Exclusive and rare 14K gold cigarette case decorated with 29 old brilliant cut natural diamonds and 1 cabochon cut sapphire. Hallmarked: - makers mark LK - half moon and crown - 585 The diamonds have been checked and are all natural; the sapphire has also been checked. If any questions on the stones, please contact the expert in charge. Measurements: 84.4 x 67.1 x 16.2mm Total weight: 97.2 gram. Shipping will be done registered and fully insured. Louis Kuppenheim (1824-1889) started his business in Pforzheim, Germany in 1854 together with Heinrich Witzemann. The Firm Louis Kuppenheim was founded in 1857. After the death of Louis Kuppenheim in 1889, the firm was taken over by his three sons Albert, Hugo and Moritz; it would ultimately close in 1939. During the most successful years the firm would employ at least 200 people: gold- and silversmiths; enamelers and engravers. The factory would produce all kinds of small and precious objects such as boxes, minaudières and various cases. Due to the high quality of their pieces, Kuppenheim would export to various countries such as England, France and the US. After the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris, Kuppenheim opened a store in the French capital. Gold sold in France had to be at least 18 kt and was hallmarked as such. Since Kuppenheim only processed 14 kt gold, the pieces sold in Paris would bear no French hallmarks and the general conclusion is that these pieces were probably made in Pforzheim for the French market. The gold case in auction now is hallmarked with the German crescent moon and crown which would indicate it as being silver but we have the confirmation that this piece is 14 kt gold indeed and rare. For further reading on Louis Kuppenheim, please see: www.louis-kuppenheim.de