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THE PROPERTY OF THE LATE MRS MARCELLA ROSSISold to benefit Cancer Research UK Ltd. and King Edward VII’s Hospital Sister AgnesMarcella Rossi was an immensely stylish woman – one of the best dressed and most elegant of her generation and as her friends said ‘Once seen never forgotten’. That was indeed true and she maintained a rigorous discipline in everything she did, always immaculate. Even if she was going shopping in Chelsea Green she cut a striking figure. Born in Florence to an Italian mother and a German industrialist father, who established the first important textile company in Prato, she was always a true European speaking Italian, French and English fluently. At the end of the war she longed for wider horizons and came to London to study at London University in Bedford College. Her time here gave her a lifelong appreciation of London – and its people – which she never lost. After a short spell in modelling she opened an antique shop De Cleves in the circular building in Lowndes Street by the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel. One of the first visitors was a tall, elegant American also living in London – Gifford Rossi. They married in 1965 and so began twenty-nine immensely happy – and stylish – years together. Both perfectly dressed, they created an impression wherever they went and they appreciated the qualities they exemplified in other people and places. I first met them in the early 1980s. Gifford had a passionate interest in Napoleon and when they moved from the first floor to the second floor in their building in Knightsbridge in 1987, he sold his collection of Napoleonic memorabilia at Christie’s. I came to appreciate greatly their friendship and loyalty – Gifford’s advice on hotels and restaurants was always that once you have found one you like, it is important to be loyal - and they extended that maxim to all aspects of their lives. Once she found Saint Laurent, Marcella remained steadfast in her support and admiration. Both inveterate travellers, Gifford and Marcella led a cosmopolitan life between London and their apartment in St. Moritz where they loved walking in the summer. They entertained perfectly and Marcella was a wonderful help to Gifford in all his extensive business dealings in the Middle East. Marcella complimented her bold taste in fashion with equally powerful jewels, and as with Yves Saint Laurent, she remained a loyal customer of Cartier Bond Street for over three decades. Their close working relationship was such that over the years the Rossi’s commissioned several jewels to be made to their own design, working closely with Cartier draftsmen to bring their visions to life. The jewels offered here exemplify the breadth of Marcella and Gifford Rossi’s tastes, ranging from delicately wrought Art Deco diamond pieces to bold yellow gold statement designs of the 1970s and 80s; although stylistically diverse they have in common their fine workmanship and striking impact, both qualities enjoyed by Marcella in all facets of her life. Marcella’s high standards never wavered and she remained a vital and remarkable personality, interested in everything and with a lively and realistic view of the world. Charles Cator,Deputy Chairman, Christie’s International
CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND SET
Details
CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND SET
Cultured pearls, marquise, baguette, circular and single-cut diamonds, two diamonds deficient, earrings 2.2 cm, ring size M
Cultured pearls, marquise, baguette, circular and single-cut diamonds, two diamonds deficient, earrings 2.2 cm, ring size M
Brought to you by
Keith Penton