Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

New York Sale of Important Jewels

New York, NY – On September 25, 2008, Sotheby’s New York will hold a sale of Important Jewels, with an exciting selection of signed and period Estate Jewels and white diamonds which are extremely interesting to collectors in this market. The sale consists of approximately 450 lots and is estimated to bring $11 / 15 million*. The pre-sale exhibition opens on September 20, 2008.

The highlight of this sale is an exceptional group of period jewels, mostly by Cartier, that showcase the timeless beauty of art deco and retro jewelry design. The collection, which will open the second session of the sale and is Property from a Private Collector, comprises over 40 lots, the majority of which are wonderful examples of classic 1930s and 1940s style. About this collection, Gary Schuler, Director of the Jewelry Department at Sotheby’s New York said, “When we first saw this exquisite property, we knew it’s ideal for the market today as it will appeal to not only traditional Cartier collectors but those who admire great jewelry design. The jewelry is not just beautiful to look at, it’s completely wearable and remains in fashion today. This collection epitomizes the eye of a collector who favored accessorizing with the chicest designs of the day, and each jewel chosen has endured the test of time.”

The offering from Property from a Private Collector features a Rock Crystal, Tourmaline and Diamond Clip/Bangle Combination, Cartier, circa 1935 (lot 265, est. $15/20,000), a stellar example of crisp art deco design. Amongst the many examples of retro style jewelry is a Citrine Quartz and Diamond Flower Brooch, Cartier, circa 1945 (lot 247, est. $15/20,000), featured on the cover of the sale catalogue.

In addition to the art deco and 1940s jewels, this Collection also includes earlier vintage pieces such as an angelic Natural Freshwater Pearl and Fancy Colored Diamond Bar Brooch, Black Starr & Frost, circa 1915 (lot 268, est. $50/75,000). At the core of the most important jewelry collections is a major diamond ring, and this one is no exception, offering an emerald-cut Harry Winston Diamond Ring, circa 1962, set with a D color, VS1 clarity stone, weighing 7.59 carats (lot 273, est. $250/350,000).

From The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal, distinguished collectors and philanthropists with a pioneering interest in African and Oceanic Art, comes an impressive Diamond Ring, Harry Winston (lot 455, est. $200/250,000), set with a D color, VVS1 and Potentially Flawless stone weighing 5.81 carats. The Rosenthal jewels also include an 18 Karat Gold Bangle-Bracelet, Pol Bury, circa 1970 (lot 447, est. $6/8,000), designed as a cuff topped by a plaque set with articulated spheres, inspired by ethnic motifs and contemporary in style, a Seed Pearl and Diamond Sautoir, French, circa 1910 (lot 454, est. $15/20,000) and several other classic pieces.

Another private collection featured in the sale of Important Jewels is Property from the Estate of Odette Valabregue Wurzburger comprising signed daytime jewels mainly by Van Cleef & Arpels. The highlight of the Estate is an exquisite Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, set with an emerald-cut Kashmir sapphire weighing 25.25 carats (lot 228, est. $250/350,000). Another desirable stone from the Wurzburger Estate is a very beautiful 7.34 carat emerald-cut Diamond Ring of E color (lot 229, est. $85/100,000).

Amongst the array of signed jewels included in the September auction is an 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Parure, Sterlé, Paris, circa 1950 (lot 444, est. $40/60,000) comprising a delightful bow design necklace, bracelet and pair of earclips. From a Pennsylvania Estate, a swag motif Diamond Necklace, Harry Winston (lot 407, est. $150/175,000) is set with round and marquise-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 57.00 carats. Another collectible piece being offered is an Emerald and Diamond Ring, Verdura (lot 408, est. $100/150,000), featuring an emerald-cut classic Colombian emerald weighing approximately 11.00 carats. Strong competition is expected for a Diamond Ring, Tiffany & Co (lot 431, est. $625/675,000), set with a D color, Internally Flawless, oval modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 7.33 carats, flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds, mounted in platinum.

Sotheby’s International Jewelry department looks forward to sales of Magnificent Jewels in Hong Kong on October 7; Geneva on November 19; and New York on December 9. Highlights from these sales will be previewed at exhibitions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and throughout the U.S. this fall.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium.