Lot 440: DESC-IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE FLORAL BRACELET

Centering upon two flowers, one with an oval-cut sapphire center and pave-set diamond petals, the other with a circular-cut sapphire center and baguette-cut diamond petals, enhanced by baguette and circular-cut diamond florets, leaves and scrolls, attached to a tapered similar-set diamond floral band, mounted in platinum -- 7 in. long The 1950s was a time of affluence in America. At no other time in history would this country sustain such an extended period of growth when large segments of the population enjoyed the benefits of wealth. Fine jewelry was no longer just a province of the rich. The middle class could now afford precious stone jewelry and desired to emulate such legendary screen stars as Grace Kelly whose wedding to Prince Rainer III of Monaco on April 19, 1956 was an event that captivated the world. Jewelry of the 50s evolved from the bold look of the previous decade into sumptuous diamond creations. Yellow gold was replaced with white gold and platinum that had been restricted during the war. Whilst during the 40s, large colored gemstones were set into heavy gold mountings, now, with the introduction of Harry Winston's new flexible wire setting, the relationship between gemstones and mountings changed. No longer would settings dominate a piece of jewelry; gemstones now became the focal point.