Van Cleef & Arpels ballerina clip sells for record price
November 11, 2009 – A Van Cleef & Arpels ballerina clip in diamonds, rubies and emeralds, dating from 1942, achieved a record price of $422,500 at a Christie’s sale in New York on October 21.
The clip, representing the famous ballerina Maria Camargo, far exceeded its estimate of $80,000 to $120,000, underscoring the strong demand by collectors for vintage Van Cleef & Arpels pieces.
Maria Camargo’s face, a pear-shaped diamond, is adorned with a ribbon of rubies.
Her delicate dress shines with diamonds, and is enhanced by rubies and emeralds.
Van Cleef & Arpels first began to create ballerina clips in the 1940s in celebration of the dancers and their steps.
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