A minaudière is a small case which can hold a variety of objects such as lipstick or cigarette holder, compact or other makeup accessory. The minaudière appeared during the 1930s. Its invention is attributed to Charles Arpels, of Van Cleef & Arpels, but many jewellers and haute couture designers have created their own models. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco Minaudières including a Minaudière by Van Cleef & Arpels and one made of gold set with gemstones.
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS: A CASED ART DECO STYPTOR, GILT-METAL AND GEM SET MINAUDIERE stamped VCA, numbered 40354, compact numbered 40355 Rectangular form, gilt-metal sapphire-set thumb-piece, initialled, engine-turned with two applied gilt-metal bands, containing a removable, similar designed compact, lighter, box, mirrored inside cover, original case
Sold for £ 625 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2016
MINAUDIERE IN VERMEIL, BAKELITE, JADE ET CORAIL FRANCE, CIRCA 1930 Rectangular, the clasp in jade, coral and brilliants in papyrus flower, the inside with mirror, powder compact and lipstick, hallmarks: title and goldsmith (small gaps at the corners )
Sold for EUR 1.875 at Christie’s in 2020
Black Enamel, Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Minaudiere The rectangular case having a silver base with gold finish, with a black enamel ground, the lid decorated with a stylized flower to the corner set with carved rubies, blue sapphires and circular-cut diamonds set in silver, opening to reveal a mirror, a lipstick case, a powder compact and a covered case, signed Cartier, Paris, Metaux Divers.
Sold for $1,900 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2000
An early 20th century American Art Deco sterling silver and enamel minaudiere, Providence, Rhode Island circa 1920 by Theodore W. Foster & Bros (active 1898-1951) Of rectangular form with canted corners and chamfered edge heightened with engraving, the front with engine turned decoration edged with opaque black enamel centred with an oval medallion in translucent white guilloche enamel painted with a basket of flowers with tied ribbon above. The side and top with collet set sugar loaf cut amethysts. A pendant chain link drops to base and hinged unmarked silver wove chain to top. The gilt and engine turned interior with opening mirror compartment backed with ivorine to one side and powder compartments to the other. Stamped sterling and with makers mark to one compartment lid only.
Sold for £220 at Chiswick Auctions in 2019
A French Art Deco gold, enamel, hardstone and diamond Minaudiere, Janesich, Paris, circa 1925 with black champlevé enamel lines, diamond thumbpiece and borders, interior with a mirrored compartment and fitted with a bakelite cigarette holder and gold lipstick holder, the top and base with hinged compartments, one with a striker, the covers set with onyx marked on interior rims and lipstick with maker’s mark and French control marks, cover rim stamped JANESICH twice and numbered 70971
Sold for 10,000 USD at Sotheby’s in 2015
Art Deco 14K yellow gold and enamel minaudiere, with diamond set thumb latches. Green and black enamel body and chain compact interior. Green enamel mottled to resemble malachite, ca.1925
Sold for $1,400 at William Smith Auctions William Smith Auctions in 2019
