$8,125
containing eight oval cabochon cut rubies weighing approximately 18. 95 carats total, 36 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.25 carats total, and 24 baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carats total, consisting of two platinum clips with hinged clip backs, together with a frame allowing wear as a single brooch. Provenance The dress clips offered here once belonged to Gloria Swanson and were given as a gift to her lifelong friend, Virginia Bowker. Ms. Swanson and Ms. Bowker met as extras while working at the Chicago silent film company Essanay Studios. Ms. Bowker can be seen wearing the clips while sitting with her younger sister and Ms. Swanson in the party photograph shown above. The clips were passed down to the consignor, Ms. Bowker's niece, Virginia Small. Gloria Swanson enjoyed a brilliant film career spanning the silent era and transitioning into the modern "talkies" period, acting in famed pictures such as Sadie Thompson and Sunset Boulevard. She earned a Best Actress nomination from the Academy for both films and the latter of these included the line "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up", undoubtedly her most famous quote. Ms. Swanson became an enduring fashion icon for her flamboyant clothing and jewels which she wore with grace and confidence both on and off-screen. 15.80 dwts.
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2012-12-02
