A captivating Cartier brooch, crafted from black jasper and adorned with two vivid marquise-shaped yellow diamond eyes, is one of 190 stunning pieces featured in Christie’s New York’s latest online auction.
This 1962 creation, titled Black Alley Cat and estimated at $15,000 to $20,000, comes from the legendary jewelry collection of former fashion model Nina Dyer. Known for her love of exotic animals, Dyer once kept black panthers—gifts from her first husband, Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza—as pets.
Dyer’s second husband, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, further enriched her collection, gifting her several Cartier “Great Cat” pieces, including this remarkable brooch. Her personal trove of treasures also featured a variety of cuffs, bangles, rings, and pins, all created by renowned jewelry houses. Tragically, Dyer passed away at the age of 35 in 1965, leaving behind a legacy of opulent and rare jewels.
While Christie’s has not provided detailed information on the yellow diamonds in the brooch, they caution bidders that the gems have not been tested for natural color.
Also commanding attention in this sale is a pair of Boucheron diamond cluster earrings, featuring pear-shaped diamonds weighing up to 8 carats, with a price estimate between $450,000 and $550,000. Another standout is an 8.88-carat diamond ring (D color, VVS1 clarity), expected to fetch between $300,000 and $400,000, and offered without reserve.
The Jewels Online auction, which also showcases pieces from iconic brands like Bulgari, Gucci, Van Cleef & Arpels, and more, concludes on September 11.
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