Art Deco diamond and gem-set ladybug sautoir.

I’ve actually been avoiding posting this ladybug sautoir because I’m not sure how to do it justice.

This stunning example of Art Deco gorgousness was made sometime in the 1920’s, as you may have suspected, my jewelry sleuths.

As you can see above, this ladybug sautoir features an intricate geometric plaque set with single- and brilliant-cut diamonds, decorated with calibré-cut amethysts, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The plaque may be detached and worn as a brooch. And, although Sotheby’s didn’t mention it in their listing, I think the central element is a diamond, ruby and sapphire ladybug. You see that too, right? I’m not nuts?

It’s a sautoir, so – as we have discused – that means it features a pendant hanging from a (usually long) chain. This is short for a sautoir; it only measures 16 inches from the clasp to the tip of the pendant. But oh, how glorious the chain is.

As you can see here, that fabulous plaque is hanging from a fine chain millegrain set with rubies, diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires to match the design of the pendant. For me, this gem-set chain is what makes this a truly exceptional piece (that, and the ladybug). I love the pendant, but it’s not particularly usual for the period – although it is remarkably colorful. The chain, though! Spectacular.