A DIAMOND AND GOLD 'CORDES LUDO' JARRETIERE BRACELET,... Lot 40

A DIAMOND AND GOLD 'CORDES LUDO' JARRETIERE BRACELET, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, CIRCA 1945-50The flexible bracelet designed as four-rows of gold ropework, with pavé-set diamond cap and tassel terminals, to the round brilliant-cut diamond bar clasp with gold ropework trim, mounted in 18K gold, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French assay marks, maker's mark 'P&Fils' length 26.4cmIn 1895, a young couple by the name of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef, were married. She the daughter of a precious stones dealer and he the son of a stone-cutter, they found in each other not only a great love, but a shared love and passion for precious stones. Eager and enthusiastic to build more than just a life together, they founded a business which would become an international household name for over a century to come.In 1906, Alfred, together with Estelle’s brother Charles, established the Maison of Van Cleef & Arpels in Place Vendôme in Paris, in the heart of Parisian high fashion and society. They were subsequently joined by the two younger Arpel brothers, completing the family affair.Van Cleef & Arpels exhibited widely throughout the course of its rich history. In 1992, The Palais Galliera, also formally known as the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, held a major retrospective of the creations of Van Cleef & Arpels. The exhibition included pieces from the House’s own collection, put together over the years by Jacques Arpels, as well as a number of pieces loaned from loyal clients of the House. Article number 302 in the original exhibition catalogue is a “Bracelet Cordes Ludo”, exactly like the example included in this auction. Dating from 1949, it is described in the exhibition catalogue as “Collier trois rang de cordes or, le fermoir et le haut des glands est en brilliants montés sur platine. Collection Van Cleef & Arpels No d’origine 61967”.The “Cordes Ludo” bracelets come from a collection inspired by the couturier and their relationship with the textiles, cloths an