Jewels at auction: from Cartier to Van Cleef a hymn to spring

A riot of jewels for spring. The “Magnificent Jewels” auction also features the private collections of American actress Rhonda Fleming, known as the “Queen of Technicolor,” as well as Miami philanthropist Patricia Wallace, the latter with more than 20 pieces with notable makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and David Webb. Sotheby's in addition, it features three panther-inspired jewels from Mrs. Wallace's collection benefiting Panthera, the global organization for the conservation of feral cats, committed to ensuring a future for the world's 40 wildcat species and the landscapes on which they depend. Additional highlights include a selection of exemplary Art Deco jewelry and a stunning Egyptian Revival necklace crafted by Cartier.

Palm Beach Collector's Property – Aletto Brothers | Clip brooch with rubies and diamonds. Brooch designed as a flower, the petals invisibly set with calibré-cut rubies, the center encrusted with round diamonds, the detachable shank highlighted with baguettes and round diamonds, signed Aletto Bros, numbered 61896.

Cartier | Brooch with turquoise, lapis lazuli, carnelian and diamonds. The turquoise vase inlaid with inlaid turquoise flowers and lapis lazuli leaves, flanked by two inlaid carnelian birds, accented by single-cut old European diamonds, signed Cartier, numbered 5494; circa 1930s.

Van Cleef & Arpels | “Secrète” watch-bracelet in gold, mother-of-pearl and diamonds, France. Designed as flower heads, set with round diamonds, opening to reveal a round mother of pearl dial framed by round diamonds, complemented by a similarly encrusted white leather strap, quartz movement, Van Cleef & Arpels signed dial, case back and deployant buckle, case back and buckle numbered ML 2204, inner circumference 6 inches, with French essay and maker's marks. With designer pouch, setting pin and brooch.

Tiffany & Co. | Plique-à-Jour brooch with enamel, diamonds and pink sapphires. Designed like an orchid, the central petal with round diamonds and pink sapphires, decorated with round diamonds and a pear-shaped rose-cut pink sapphire weighing approx. 43 dwts gross, signed T & Co. With signed box.

Property of a lady, Diamond clip brooch, France. Designed as a flower head, centered on an old mine cut diamond, framed with old European single cut diamonds, the petals further set with numerous old European single cut diamonds, further enhanced with gold accents, signed Chaumet, Paris, with french parsing signs.

Important jewels from the Patricia Wallace collection. David Webb | Bracelet in gold, azure alachite, diamonds and rubies. Designed as a dolphin composed of carved blualachite segments, accented with round diamonds, further decorated with cabochons and round rubies, 6 inch inner circumference, signed Webb.

Property of a lady. Tiffany & Co. | Clip brooch with diamonds, emeralds and enamel. The frog set with single-cut round pavé diamonds, the leg wrapped in a bow highlighted in green enamel, completed by two cabochon emerald eyes, gross weight approximately 25 dwts, signed Tiffany & Co.

Cartier | Necklace in gold, coral, turquoise and lapis lazuli. Designed as a series of lotus flowers, composed of lapis lazuli, turquoise and coral tablets and cabochons, reverse further decorated with engraved lotus flower motifs, inner circumference 15 inches, can be worn with gold side displayed, signed Cartier, numbered 97793 75 ; circa 1960.