A spectacular example of Belperron’s nuanced mastery of color. Using only shades of blue and the shape and depth of her stones, Belperron adorns the neck in a wash of color, like a loose brushstroke across the collar. To simulate haphazard placement, Belperron often spilled stones directly onto the table but then carefully mapped out each stone’s placement, indicating in her designs where the “light” and “dark” gems should be set. Often favoring cabochon stones for their unusual domes and subtle glow of color, she capitalized on their unique shapes to create a soft texture to her work.

• Sapphire, diamond and platinum
• Circa 1945-1955