Dec 11th - Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels New York

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AT SOTHEBY’S NEW YORK 

  December 11, 2013, Featuring:

RARE EGYPTIAN-REVIVAL JEWELS BY CARTIER 

JEWELS FROM DISTINGUISHED FAMILY AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS 

December 11th, Sotheby’s will hold their auction of Magnificent Jewels in New York, with a public exhibition beginning December 7th in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries. 

Lisa Hubbard, Chairman, North & South America, Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division, said: 

“Sotheby’s has broken world auction record after world auction record in our jewelry sales this fall in both Hong Kong and Geneva, establishing new benchmark prices for any diamond, any jewel and any jewelry auction. Our December sale in New York is distinguished by a number of true masterpieces, including five extremely rare Art Deco Egyptian-revival jewels designed by Cartier, and an iconic Boucheron bracelet of African inspiration that was first exhibited at the 1931 Exposition Coloniale Internationale in Paris. We also are offering two important private collections: one from the family of an American heiress, whose jewels have spent most of the last 60 years secreted in a bank vault and testify to a glamorous lifestyle in the first half of the 20th century, and the other a contemporary collection of sensational emerald jewels and fancy vivid yellow diamonds."

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS FROM A DISTINGUISHED FAMILY COLLECTION 

More than 30 jewels from a Distinguished Family Collection provide a fascinating look at the taste of an American heiress who lived in Europe in the 1930s–50s. She favored Cartier, 

Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels for her own jewels, and refashioned others inherited from her mother. The group offered in December represents only a portion of the original collection, as Sotheby’s previously sold jewels from the collection in 2009 and 2011. 

The group is led by a Magnificent Platinum and Diamond Ring, set with a 24.48 carat D-color, VS1 clarity emerald-cut diamond (left, est. $1.5/2.5 million), as well as an Indian inspired Important 18 Karat Gold, Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Cartier, London, special ordered in 1947 and set with more than 100 carats of Colombian emeralds (above, est. $600/800,000). 

Also from Cartier, London is a Pair of 18 Karat Gold, Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Earclips, circa 1940 (est. $75/100,000), inspired by the lush flora and fauna of India. Complementing the Cartier jewels is a Gold, Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Brooch, circa 1945, encasing a 41.20 carat Colombian emerald in an ornate diamond frame . A selection of Art Deco evening bags, fine gemstone rings and decorative jewels complete the collection. 

RARE EGYPTIAN-REVIVAL JEWELS 

The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 ignited a blaze of Egypt-mania and the 

instantaneous introduction of decorative elements from Egyptian culture into fine arts, interior design, fashion and jewelry. At this time, Louis Cartier, a collector of Egyptian antiquities, had the novel idea of reincarnating some of his ancient Egyptian faience fragments by mounting them into modern settings using platinum, diamonds and colored stones. 

It is believed that Cartier produced only 150 such Egyptian-revival jewels in the mid-to-late 1920s, and several very rare examples are featured in the December auction. The Magnificent and Rare Egyptian-revival Faience and Jeweled Brooch, Cartier, London, circa 1923 (right, est. $300/500,000) is designed as an Egyptian fan centering an ancient green glazed bust of the goddess Sekhmet, set against the lapis lazuli sky twinkling with diamond stars – one of only two fan-shaped brooches ever made by Cartier, London. This particular brooch was exhibited in 1924 at the French Industrial Exposition, Grand Central Palace, New York. 

Sotheby’s also will offer property formerly from the Estate of Iya, Lady Abdy, which includes four Egyptian-Revival jewels – two signed by Cartier. Lady Abdy was a leading light of Parisian society in the 1920s-30s, a friend of Coco Chanel and Jean Cocteau, and a style icon in her own right. She was much photographed by Man Ray and Cecil Beaton, and for Vogue by George Hoyningen Huene. Her remarkable collection at Sotheby’s includes the Rare and Important 18 Karat Gold, Platinum, Faience, Diamond, Colored Stone and Enamel ‘Sekhmet’ Brooch, Cartier, Paris, circa 1925 (left, est. $200/300,000) and the Platinum, Gold, Diamond, Faience and Colored Stone ‘Pylon’ Brooch, Cartier, London, circa 1923 (est. 

$50/70,000). Lady Abdy was photographed wearing the latter jewel for American Vogue in 1928. 

THE COLLECTION OF MARIA MONET MARKOWITZ 

The Collection of Maria Monet Markowitz comprises 40 elegant pieces dating from the 19th to mid-20th centuries. Markowitz is actively involved in the acclaimed Jewelry Arts Institute in New York, which teaches the ancient technique of granulation and more modern approaches to jewelry-making. Her curated collection focuses on period timepieces and the chronological progression of jewelry design.  Highlights on offer include the Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond Lapel Watch, Udall & Ballou, circa 1930 (est. $20/30,000), and a Pair of Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond Clips by Tiffany & Co., late 1920s (right, est. $30/50,000) – purported to be the only known example of Tiffany & working in the ‘Tutti Frutti’ style. 

CUSTOM BULGARI EARRINGS 

BENEFITTING THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION 

Bulgari will offer a custom-designed exclusive Pair of 18 Karat Gold, Spinel, Turquoise and Diamond Earrings (left, est. $18/22,000) inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and her film CLEOPATRA, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In tribute to Ms. Taylor, Bulgari will donate 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the earrings to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in support of her courageous life’s work in raising awareness and providing care for those affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. 

ADDITIONAL AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS 

Seminal designs by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. from a Distinguished American Collector include the 18 Karat Gold, Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond ‘Morning Glory’ Necklace (detail right, est. $100/150,000), an example of which was most recently presented in Vivienne Becker’s book The Impossible Collection: The 100 Most Important Jewels of the Twentieth Century. 

Also featured in Becker’s book is the 18 Karat Gold, Malachite, Purpurine and Ivory Bracelet, Boucheron, Paris, circa 1931 (est. $150/250,000). An iconic modernist jewel which exemplifies the influence of African art and artifacts on jewelry design, this bracelet 

was exhibited by Boucheron at the 1931 Exposition Coloniale Internationale in Paris. 

FOR MORE NEWS FROM SOTHEBY’S 

Visit: www.sothebys.com/en/inside/services/press/news/news.html 

Follow: www.twitter.com/sothebys 

Join: www.facebook.com/sothebys & www.weibo.com/sothebyshongkong 

Watch: www.youtube.com/sothebys 

Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in nine different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BidNow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids in real-time from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department, as well as Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine. Sotheby’s has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed 

on the New York Stock Exchange (BID). 

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium and prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium. 

MJSA ConFab 2013 - Profit Lessons for Jewelry Designers

Are you registered?  2013 MJSA ConFab looks like THE event for Designers!

Get ready to be ConFabulous! MJSA will present its second annual MJSA ConFab conference Nov. 3 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Offering a full-day of "profit lessons" for jewelry makers and designers, this year's event will feature some of the industry's top designers, marketers, contractors, and consultants, offering insights that get to the heart of what it takes to run a successful business.

Topics include targeting niche markets, creating a digital marketing plan, developing sales skills (even if you're selling challenged), working with subcontractors, and maintaining margins with low-cost metals. Presenters range from business gurus Andrea Hill and Cindy Edelstein to such acclaimed designers as Alex Woo and Lisa Jenks. (Actually, we have a dozen experts who will share what they know; while we can't list them all here, you can read all about them by clicking here. Believe us, you'll be amazed at how much talent we've assembled.)

Attendees will also be able to access the ConFab Online Extras, a collection of articles, videos, and other resources that extend the ConFab experience. As a special preview, we're offering a video flashback of last year's ConFab: Watch Andrea Hill, Cindy Edelstein, Bree Richey, and Malak Atut discuss what it takes to run a successful business. Just click here to get started.

India's Bridal Fashion Week to go International in 2014

For the next few weeks we will be seeing India's Bridal Week from such exotic local as Mumbai and this year in the nation's capital Delhi. However, 2014 will see a huge change...Vijay Singh, managing director, Fashion One International, is reported to have announced that in 2014 they will take the show International.

"We're going to London next year. I believe that any specific industry requires a new market. If you look at the Indian fashion industry, every designer is a name in outside countries as well. So why not (go international)," Singh said at the recent event.
Now - why would that be important to a Jewelry blog? Jewelry has traditionally featured heavily in the Indian Bridal look...so we are excited to see which jewelry houses are selected by the Bridal Fashion Lines for this first International Exhibit!!!

According to a report by the Times of India, this year's event in Delhi will be extravagant and include both Bridal and Couture houses.

"Participating designers at the six-day event are JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Shantanu and Nikhil, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, Ashima Leena, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Adarsh Gill, Jyotsana Tiwari and Rina Dhaka.

While Valaya is the opening designer, Tahiliani will present the closing collection.

There will also be a bridal expo - The Bridal Luxury Couture Exposition - which will run simultaneous with the IBFW. It will feature 65 top designers and creative wedding planners who will interact directly with the customers."

UK Jewellery Awards Winners 2013

The UK Jewellery Awards were given out, 17 in all, by TV personality Dawn O'Porter who hosted a lively crowd at the Natural History Museum in London.

Highlights included Designer of the Year going to Sophie Harley - Store Design to Bremont (who took two awards) and a special nod to Simon Fraser Author and Course Director at Central Saint Martins for his Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

Boutique Retailer of the Year  - Harriet Kelsall


Multiple Retailer of the Year  - Chisholm Hunter

Jewellery Designer of the Year 

Sophie Harley Design

Etailer of the Year 

TheDiamondStore.co.uk

Luxury Watch Brand of the Year  -  Bremont

Marketing Campaign of the Year  -  Keanes Jewellers Start Your Own Story

Platinum Bridal Collection of the Year - Sharman D Neill

Retail Employer of the Year  -  Allum & Sidaway

Watch Brand of the Year  -  Bering Time 

New Designer of the Year  -  Ros Millar

Jewellery Brand of the Year  -  Jersey Pearl

Store Design of the Year  -  Bremont

Independent Retailer of the Year  -  Rox

Retail Star of the Year  -  Abigail Stradling  and Allum & Sidaway

Supplier of the Year  -  Citizen Watch

Watch Retailer of the Year  -  The Watch Gallery

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry

Simon Fraser, Central St. Martins

Couture 2013 - Six Sexy Previews...

See You at Couture Las Vegas - Thursday, May 30th 

through Monday, June 3rd at The Wynn Las Vegas

GIA LAB CLASSES AT AGS CONCLAVE 

For nearly 80 Years, GIA has Played a Role in the American Gem Society’s Annual Event
Tweet It: GIA Offering Lab Classes at AGS Conclave #AGSConclave

When the American Gem Society held its first Conclave in 1937, the Gemological Institute of America was there. Both organizations were founded by Robert M. Shipley, so it was only natural for the GIA to be a vital part of what would become a mainstay event of the jewelry industry.  2013 is no different, and once again, GIA is offering lab classes at the annual Conclave, this year in Phoenix, AZ, April 24-27 at the Arizona Biltmore.  

In total, there will be four different GIA classes: The sessions, “Emerald Enhancements,” “Country Origin of Corundum,” and “Unusual Synthetic Gems,” will give participants hands on training that will increase their gemological skills. Each class will be offered twice during the event. There will also be a GIA lecture, “Synthetic Diamonds,” presented by Dr. James Shigley. 

“It can be difficult to hone your gemological skills year-after-year. There are new synthetics and treatments that come into the market with few gemology classes available for continued study,” said Ruth Batson, CEO of the American Gem Society. “The GIA at Conclave is a tremendous benefit to our  members and the best opportunity to receive personal guidance and hands-on experience in identifying these stones.” 

Conclave will offer over 50 unique classes at Conclave---for a total of 80 sessions over four days. In addition to the GIA labs, there are four other lab classes: “Advanced Jadeite Testing and Grading,” by Dominic Mok of the Asian Gemmological Institute & Laboratory;  “Emeralds of Colombia,” by Ron Ringsrud, GG, an expert Columbian emerald dealer; “Sapphires: Untreated and Treated,” by Chris Smith, from the American Gemological Laboratories; and, “Identification of Diamond Treatments & Synthetics,” presented by Tom Gelb, NCDIA.  

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. The American Gem Society is a professional organization awarding credentials for its members, who are held to the highest ethical and professional standards in the industry and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Less than five percent of jewelers in the country have met the exacting requirements necessary for membership.  

For more information regarding the American Gem Society, please call 866.805.6500. To register for Conclave, visit www.ags.org/conclave.

JCK Events Announces 2013 Design Center Rising Stars

JCK Events Announces 2013 Design Center Rising Stars

Cornelia Goldsmith

JCK Events revealed its anticipated 'Rising Star' roster this month, energizing the fresh crop of designer talent weeks before JCK Las Vegas. 

The 2013 Rising Stars areBibi van der Velden, Cornelia Goldsmith, Jason Dow Jewelry, Naomi Blumenthal Studio and Patrick Mohs Jewelry. 

Jason Dow Jewelry

Each will exhibit in the Design Center at JCK, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, May 31-June 3.

The JCK Rising Star program identifies emerging artists whose noteworthy jewelry design and manufacturing techniques are deserving of recognition in the current marketplace. 

Patrick Mohs Jewelry

This select group is invited to exhibit at JCK Las Vegas, in the Design Center, which specifically features a group of innovative, artisan-quality jewelers and up and coming brands. 

Previous Rising Stars, including Chris Ploof, Fern Freeman and Heather Moore, have gone on to achieve wider recognition and success.

Bibi van der Velden

"The Rising Stars are so important to the JCK portfolio because they infuse originality and innovation into the mix of products featured, both in the Design Center and, of course, the larger Show floor," says Lars Parker-Myers from JCK. "Their pieces are fresh and unique. It's great for retailers to get a glimpse at future design stars and to purchase something truly new and undiscovered for their customers."

Naomi Blumenthal Studio

The collections of Bibi van der Velden, Cornelia Goldsmith, Jason Dow Jewelry, Naomi Blumenthal Studio and Patrick Mohs Jewelry can be viewed at the Design Center at JCK, May 31-June 3, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:


- LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 28 - 30, 2013, by invitation only, and then continues as the events open their doors to all JCK retailers May 31- June 3, 2013 - Four Seasons, THEhotel, Mandalay Bay
- Swiss Watch: May 31 - June 3, 2013 - THEhotel, Mandalay Bay, Mandarin Oriental
- JCK Las Vegas: May 31 - June 3, 2013 - Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
- LUXURY Privé New York: July 29 - 31, 2013 - New York, The Pierre Hotel, Fifth Avenue
- LUXURY Privé Panama: August 26 - 28, 2013 - Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita

Skinner's Fine Jewelry Auction

Skinner's Fine Jewelry Auction

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Skinner, Inc. will host an auction of Fine Jewelry in its Boston gallery on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. The sale will feature over 550 lots of antique and period jewelry, as well as contemporary jewelry by Tiffany, Cartier, David Webb, and others.

Timepieces

Lot 553 - Fine Edwardian Carved Agate and Enamel Pendulette, Cartier, Paris , Estimate $15,000-$20,000

The cover lot is an early 20th century fine Edwardian carved agate and enamel pendulette by Cartier (lot 553, estimated between $15,000 and $20,000). This stunning piece features a rotating ball dial with Roman numeral hour indicators and a rose-cut diamond star to indicate the time, set atop the “Three Wise Monkeys,” two with rose-cut diamond eyes. Purchased at Cartier, Paris by Mrs. Charles B. Alexander, the piece descended to her daughter Mary Alexander Whitehouse and then to her daughter, the consignor. The Alexander mansion was located at four West 58th Street, New York, and was one of the most lavish homes of the Gilded Age.

Notable watch lots include a Cartier 18kt rose gold and diamond “Tonneau” wristwatch (lot 244, $8,000 to $10,000), an 18kt gold “Ellipse” wristwatch by Patek Philippe (lot 243, $3,000 to $5,000), and an 18kt gold open face chronograph split second stop watch by J.W. Benson (lot 241, $2,000 to $3,000).

Diamonds

The auction will offer an assortment of diamonds including a platinum and diamond solitaireweighing 6.04 cts. (lot 473, $45,000 to $55,000), an Art Deco platinum and diamond twin-stone ring (lot 546, $25,000 to $35,000), and a platinum and diamond brooch by Cartier (lot 475, $50,000 to $60,000).

Natural Pearls

Lot 535 - Natural Pearl Necklace Estimate $30,000-$40,000

Natural pearls make an impressive appearance. The March auction features excellent examples including a necklace composed of sixty-two pearls (lot 535, $30,000 to $40,000), a natural pearl necklacecomposed of eighty-three variously shaped and colored natural pearls (lot 545, $15,000 to $20,000), and a platinum, gray natural pearl and diamond pendant (lot 544, $20,000 to $30,000).

Artist Jewelry

Unique pieces by artist Robert Lee Morris will be featured including an oxidized copper and brass necklace and bangle (lot 106, $600 to $800) designed as a fringe of pierced disks, together with a bombé-form bangle. An 18kt gold necklace composed of thirty-five disks by Robert Lee Morris (lot 101, $5,500 to $6,500) is also up for bid, as well as a collection of works by Art Smith (lots 114 to 119).

Signed Jewelry

Well-known for bringing signed jewelry to auction, Skinner continues to satisfy the demand for unusual and signed works. A group of David Webb pieces from a prominent New York family includes a signed, platinum, 18kt gold, enamel and diamond brooch, (lot 466, $8,000 to $10,000); a signed platinum, rock crystal, and diamond bracelet (lot 469, $5,000 to $7,000); a pair of 18kt white gold, carved rock crystal and diamond earpendants (lot 470, $7,000 to $9,000); and a pair of platinum, south sea pearl and diamond earclips (lot 472, $12,000 to $15,000).

An Art Deco black opal, sapphire, and diamond ring by Tiffany & Co. (lot 551, $3,000 to $5,000) and an Art Deco enamel, diamond, and gem-set lorgnette by Boucheron (lot 550, $8,000 to $12,000) round out the eclectic and stylish signed offerings.

Previews, Catalog, and Bidding

Previews for the auction will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Monday, March 11, 2013, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.

An illustrated catalog for #2641B is available by mail from the subscription department at 508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery.

The Skinner website allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogs, and bid live in real-time through SkinnerLive!. 

Visit and “like” Skinner on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/skinnerauctions.

About Skinner

Skinner auctions draw international interest from buyers and consignors alike, with material regularly achieving record prices. The company’s auction and appraisal services focus on fine art, jewelry, furniture, and decorative arts from around the globe, as well as wine, fine musical instruments, rare books, clocks, Judaica, and more. Monthly Skinner Discovery auctions feature a breadth of estate material. Widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the business, Skinner appraisers have appeared on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, since the show’s inception. Skinner has galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts with an international audience of bidders participating in person, by phone, and online through the SkinnerLive! online bidding platform. For more information and to read our blog, visit the website atwww.skinnerinc.com, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/skinnerauctions , or follow us on Twitter @Skinnerinc.

Spotlight on Isharya's Spring Collections!

Isharya Spring 2013

Isharya goes big, bold and bright for Spring, reinterpreting its classic collections in fresh chromatic hues and free-spirited conversational pieces lusted after by trendsetters, daydreamers and bohemians chasing ‘la joie de vivre’. 

The Gem Rocks Claw collection presents playful patterns and prints inspired by the rich culture, wildlife and landscape of the African safari. Black and white jasper transforms into Zebra claw cocktail rings and pendant necklaces while African turquoise, rose jasper and mother of pearl take the shape of statement cuffs, stackable bangles, bib necklaces and geometric claw link earrings. 

The Gem Rocks Goddess collection features eccentric, eye-catching baubles fit for a Grecian goddess. Fashionistas reveal their inner Aphrodite with jagged-shaped jewels including the goddess power cuff, fringe chandelier earrings and stackable rings in an array of natural stones from green amazonite and blue lapis to golden pearl. 

The Modern Maharani Indian Summer collection plays off the heat of the summer solstice with electric colors and animal motifs. The fun-loving serpent wraparound cuff adds fervor to any ensemble from poolside bikini to party dress. Isharya revamps its classic vendome lily bangle with a palette fit for balmy Summertime temperatures, mix matching passionate pink flambé and electrifying neon green with the cooler, calming shade of aqua blue.

The Louvre Pyramid Luxe collection follows color suit, offering coral and turquoise-frosted resin 3-D pyramid pieces. The pyramid luxe flat cuff, louvre resin bangle and Lisa resin cuff are layering perfection, as they explore contrasting angles and beveled surfaces, resulting in edgy jewelry that is organically raw and playfully fun.

About IsharyaIsharya believes that women deserve to feel glamorous, no matter what time of day or occasion. Sister-in-laws Gauri and Radhika Tandon started designing jewelry as a hobby for friends and family, but quickly drew attention and requests from strangers who wanted to purchase their custom one-of-a-kind pieces. In 2007, the design duo took a bold leap forward with their dream of building a global fashion brand, launching their first jewelry collection and company Isharya. Inspired by India’s intricate and vibrant style, Isharya reinterprets the past with the future, mixing modern techniques with heirloom details to create beautifully bold and affordable statement pieces that are both provocative and sophisticated.

Isharya pieces have been worn by Hollywood’s most fashionable celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore and Eva Longoria while top fashion publications like Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle regularly feature the jewelry collections each season. Isharya is carried in many fine retailers around the world such as Henri Bendel, Stanley Korshak and Net-a-Porter.www.Isharya.com