Designed to be seen and admired

In the early 20th century these objects evolved into the ultimate accessory for a night on the town, whether in Paris, London or New York. Produced by leading jewellery houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, objects of vertu were as integral to an evening’s outfit as a dress or a pair shoes, and represented the perfect marriage of form and function.

'Such pieces were most definitely designed to be seen and admired. ‘Some have tassels and wristbands, so they were not made for hiding in an evening bag,’ says the specialist, ‘but were to be displayed prominently, like additional pieces of jewellery.’