Ruby, sapphire and diamond pill box, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1940s

The square case decorated with a ballerina, the skirt and hairpiece inset with calibré-cut natural and synthetic sapphires, the corset with a heart-shaped ruby and the face with a rose diamond, measuring approximately 25 x 25 x 10mm, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, NY, numbered.

It is understood that this item was purchased by private treaty from the Windsor Estate.

Stamped 750 for 18 carat gold. Signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Numbered NY 10794. Weighing approximately 19 grams. The ruby with typical inclusions visible under magnification. The diamond bright and lively. The french-cut sapphires synthetic, the pear-shaped sapphire natural. Metal with abrasions consistent with use. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, claritys and weight of gemstones are stat.mes nts of opinion only and not stat.mes nts of fact by Replica Shoes 's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

As icons of fashion and style, the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a strong relationship with Van Cleef & Arples, collaborating with the elegant jewellery maison on many of the pieces they commissioned, as well as enjoying some of Van Cleef & Arpels most innovative and now famous designs.

The first of the celebrated ‘Ballerinas’ appeared in the early 1940s in America and may well have been influenced by Louis Arpels' love of the classical ballet and by his close friendship with George Balachine, co-founder of the School of American Ballet. From 1945 the ballerinas were created in the Paris workshops. The graceful movement and delicacy of the dancers were well positioned in the sober post war environment but also added an element of much missed joy in their lightness of step.

In 1961 Claude Arpels asked George Balachine to arrange a ballet in three acts call Jewels. The first act was an illustration of France, symbolised by emeralds; the second an illustration of New York, symbolised by rubies and the third an illustration of Imperial Russia, symbolised by diamonds.

Numerous variations of the Ballerina brooch continued to be created in the following years, positioning the design as one of the most cherished and recognisable motifs, particularly in the Duchess’ native America.