It seems that even for important jewels such as watches, a decidedly propitious moment has come. Jewels of great "caliber" are back on the market and fascinate collectors. The prestige of owning such a work of art is conquering the world and for those who can afford it of course. Surely the crisis that has hit the whole world is preferring quality investments and no longer subject to fashions. Christie's New York's December 8 “Magnificent Jewels” sale offering over 380 lots is one example.
Here are noteworthy gems, renowned private collections, and a wide selection of leading designer jewelry from manufacturers including René Boivin, Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, Raymond Yard, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura. Featured colored stones include “The du Pont Padparadscha” and an extraordinary 43,10-carat Kashmir sapphire. This sale presents a number of important private collections, including important jewels from the estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II, estates from the collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr., important jewels from the estate of Mireille Lévy, an important collection of Daniel Brush items, the Nina Griscom collection, the Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowski collection, the Athena Blackburn collection property sold to benefit charitable causes, and the property offered in memory of Lana Chenko-Haddad. Completing the sale are contemporary jewels from leading houses such as Etcetera, Hemmerle and JAR. The sale also offers the unique opportunity to own a personalized ring by JAR, with proceeds from this lot designated for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Outstanding sapphires highlight the Magnificent Jewels auction, led by an extraordinary 43,10-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet surrounded by 67,90 carats of diamonds ($5.000.000-7.000.000). Other notable sapphires include a 21,72 Van Cleef & Arpels 1917-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire ring ($1.700.000-2.700.000); an 80,86-carat ($800.000-1.600.000) Burmese sapphire necklace; and a 12,64-carat Art Deco Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch by Cartier, formerly from the collection of Jean Stralem ($1.000.000-1.500.000). Other top lots include a pair of 2,61- and 2,34-carat purplish-pink and deep pink fancy diamond earrings, potentially flawless internally ($1.200.000-2.200.000); a 102,61-carat diamond, Y through Z color, VS2 clarity ($800.000-1.200.000); and the Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace ($500.000-800.000) formerly belonging to Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman.
The sale As mentioned, distinctly features a number of notable private collections including Important Jewels from the Estate of Mrs Henry Ford II, offering a selection of 43 lots featuring significant signed pieces from Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura and Property from the du Pont Family Collection, which includes 'The du Pont Padparadscha' sapphire ring weighing 24,58 carats ($500.000-700.000) and 'Sydney Queen' black opal and diamond brooch and two unmounted black opals by Raymond Yard ($60.000-80.000). Property in the collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. features over 20 elegant designer jewelry including a Burmese ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1955 ($150.000-250.000); Property of Athena Blackburn's collection sold to benefit charitable causes, includes major designs by Bulgari, Graff, Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels; and three lots offered in Memory of Lana Chenko Haddad, to be sold to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Important Jewels the Estate of Mireille Lévy is a celebration of graceful and poetic forms showcasing the best Houses from around the world, from David Webb and Harry Winston in New York, to Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier in Paris, as well as avant-garde garde pieces by Marina B. Also featured are two collections from New York's most celebrated style icons, American Muse: The Collection of Nina Griscom featuring Art Deco jewelry and classic designs, and The Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi offering a range of bold gemstones and designer pieces from Belperron, JAR and Verdura.
Completing the auction is a rich selection of contemporary designs, including jewelery by JAR, Moussaieff, and a dedicated section A collection of objects by Daniel Brush featuring the artist's early designs, the subject of a recent exhibition at L' Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels in New York.
Notably featured in the sale is a personalized ring by JAR, recreated after the signature piece of jewelry for Elizabeth Taylor on her 70th birthday (pictured left), sold in her historic sale collection at Christie's in 2011. The single cut diamond and platinum ring will be personalized and set on one side with the initial of the successful tenderer's choice. Proceeds from this unique lot are earmarked for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) to coincide with the foundation's inaugural virtual fundraising gala on 1 December 2020. ETAF's HIV Is Not A Crime initiative supports modernization of criminal laws and penalties affecting people living with HIV.
Cover: IL DU PONT PADPARADSCHA – COLORED SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, PERRY – 24,58 carat cushion modified mixed orange-pink Padparadscha sapphire, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, gold and platinum, ring size 6 ¼ , signed Perry AGL, 2020, report no. 1109760: 24,58 carats, Padparadscha Sapphire, Orange Rose, Ceylon, Heat Enhanced: None, Clarity Enhanced: None, accompanied by an appendix stating the remarkable qualities of this Padparadscha. Estimate USD 500,000 – USD 700,000
