Fancy owning a piece of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery worn by one of the 20th century's leading lights? Now you can – just be prepared to do some guesswork.

The pieces in question range from a simple pair of ruby-studded gold cufflinks circa 1944 to a dazzling gold-and-diamond pendant from the 1970s. They form part of the Van Cleef & Arpels Heritage collection, an assortment of pre-owned riches that the maison has gathered up privately to resell through its boutiques.