Sotheby’s New York Auction of MAGNIFICENT JEWELS - April 29th

Sotheby’s New York Auction of

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS

Featuring 

Singular Colored Gemstones

&

Jewels from the Estate of Eydie Gorme:

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NEW YORK, 29 APRIL 2014

Sotheby’s annual spring auction of Magnificent Jewels in New York will be held on 29 April 2014. The auction will offer more than 450 lots at a wide range of estimates, together expected to achieve more than $37 million*. Highlights from the sale have traveled to three continents this spring, and will return to New York for exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 25 April. The exhibition also will include: highlights from the 13 May sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva; a selection of Important Watches to be sold on 10 June; and pieces from our Sotheby’s Diamonds retail collection.

AN EXCEPTIONAL KASHMIR SAPPHIRE

The April sale will offer one of the finest Kashmir sapphires ever to appear at auction. The Exceptional Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Ring (est. $4/5 million) features a square emerald-cut Kashmir sapphire weighing 28.18 carats set in a tapered baguette diamond mounting designed by Oscar Heyman & Brothers.

The stone has no indications of heat treatment and is described by the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) as “a gem of singular importance.”   According to the AGL, “It possesses the quintessential, velvety blue color that distinguishes a fine Kashmir sapphire….The pleasing color of this sapphire is further enhanced by a square emerald-cut fashioning which resulting in deep, internal color reflections and brilliance that complement the overall visual appearance of the stone, as well as a high clarity that results in a heightened degree of transparency.” 

Gary Schuler, Senior Vice President and Director of the New York Jewelry Department commented: “The current world record price per carat for a Kashmir sapphire at auction is $175,821, achieved for the Richelieu Sapphires (26.66 and 20.88 carats) at Sotheby’s in Geneva in November 2013. The exceptional quality of this sapphire has the potential to reach historic heights as well, with proceeds benefiting a charitable foundation.”

MAGNIFICENT DIAMONDS 
and COLORED STONES

The selection of colored diamonds on offer in April is led by the Magnificent Fancy Intense Orangy Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring (est. $6/7 million). The beautifully-shaped, cushion-cut diamond of 15.23 carats, VS2 clarity, displays a soft, feminine color reminiscent of pink diamonds in historic and royal collections.

Also highlighting the important stones in the sale is The El Dorado Emerald (est. $1.8/2.2 million), an emerald-cut Colombian emerald weighing 36.53 carats, set in a platinum, 18 karat gold and diamond ring mounting. A prime example of the finest emerald material, the Classic Colombian emerald combines size, color and clarity without any kind of oil or resin enhancement.

In total, the April auction will offer more than 30 top-quality white diamond rings and diamond ear-studs weighing between 5 and 15 carats, estimated from $50,000 to $900,000.

  

JEWELS FROM THE ESTATE 
OF EYDIE GORME

The April auction will offer a stunning, romantic selection of jewels from the estate of Eydie Gorme, comprising both classic diamonds and decorative pieces. Almost all of the jewels in the collection were given to Gorme by her husband Steve Lawrence – together for more than 55 years, ‘Steve and Eydie’ reigned for decades as America’s most sophisticated and award-winning pop vocal duet.

Highlighting the collection are a Platinum and Diamond Ring, Harry Winston, 17.40 carats (est. $350/450,000) and a Platinum and Diamond Ring, set with a marquise-shape diamond of 7.51 carats, D color, Internally Flawless (est. $350/450,000) that Gorme received from Lawrence on the occasion of their 10^th wedding anniversary.  Also featured is a rivière style Platinum and Diamond Necklace (est. $250/350,000), which Lawrence gave to his wife for their 25^th wedding anniversary.

Lisa Hubbard, Chairman, The Americas, Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division said: “Not only were Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence gifted performers, they were a wonderful love story. Her very personal jewelry collection is a testament to one of the great, enduring romances in show business history. Eydie dreamed of one day owning a diamond in every classic shape, and Steve Lawrence made her dreams come true.”

ICONIC & VINTAGE SIGNED JEWELS

An Art Deco period Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, Cartier, France, (est. $700/900,000) from a private collection leads the selection of beautiful signed jewels on offer in April. Also by Cartier is the iconic 18 Karat Gold, Colored Diamond, Diamond, Onyx and Emerald Bangle-Bracelet (est. $600/800,000) designed as twin tigers in repose on the wrist. In the menagerie of bejeweled animals created by Cartier, it is the felines, originally conceived by Jeanne Toussaint – the enlightened director of Haute Joallerie for Cartier during their most innovative years, who leapt into fashion history accessorizing the world’s best-dressed women. From Daisy Fellowes and Princess Nina Aga Khan to Barbara Hutton, Cartier’s ‘big cat’ jewels were much admired by the social elite once the trend-setting Duchess of Windsor was seen sporting their sleek, distinctive silhouettes in the late 1940s and 1950s. The influence of Jeanne Toussaint’s early designs has been ever-present in Cartier’s jewels for more than seventy years, as the cats remain one of the jeweler’s most popular motifs around the world.    

Another highlight of the signed jewels is the Gold, Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Emerald Ring, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, signed Tiffany & Co., and made circa 1915-1920 (est. $100/150,000). On offer from a private collection, this rare example of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work with yellow diamonds presents a lovely marquise-shaped diamond of 4.27 carats – potentially Internally Flawless – within an intricate filigree mounting reminiscent of ancient jewelry motifs.

FASHIONABLE DESIGNS

Fashion-forward collectors will love the array of jewels by Tony Duquette, the legendary American artist and designer whose fantastic jewels are distinguished by his bold use of color and volume. Featured from the collection of best-selling author Danielle Steel is Duquette’s Gold and Smoky Quartz Bracelet (est. $15/20,000), designed with nearly 700 carats of emerald-cut smoky quartz links. Collectors will also find bold style and vibrant color in pieces made by René Boivin, David Webb and contemporary designer Michele del la Valle.  

FOR MORE NEWS FROM SOTHEBY’S

Visit: www.sothebys.com/

Follow: www.twitter.com/sothebys

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

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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), andthe first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in eight 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 aglobal 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.

#FabergeEaster - #DailyJewel Spotlight on Faberge!!!

When you think Easter you think Eggs - when you think Eggs you think Faberge!!!!

Faberge has been known for decades as the company that created the bejeweled eggs of the Russian Imperial family.  Faberge is a company whose reputation is based on one man's love of his wife...Tsar Alexander III was so enamored with his wife the Empress Maria Fedorovna that he had an original elaborately jewel encrusted egg made for her by the Faberge workshops each Easter.

FABERGÉ SALON

“Fabergé Easter” saw an exquisite Fabergé salon and exhibition space set up in Harrods, with the famed Brompton Road windows and façade dressed in Fabergé flags, telling the story of the legendary jewellery house.

A luxurious Fabergé salon will house the jewellery collection of one-of-a-kind, collectible pieces designed for Fabergé by Parisian artist jeweller Frédéric Zaavy. The much coveted collection will be showcased in its entirety for the first time since its creation, as a tribute to the late Frédéric Zaavy.

A Fabergé “Egg Bar” will offer customers an opportunity to discover the iconic egg pendants, while a bespoke in-store engraving service will allow clients to personalise precious gold egg pendants with a special message of their choice. A digital space will surprise and delight visitors.

Re-Discover Faberge!!!
Website:      http://www.faberge.com/

Twitter:       https://twitter.com/OfficialFaberge

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Faberge

Pinterest:    http://www.pinterest.com/faberge/

#FabergeatHarrods - Easter at Harrods with the Iconic Faberge

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Have you seen Harrods window dressing for the Easter Holiday?   ...it is all about Faberge!   I know this is kind of late - but being a US based blogger just hasn't put my blog on Faberge's radar...yet!

But I thought it might be fun to share the new Easter tradition - Faberge at Harrods!!!

Harrod's April Magazine reported on it by saying...

"This week we are excited to announce the launch of 'Fabergé Easter' at Harrods.

A creative collaboration to celebrate Easter in-store with the iconic artist jeweller Fabergé. Along with taking over our iconic Bromton Road windows with their spectacular creations we will be exhibiting a rare masterpiece, an original Fabergé Egg – The Apple Blossom Egg, together with other historic Fabergé treasures. This Egg was designed in 1901 and is beautifully crafted in gold, diamonds and nephrite.

Fabergé have also created a luxurious salon which will house the jewellery collection of one-of-a-kind, collectible pieces designed for Fabergé by Parisian artist jeweller Frédéric Zaavy. The much coveted collection will be showcased in its entirety for the first time since its creation, as a tribute to the late Frédéric Zaavy."

HISTORIC FABERGÉ EXHIBITION

Fabergé and Harrods continue to make history this Easter by exhibiting a rare masterpiece, an original Fabergé Egg – The Apple Blossom Egg, together with other historic Fabergé treasures. This Egg was designed in 1901 and is beautifully crafted in gold, diamonds and nephrite. This is the very first time these rare masterpieces will be exhibited in the UK and in a non–museum environment.

FABERGÉ SALON
“Fabergé Easter” saw an exquisite Fabergé salon and exhibition space set up in Harrods, with the famed Brompton Road windows and façade dressed in Fabergé flags, telling the story of the legendary jewellery house.

A luxurious Fabergé salon will house the jewellery collection of one-of-a-kind, collectible pieces designed for Fabergé by Parisian artist jeweller Frédéric Zaavy. The much coveted collection will be showcased in its entirety for the first time since its creation, as a tribute to the late Frédéric Zaavy.

A Fabergé “Egg Bar” will offer customers an opportunity to discover the iconic egg pendants, while a bespoke in-store engraving service will allow clients to personalise precious gold egg pendants with a special message of their choice. A digital space will surprise and delight visitors.

HARRODS EXCLUSIVE

Faberge has been known for decades as the company that created the bejeweled eggs of the Russian Imperial family.  Faberge is a company whose reputation is based on one man's love of his wife...Tsar Alexander III was so enamored with his wife the Empress Maria Fedorovna that he had an elaborately jewel encrusted egg made for her by the Faberge workshops each Easter.

And in the Faberge tradition, they have created an exclusive jewel for Harrods...the Spiral Tassel pendant.

To celebrate the extravaganza, Fabergé has created a limited-edition Spiral Tassel Pendant, available exclusively at Harrods from 1st April 2014. The modern, playful, diamond-set egg comes with a stunning gemstone tassel, finished with amethyst, tsavorite, or spinel.

Welcome Back Faberge!

Website:     http://www.faberge.com/

Twitter:       https://twitter.com/OfficialFaberge

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Faberge

Pinterest:     http://www.pinterest.com/faberge/

Golden Celebrities and Golden Statues #OscarJewelry

Lupita Nyong'o layered on the Gold Jewelry from Fred Leighton

Celebrities who wore gold jewelry to the 86^th Academy Awards this year include:

Amy Adams in Gold by Fred Leighton

LUPITA NYONG'O* – Fred Leighton 18k yellow gold and diamond headband., 19^th Century yellow gold and diamond coiled snake bracelet, 18k yellow gold and rose-cut diamond spiked crescent earrings​18k yellow gold Frog ring, 19^th Century yellow gold, pearl and diamond ring, 19^th Century yellow gold and opal ring, 1960's 18k gold, turquoise, and diamond ring. 

 

AMY ADAMS* – Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection 18k yellow gold rhodochrosite, lapis and turquoise earrings with diamonds, Blue Book Collection 18k yellow gold square modified brilliant yellow diamond bracelet, Blue Book Collection 18k yellow gold ring with fire opal, pink sapphire, yellow diamond and spessertite beads and gold Tiffany Metro diamond band rings.

ANGELINA JOLIE* – Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels Collection yellow gold round diamond drop earrings.

CAMILLA ALVES* - Lorraine Schwartz rose gold and pink diamond earrings with rose gold and diamond ring.

LADY GAGA* – Lorraine Schwartz rose gold and 20 carat diamond studs, rose gold and diamond bracelet, and a rose gold and fancy grey diamond ring surrounded by pink diamonds.

KELLY OSBOURNE* – Solange Azagury-Partridge 18k yellow gold and diamond Crinoline earrings, 18k yellow gold and diamond Spaghetti Bombe ring, 18k yellow gold Skeleton square ring, and 18k yellow gold and diamond Offering ring.

COCO ROCHA – Azva 22k yellow gold earrings and 22k yellow gold vine cuff.

BRAD PITT – Robert Procop yellow gold and diamond tuxedo buttons and cufflinks.

Goldie Hawn in Gold from Lorraine Schwartz

PHARRELL – Lorraine Schwartz gold and yellow diamond studs and Be Happy gold bracelets with Ofira Jewels gold ball bracelets with multi color diamonds.

GOLDIE HAWN – Lorraine Schwartz rose gold 14 carat rose cut diamond ring, rose gold and diamond chandelier earrings, and rose gold diamond briolette drop necklace.

SALLY HAWKINS – Fred Leighton antique diamond double drop earrings in gold and old mine diamond ring set in gold.

KRISTIN CHENOWETH – Neil Lane yellow gold and diamond pin wheel earrings, yellow gold chain bracelet, and yellow gold and diamond ring.

Pharrell in Gold by Lorraine Schwartz

LOUISE ROE – Chopard 18k rose gold diamond bangle, champagne brown diamond briolette chandelier earrings set in 18k rose gold, and brown bear Animal World Collection 18k rose gold ring with brown diamonds, onyx, and blue sapphires.

JOHN LEGEND – Gentleman by David Thomas and Jason of Beverly Hills yellow gold and white diamond button cufflinks and yellow gold and white diamond lapel buttonhole.

IRELAND BALDWIN – H.Stern Iris 18k noble gold with diamond earrings and Iris 18k noble gold with diamonds ring.

RYAN SEACREST – Gentleman by David Thomas and Jason of Beverly Hills white gold with onyx button cufflinks.

MICHAEL B. JORDAN – Gentleman Collection by David Thomas and Jason of Beverly Hills white gold star collar.

Jaime King in Shaun Leane Gold Earrings

Celebrities who wore gold jewelry to 2014 Oscar parties include:

ALISON BRIE – Dana Rebecca gold jewelry.

AMY POEHLER – Paolo Costagli 18k gold Brillante earrings with L Frank 18k diamond wrap bangles and 18k gold and aquamarine Kings ring.

HELENA CHRISTENSEN – Pamela Love Fine 18k gold and diamond Arch ring, 18k gold and diamond Arch cuff, and 18k gold and diamond five spike earrings.

JAIME KING  - Shaun Leane 18k yellow gold and white diamond hook earrings.

PATRICIA CLARKSON – Lana gold Lumos drop earrings.

Thank you to the group at Love Gold for all the GOLD 

details!    http://www.lovegold.com/

CIBJO's Diamond Special Report focuses on synthetics...

CIBJO's Diamond Special Report focuses on synthetics,

announces conference to examine challenge they pose industry  

MILAN, ITALY: April 9, 2014 - With fewer than six weeks to go to the opening of the 2014 CIBJO Congress in Moscow , the third of the CIBJO commissions' Special Reports has been released. Prepared by the CIBJO Diamond Commission, headed by Udi Sheintal, the report focuses on the challenge posed by the influx of synthetic diamonds into the pipeline, and announces that on the first afternoon of the congress, on Monday, May 19, a special conference will be held to examine the issue, featuring several of the leading experts in the field and a cross section of the industry's leadership.

  

"To successfully position the industry, so that gem-quality synthetic diamonds can be absorbed into the product mix without threatening the integrity and status of natural diamonds, we need a panoramic strategy, which addresses a variety of elements and disciplines," writes Mr. Sheintal. These include research and technology into the methods used to create synthetic diamonds and the instruments and systems required to detect them, legal and ethical questions that are raised, including sanctions that could be imposed against those who do not disclose that diamonds are synthetic, and methods of marketing that enable consumers to differentiate between natural and synthetic diamonds. 

  

"As is always the case in CIBJO, the ultimate yardstick as to how our industry should address the challenge of synthetic diamonds, or any other challenge for that matter, is what is the strategy that will best serve the interests of consumer confidence, both in the products we produce and sell, and in our industry itself," Mr. Sheintal writes.

  

To download a full copy of the report, PLEASE CLICK HERE .

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The 2014 CIBJO Congress will take place in Moscow, Russia, May 19-21, 2014, with pre-congress meetings on May 17 and May 18. The congress will be hosted by the Russian Jewellers' Guild, whose headquarters will also serve as the main congress venue.

Busy, Happy Buyers and Sellers ay IDE's U.S. and International Diamond Week

US & International Diamond Week: 

Industry leaders praise IDE's branding efforts

"There are 401 buyers on the floor!" This announcement came through the public announcement system at noontime on the third day of the U.S. and International Diamond Week in Israel, throughout the four buildings of the Israel Diamond Exchange  (IDE) complex in Ramat Gan.  Traffic on the IDE trading floor was very dense and every table  sellers and buyers were hard at work.   

"It is a fantastic event, and I usually refrain from speaking in superlatives," IDE president Shmuel Schnitzer said. "There is a great mood on the trading floor, and this represents the optimism we generally feel in the diamond and jewelry business worldwide. We have hundreds of buyers on the floor who have arrived from all corners from the world, and this is very encouraging. The U.S. and International Diamond Week in Israel is a most important effort to brand our exchange in particular and the Israeli diamond industry and trade at large," he added.

Roberto Coin, the renowned Italian jewelry designer, manufacturer and retailer, said he was impressed with the IDE's effort to brand Israeli's diamond trade. At the conclusion of the Diamond Week's first day, he gave the event's participants a fascinating talk on branding. He summarized his address in a taped interview which is featured below.

Reuven Kaufman, president of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York emphasized - also in a taped interview - the importance of the close cooperation between the IDE and the DDC. "Our bourses and the respective memberships complement each other and together create great business opportunities that are win-win scenarios and add significant value, to the members of both our exchanges. The format of the U.S. and International Diamond Week in Israel is proving itself once again to be very beneficial for the international diamond business," Kaufman said.   

U.S. Antique Shows - Spring Pier Antique Show - March 29 - 30, 2014

U.S. Antique Shows - Spring Pier Antique Show

The Show Will Be Hosted at Pier 94, March 29-30, 2014

U.S. Antique Shows announced today that the internationally famed and ever popular Pier Antique Show will once again return to Pier 94 on March 29-30, 2014. Recognized as New York City’s largest antique event, the show will feature more than 400 exhibitors of quality antique furniture, jewelry, decorative and fine arts.

“Our exhibitors are really excited to bring a wide range of merchandise back to Pier 94 for our March show,” says Fair Development Director Andrea Canady. “We also have several new exhibitors that will be showcasing collections never before seen in the New York area. We feel that the addition of these new dealers, along with the many returning dealers, creates anticipation and enjoyment for our attendees.” 

Visitors can look forward to acquiring pieces from the 18th century through 1980s at the upcoming March Pier Antique Show. Items include a wide variety of kitchen and home décor, paintings, antique jewelry, art glass, ceramics and more. A varied selection of vintage clothing, jewelry and handbags will also be available.

Harry Greenberger of HG Limited has exhibited at the Pier Antique Show for more than 20 years. “Our theme for the March show is April Showers Bring May Flowers and we’re bringing a collection of mid-century umbrella stands. We also specialize in American handmade hammered aluminum from 1930s to 40s.” He continues, “We return to the Pier Antique Show every year because there’s no market like New York…It’s the most exciting and all the major buyers are located there. It’s the only show we do and we bring new collections each time!”

Show times are Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $20 and is valid for reentry both show days. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, call 239.732.6642 or visit www.PierAntiqueShow.com. 

About U.S. Antique ShowsThe Pier Antique Show is produced by U.S. Antique Shows, a division of GLM. U.S. Antique Shows, the world’s largest producer of indoor antique shows, focuses on presenting a wide range of antiques as well as antique, vintage and estate jewelry and watches to 50,000 consumers annually. The company is the only producer that serves the unique needs of the antique and antique jewelry industry supporting sales in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Miami Beach and New York. Their shows host internationally recognized dealers promoting the purchase of rare and unusual historic merchandise to antiques collectors, novice enthusiasts,socialites and celebrities. U.S. Antique Shows draws more than 3,000 dealers from 22 countries worldwide exhibiting their signature collections in 400,000 net square feet across nine shows.

For more information: 
visit www.USAntiqueShows.com,

like them on Facebook:Facebook.com/PierAntiqueShow, 

follow them on Twitter: @USAntiqueShows 

and explore their Pinterest: pinterest.com/USAntiqueShows. 

...and check out their new blog at www.USAntiqueShows.com/TheQuill.aspx.

Photos from: The ultimate guide to buying & caring for a vintage umbrella.