, Coco's explanation was simple: she made costume jewelry in an era of easy prosperity because it was devoid of arrogance, in a time of financial crisis, this fades and the need for authenticity is necessary. She wanted to reduce a bauble to its actual worth. Designed by Coco Chanel and Paul Iribe and entitled Bijoux de Diamants, the original collection carried a theme of bows, fringe and stars. Lots 172 through 174 are limited production high jewelry pieces from Chanel's Cometé collection and directly inspired by the original designs from the 1932 exhibition.
Literature: Patrick Mauries, "Jewels by Chanel", London, 2012 (cover image).