Christie's Magnificent Jewels - New York - Shines Bright December 10th

A 52.58-CARAT D-COLOR INTERNALLY FLAWLESS 

GOLCONDA DIAMOND SHINES IN A 500-LOT AUCTION OF 

MAGNIFICENT JEWELS IN NEW YORK ON DECEMBER 10

On December 10, after a banner year in which new heights were achieved for colored and colorless diamonds, Christie’s New York will conclude the winter auction season with a spectacular 52.58-­‐carat D-­‐color Internally Flawless Golconda diamond that possess a superior luminance, luster and distinct brilliance. The sacred diamond mines of Golconda yield diamonds of a specific type, color, and the highest degree of transparency. 

Exhibiting a superior polish and octagonal cutting style, a diamond this rare marks an unprecedented opportunity for collectors of the world’s finest gemstones. In addition, this blockbuster 500-­‐lot day-­‐long auction at Christie’s Rockefeller Center is comprised of important colored and colorless diamonds, rare gemstones, signed jewels, and natural pearls, expected to achieve in excess of $45 million. 

Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, commented: “2013 has proven to be a record-­‐ breaking year for jewelry auctions globally. Beginning with the historic sale of the Princie Diamond in New York in April to The Orange in Geneva this November, collectors worldwide paid record prices to acquire the rarest and finest gemstones that appeared on the auction block. On December 10, our team of specialists looks forward to offering collectors yet another opportunity to participate in a wonderfully curated sale.”

A SUPERB COLLECTION OF DIAMOND JEWELRY 

Property of an Elegant Lady 

Four Magnificent Jewels from an Exceptional Private Collector, all from LEVIEV, one of the world’s most exclusive diamond jewelry brands, offers a star lot in a cushion-­‐cut D-­‐ color internally flawless diamond ring of 26.72 carats (pictured below, left). The stone is mounted in platinum, flanked on either side by a shield-­‐shaped diamond. This magnificent ring is estimated at $4,000,000 – 6,000,000. A diamond pendant necklace suspending a pear-­‐haped D-­‐color VVS1 diamond of 22.12 carats to the pear-­‐shaped and oval-­‐cut necklace of 38.76 carats, pictured left, is estimated at $2,500,000 – 3,500,000, along with a diamond bracelet set with eighty-­‐eight rectangular diamonds weighing a total of 90.81 carats (pictured below, right; estimate: $500,000 – 700,000). A pair of pear-­‐shaped D-­‐color diamond ear pendants of 10.31 and 9.94 carats (pictured below, center; estimate: $2,000,000 – 3,000,000) round off the collection which was acquired and completed with great taste over the course of two years.

PROPERTY FROM THE MARION RUMSEY CARTIER COLLECTION 

AT SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

Marion Rumsey Cartier was born in New York on April 14, 1911. Her father, Pierre Cartier, was one of the three legendary Cartier brothers. Her mother, Elma Rumsey, was the daughter of Moses Rumsey, a prominent industrialist from Saint Louis. Madame Cartier’s Saint Louis heritage was of such importance to her that it ultimately formed her connection with Saint Louis University. Her legacy to the University included photographs, letters, and paintings. In 1932, upon meeting Father J. Barry McGannon S.J., then vice president and later Chancellor of Saint Louis University, Madame Cartier found a sanctuary at the University where her memories and extraordinary life could be preserved. Her remarkable collection of manuscripts is maintained at the University and the proceeds of the sale will in part act as an endowment for their preservation as well as other valuable projects. Marion Cartier died peacefully on March 20, 1994 in Geneva at the age of 83. Highlights include:

TUTTI FRUTTI 

Few designs have captured the imagination and enthusiam of connoisseurs and collectors as Cartier’s Tutti Frutti creations. These pieces are directly inspired by the intricate Mughal carving and craftsmanship found throughout the decorative arts of India from the 16th century onwards. The introduction of Indian influences and gemstones into jewels was one of Cartier’s greatest innovations in the Art Deco period. Seen in the example below on offer on December 10, the unique incorporation of jadeite cabochons in the Tutti Frutti series. As Lot 492 in the evening session of Magnificent Jewels, devotees of the Art Deco period will have a great opportunity to acquire one of Cartier’s most sought-­‐after signature creations.

RARE GEMSTONE HIGHLIGHTS 

Natural Pearls in an exceptional four-­‐strand natural pearl and diamond necklace formed of 148 individual pearls (pictured left; estimate: $500,000 – 700,000) ranging in size from 9.10 to 5.30 mm in diameter.

A pair of Colombian emerald ear pendants of 18.98 and 16.75 carats Estimate: $650,000 
– 850,000 

A Belle Époque Kashmir sapphire ring of 21.27 carats, circa 1910 Estimate: $1,500,000 – 2,500,000

Upcoming Jewelry Auctions at Sotheby's

Coming Soon at Sotheby's...


Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite
HONG KONG | 8 APRIL 2013



The catalog for Sotheby's upcoming sale of Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Auction on April 8 is now available to view online.

Browse all items on offer in both our iPad app and online catalog.


Jewels 
LONDON | 11 APRIL 2013

The digital catalog is now available to view online or on your iPad.
Our spring sale features a wide variety of jewels from renowned jewellery houses and makers of exceptional creativity and talent from the 18th century to the present day. Among them are whimsical 19th-century pieces, including various animal motifs, for which the Victorians had a great passion.

Results - Napoleon and Josephine Engagement Ring

The results are in...$949,000, almost 50 times the $20,000 Osenat had expected to bring in. 

“In my wildest dreams, I did not think we would outsell the estimate by more than 47 times,” said Osenat’s Emily Villane, who led today’s auction. “We based the estimates in our catalog on the actual market value of the ring, minus Napoleon and Josephine provenance. It is not our job to tell bidders how much they should pay for the historical premium.”

So why would someone pay 50 x what an item is worth?  ...the notoriety of a previous owner of the object is one reason that we have witnessed in auctions like the fairly recent Elizabeth Taylor Auctions.

The everything Dolce & Gabbana site Swide describes the auction as...

"The catalogue is full of incredible mementos like first editions of the Napoleonic Code, canes used by the Emperor himself, portraits of him and his family including a very special one depicting Napoléon François Joseph Charles, Napoleon’s only son and heir. "

I think all of this would however be great news to Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Born an aristocrat...Died defeated, exiled to St Helena. Yet, there is a definite romance to his story.  Interesting because before Napoleon you probably don't have descriptions of daily life and items that can be purchased with the monarch's image.  Considered to be the  first of the nobility to promote his image, Napoleon had china, pots, hammers, spades, fire pokers and candle holders produced with his likeness on them. 

BUT...Napoleon knew the importance of lineage and the Emperor (he promoted his title to Emperor of France in 1804 and King of Italy the following year) needed an heir.  So, a true marketer, his childless marriage to Josephine was dissolved in 1809 and one year later he married Marie Louise, daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, in April 1810. She bore him a son, Napoleon II, March 1811.

Following the divorce they remained friendly, Josephine was allowed to retain her title as Empress, and was moved to the elaborate La Malmaison, near Paris, where she had a dignified retirement and maintained a friendly relationship with Napoleon. So we know that this ring was a true declaration of love from the 27 year old Brigadier General, to a woman he pursued for two years, the widow of Viscount Alexandre Beauharnais who was 7 years his senior!

Just an aside - it is truly telling just how much the concept of attractiveness has changed when you hear the descriptions of the Josephine that Napoleon fell head over heels with following a brief meeting in 1788.  

"She accepted the seven-year-younger groom as a convenience as she was a well-used lady with sexual experience that belied her unattractive appearance; teeth that were black stumps and heavy makeup, appearing shopworn. "

Or, more politely...

"Joséphine was described as being of average height, svelte, shapely, with silky, chestnut-brown hair, hazel eyes, and a rather sallow complexion. Her nose was small and straight, and her mouth was well-formed; however she kept it closed most of the time so as not to reveal her bad teeth. She was praised for her elegance, style, and low, "silvery", beautifully modulated voice"

both quotes are from Wikipedia.

Jadeite SMOKED Skinner's Recent Fine Jewelry Auction

Skinner, Inc. announced strong results for its recent Fine Jewelry sale held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. The highly successful sale grossed $3,693,963.00 including buyer's premium, surpassing the pre-auction estimate high.

Jadeite, Art Deco & Colored Stones - The auction's top lot, a stunning double-strand jadeite bead necklace brought $348,000, more than four times its pre-sale estimate high of $80,000.

Art Deco pieces realized excellent prices. Notably, a platinum and diamond long chain necklace brought $162,000, more than double its pre-sale estimate high. The auction's cover lot, an exquisite platinum and diamond pendant by Cartier brought $90,000.

A vibrant platinum, Burma ruby and diamond ring set with an oval-cut ruby weighing 4.66 cts., exceeded its pre-sale estimate high of $60,000, selling for $150,000.

Pearls & Diamonds - Pearls and diamonds performed well, reinforcing their timeless appeal. A natural pearl and diamond necklace by Cartier composed of eighty-eight graduated pearls brought $90,000, and a platinum and solitaire ring, set with a square-cut diamond weighing 4.08 cts., sold for $60,000.

About Skinner - Skinner, Inc. is one of the world's leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner's appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Works of Art, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Silver, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough, Mass. 

For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner's web site: www.skinnerinc.com 

Source:  PR Newswire

Sotheby's Dec 7th Results...$30.4 million!

Sotheby’s jewelry auctions achieved $30.4 million in New York yesterday, 7 December. The day began with the ‘white glove’ sale – 100% sold – of The Elegant John Traina – A Portrait in Style, which more than tripled its pre-sale high estimate of $570,000 in bringing $1,921,755. The following auction of Magnificent Jewels totaled $28,477,500, led by top prices for white diamonds, natural pearls, sapphires and emeralds.

“As has been the case throughout our recent auctions, yesterday’s sales saw persistent demand and strong results for unique and signed jewels,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Co-Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewelry department, and Gary Schuler, Head of Sotheby’s Jewelry department in New York.

“The one-of-a-kind Platinum and Diamond Sautoir Necklace by Cartier sold for $1,650,500, above a high estimate of $1 million, while exceptional white diamonds and natural pearls brought top prices throughout the day. Though we are disappointed to have not found buyers yesterday for our top two stones amongst the rarified group of collectors at the highest end of our market, the results for the remainder of the sale demonstrate a continued demand for pieces of quality and unique character.”

Auction Results:

Sale N08805 The Elegant John Traina A Portrait in Style   07 DEC 11

Grand Total: $1,921,755 (£1,230,002)                                        Exch Rate: 0.64

Sold by Lot: 100.0%                                                                      Lots Offered: 92

Sold by Value: 100.0%                                                                  Lots Sold/Unsold: 92 / 0

LOT 43
 
PAIR OF 18 KARAT GOLD AND RUBY CUFFLINKS, SCHLUMBERGER FOR TIFFANY & CO., AND RUBY AND DIAMOND STUDS, DAVID WEBB

The cufflinks set with cabochon rubies, signed Tiffany, Schlumberger; the three studs set in the centers with cabochon rubies, accented by small round diamonds, mounted in 18 karat gold, signed Webb.

Complete Catalog of Auction Results click here

Sale N08808 Magnificent Jewels                                                07 DEC 11

Grand Total: $28,477,063 (£18,226,487)                                    Exch Rate: 0.64

Sold by Lot: 66.5%                                                                         Lots Offered: 340

Sold by Value: 45.5%                                                                    Lots Sold/Unsold: 226 / 114

LOT 434

PROPERTY FROM A PROMINENT AMERICAN FAMILY
A MAGNIFICENT PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SAUTOIR NECKLACE WITH LAVALLIERE PENDANT, CARTIER, NEW YORK, 1924

Designed as a series of openwork oval and bell-shaped links set with 13 old European-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 37.75 carats, centering a larger cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately 4.65 carats, supporting a lavalliere pendant set with 7 cushion-shaped and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 37.05 carats, length 15½ inches, signed Cartier, numbered 2419263; together with a length extender of a later date set with 13 cushion-shaped and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 22.30 carats, length 12¼ inches, separated into three segments, the necklace and length extender further set with smaller old mine and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 18.60 carats.


Complete Catalog of Auction Results click here

New World Record Prices at Christie's Geneva

CHRISTIE’S GENEVA 


SETS NEW WORLD RECORD PRICES

FOR A HEART-SHAPED DIAMOND

FOR ANY SAPPHIRE

FOR ANY INDIAN JEWEL

SOLD AT AUCTION

Christie's sale of magnificent jewels in Geneva achieved a total of more than $78M, the highest result for any jewellery auction ever held by the auction house in Switzerland. The top lot was a 56 ct heart-shaped diamond, which sold for more than $10M becoming the most expensive heart-shaped diamond ever sold at auction.


François Curiel, President of Christie's Switzerland :

 “The jewellery sale in Geneva was marked by strong bidding with moments of passionate enthusiasm, exemplified by an antique Imperial Mughal spinel necklace realising more than $5M. While the ‘blue chip’ diamonds and coloured diamonds were in great demand, a 130 ct Burmese sapphire stole the show at $7.1M. Forty-two years after our first sale in Switzerland, Geneva remains a vital, specialised auction centre in today’s global market.”

The TOP LOT of the sale was a 

heart-shaped D colour, internally flawless, type IIa diamond 

of 56.15 cts which sold for US$ 10,946,422, 

becoming a world auction record for any heart-shaped diamond.

Previous record for a heart-shaped diamond:
Heart of the Desert Diamond
A heart-shaped D, internally flawless, diamond of 64.42 cts
Sold on 16 November 1994 at Sotheby’s Geneva for US$ 5,248,846

A cushion-cut Burmese sapphire of 130.50 cts sold for US$7,122,742, achieving a new world record price for a sapphire at auction (illustrated right).


Previous record for a sapphire:
A cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire ring 
of 42.48 cts
Sold on 28 November 2008 at Christie's Geneva for US$ 3,475,210

An Imperial Mughal spinel necklace sold for US$ 5,210,902 setting a world record price for any Indian jewel at auction (illustrated left).


Previous record for an Indian jewel:
A Mughal ruby, emerald and jade covered flask
North India, first half of 17th Century
The Clive of India Treasure
Sold on 27 April 2004 at Christie’s London for US$ 5,210,209

About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2010 that totaled £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion.  Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 sale rooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.


Photo Credit:  Denis Hayoun - Diode SA

TODAY! Bonham's Natural History Auction

All I can say is WOW!

Right now there is a room in Los Angeles filled with people bidding on some of Earth's Treasures...ancient creatures caught in time along with works of art formed of natural crystal's from the crust (by talented gem carvers from the US & Idar -Oberstein).

Take a moment to flip through the catalog and envision yourself in room looking at these beautiful items....BTW - they have added about 5 pages of stunning gems and jewelry to the end of this catalog.

As the winning bids come in keep an eye on the pieces you love...some may not sell today...call the auction house for more info.

Lot No: 1240

Multi-color Tourmaline Rough and Cut

Nigeria
A large, cutting-grade rough of slightly tapering form graduating from bottle green at the base to rubellite at the top,weighing approximately 1700 carats; together with an emerald-cut bi-color tourmaline from the same locality, weighing approximately 12.47 carats and measuring 17.0 x 7.0 x 7.0mm. (2)

Estimate: $3,000 - 4,000

For more info, go to: http://www.bonhams.com/usa/auction/18406/

Items include:

Sale 18406 - Natural History
Los Angeles, 12 Dec 2010 at 10:00

Natural History - Pearls

Lots 1000 to 1092 Natural History - Fossils

Lots 1093 to 1122 Natural History - Meteorites

Lots 1123 to 1182 Natural History - Curiosities

Lots 1184 to 1204 Natural History - Amber

Lots 1202 to 1555 Natural History - Jewelry

Lots 1205 to 1228 Natural History - Native Metals

Lots 1229 to 1308 Natural History - Minerals

Lots 1309 to 1344 Natural History - Decor

Lots 1345 to 1369 Natural History - Lapidary Works of Art Lot No: 1121 Fukang Meteorite Rectangular Section Stony-Iron - Pallasite Fukang, Xinjiang Uygar, China Coveted by collectors worldwide, Fukang is famous for its marvelous, especially large olivine crystals. Only a single mass of Fukang was discovered. Meteorites typically explode after entering the Earth's atmosphere, often blasting the original body into tiny pieces. Impact with Earth sometimes vaporizes the main mass of a meteorite completely. Yet, this amazing survivor endured tremendous atmospheric and impact forces to transport its bounty of rare olivine crystals to Earth. Weighing approximately 930.3 grams and measuring 2 ¾ x 2 ¾ x1 ¾ in Estimate: $8,000 - 10,000 Lot No: 1355 Watermelon Tourmaline, Rock Crystal Quartz and Silver-gilt Box By Manfred Wild Idar-Oberstein, Germany Of hexagonal outline, carved from a single huge rough of rock crystal quartz, centering on two huge cross-section slices of rare watermelon tourmaline from Madagascar, set into the rock crystal frame of the lid and base and silver border to lid. With hinged silver-gilt mount. Measures 7 ½ x 6 ½ x 3 ¾ in. Estimate: $2,500 - 3,500 Lot No: 1346 Carved Blue Chalcedony Scent Bottle Designed and Carved by Sherris Cottier Shank Part of the vanguard of American lapidary artists, the exceptional quality of Sherris' work is demonstrated through this fine, unique scent bottle. The shapely, gem-quality natural blue chalcedony bottle was carved from a single boulder of Turkish rough. Intricately sculpted all around it display both polished and matte areas, weighing approximately 816.26 carats. The Bolivian ametrine finial, weighing 102.65 carats, completes the elegant form and and is set atop a Brazilian frosted rock crystal quartz stopper, weighing 24.75 carats. The entire stopper fits into the bottle with the aid of a rubber o-ring that creates a secure seal. Height overall: 5in. Estimate: $5,500 - 7,500 Request Condition Report Footnote: This sculpture won an honorable mention in the 3rd Annual Engraving Competition held in Idar Oberstein, Germany.

Auction Houses - Sotheby's

http://www.sothebys.com/

Magnificent Jewels
Sale: N08498



DATE & TIME

Session 1: Tue, 9 Dec 08, 10:00 AM
Session 2: Tue, 9 Dec 08, 2:00 PM

LOCATION New York


I know you've heard of all the high-end auction houses - Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonham & Butterfield and more...but how many of you have taken the time to check out their sales?

NO - I am not implying that you should purchase - they are WAY out of my budget also...but you should take a minute and check out the pieces they represent.

These are true works of art and will inspire your work to an even higher level...check these items from the upcoming "Magnificent Jewels" sale at Sotheby's.

Items range from...antique pieces - like this 72 inch longchain from the turn of the last century...

LOT 31
GOLD, RUBY, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND LONGCHAIN,
CIRCA 1900
15,000—20,000 USD

The chain of stylized oval links set with numerous square-cut rubies and sapphires alternating with 98 old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.00 carats, length approximately 72 inches, 3 stones missing.






...to great vintage designer pieces...

LOT 35
18 KARAT GOLD, NEPHRITE AND RUBY BANGLE-BRACELET
CARTIER, PARIS
CIRCA 1940
30,000—40,000 USD

Composed of an outer hoop of nephrite and an inner hoop of gold, the former decorated all around with 10 cushion-shaped cabochon rubies, mounted in 18 karat gold, signed Cartier, Paris, numbered 03407, assay marks.

...and one last beautiful inspiration for my enamelist friends!

LOT 33

18 KARAT GOLD, PLATINUM AND PLIQUE-À-JOUR ENAMEL GEM-SET PENDANT,

FRÉDÉRIC DE VERNON,

CIRCA 1900

7,000—9,000 USD

The arched plaque chased on the obverse with the Madonna and Child framed by blue plique-à-jour enamel, the frame decorated with calibré-cut sapphires and rose-cut diamonds, the reverse chased with the scene of the Holy Spirit descending on a patch of roses and lilies, signed F Vernon; together with a white gold chain, length 16½ inches.

I don't know about you but this is how I get inspired when I have a designers block - give it a try!