Christie’s New York is currently hosting an online auction featuring 190 lots, including a notable Cartier brooch made of carved black jasper. This unique piece from 1962, named “Black Alley Cat,” is estimated to fetch between $15,000 and $20,000. It is adorned with two marquise-shaped yellow diamond eyes and is part of the extensive jewelry collection of the late former fashion model Nina Dyer.
Dyer, who passed away at age 35 in 1965, had a notable collection that included black panthers—gifts from her first husband, Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. Her second husband, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, further enriched her collection with Cartier’s Great Cat jewels. Her collection also featured cuffs, bangle bracelets, rings, jabot pins, and brooches.
Christie’s has not provided specifics about the yellow diamonds on the brooch and has noted that these diamonds have not been tested for natural color.
Top items in the auction include a pair of Boucheron diamond cluster earrings, with pear brilliant-cut diamonds weighing up to 8 carats, estimated between $450,000 and $550,000, and an 8.88-carat diamond ring (D color, VVS1 clarity) with a reserve price of $300,000 to $400,000.
The auction, which features items from brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Gucci, and Van Cleef & Arpels, will conclude on September 11.
