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This unusual and elegant leather belt, framing a series of gold coins, was created by Cartier in the 1950s and was previously owned by the Duchess of Windsor. Known as one of the world’s most elegant and fashionable ladies, she was celebrated for her legendary sense of style and exceptional collection of jewels. Described as “elegance personified,” The Duchess of Windsor was renowned for her innate sense of fashion and showmanship. For thirty years, she was hailed as one of the world’s “Best Dressed” by couturiers and fashionistas in both America and Europe, and was a favorite client of major fashion houses such as Chanel, Schiaparelli and Poiret. The Duchess gravitated towards stylish and decorative pieces from the 1940s and 1950s, and was among the first to wear jewelry set in yellow gold -- though of lesser intrinsic value, this style was considered avante garde before it became a fashion trend in France. Noteworthy not only for its provenance, this one-of-a kind belt illustrates what the Duchess of Windsor was renowned for – impeccable taste and an unrivaled flair for fashion at its very best. PROPERTY OF A LADY
A LEATHER AND GOLD BELT, BY CARTIER
Details
A LEATHER AND GOLD BELT, BY CARTIER
Designed as a black leather belt, enhanced by seventeen gold coins within studded surrounds, comprising: Central American Republic, two escudos, 1850; Costa Rica, two escudos, 1854; France, twenty francs, 1851, 1857 and 1911; Great Britain, sovereigns, 1889 and 1898; Guatemala, ten pesos, two and five pesos, all 1869; Italy, Milan, Napoleon, forty lire, 1814; Netherlands, ten gulden, 1932 and 1933; Spain, Charles III, two escudos, 1788, Madrid mint; Turkey, one hundred piastres, A.H., 1327, Constantinople mint; United States of America, five dollars, 1901 and 1911, circa 1950s, 26 7/8 ins., mounted in gold
Signed Cartier, marked S.C. (special commission)
Designed as a black leather belt, enhanced by seventeen gold coins within studded surrounds, comprising: Central American Republic, two escudos, 1850; Costa Rica, two escudos, 1854; France, twenty francs, 1851, 1857 and 1911; Great Britain, sovereigns, 1889 and 1898; Guatemala, ten pesos, two and five pesos, all 1869; Italy, Milan, Napoleon, forty lire, 1814; Netherlands, ten gulden, 1932 and 1933; Spain, Charles III, two escudos, 1788, Madrid mint; Turkey, one hundred piastres, A.H., 1327, Constantinople mint; United States of America, five dollars, 1901 and 1911, circa 1950s, 26 7/8 ins., mounted in gold
Signed Cartier, marked S.C. (special commission)
Provenance
Formerly the Property of the Duchess of Windsor
Previously sold at Sotheby's, Geneva, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, 2 and 3 April 1987, Lot 173
Previously sold at Sotheby's, Geneva, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, 2 and 3 April 1987, Lot 173
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