Pretty, wearable pieces are the highlights of the June 23rd jewelry and watch sale scheduled to take place at Bonhams New York and simulcast to the auctioneers’ Los Angeles and San Francisco galleries.
Keeping ahead of increasing demand for pieces that can be enjoyed and worn for many occasions, aficionados are certain to find many excellent collecting opportunities throughout the nearly 600 lot sale.
Amongst the most desirable jewelry lots attracting much attention is a diamond and gold bangle bracelet by famed jewelry designer, Mario Buccellati. The wide tapered, textured and hinged bangle is accented by thirteen diamond floral clusters. Signed M. Buccellati and presented with a blue leather box, the eye catching bracelet carries an estimate of $25/30,000.
A rare Archaeological Revival piece (pictured, right) hailing from a Northwest collection is cause for excitement. Created by the Castellani family circa 1860, the 18k gold and carnelian scarab bangle bracelet was inspired by excavations of Etruscan sites at the time. This period of design was so influential that several examples are on display at museums around the world. The mate to this particular piece is currently on display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. With its rich history and masterfully executed design, the lot is estimated at $10/15,000.
Also garnering attention are a pair of diamond, sapphire and ruby earclips by the legendary Oscar Heyman & Bros. (pictured, left) Each is designed as a pansy and is pavé-set throughout with diamonds and yellow diamonds, centering a circular-cut sapphire and ruby cluster. With a maker’s mark for Oscar Heyman & Bros and numbered, it carries an estimate of $25/35,000.
From an exceptional Scottsdale Collection come several notable designs.
Estimated at $16/18,000 is a very wearable fourteen karat gold and diamond necklace. The choker, of woven design, centers a round brilliant-cut diamond, with five rows of alternating textured gold and diamond-set links.
A bracelet and ring set by Roberto Coin is also of interest. Made of 18k gold and diamond, the interlocking links are accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds and completed by pavé-set diamond clasps. Signed by the designer, the lot is expected to fetch as much as $14/18,000.
Certainly not to be overlooked is a retro, ‘Tubogos’ 18k gold and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. Signed and numbered, the circa 1945 piece is created in the designer’s famous gas pipe chain design. A snake link collar centering a polished tubular clasp accented with single-cut diamonds, it carries an estimate of $4/6,000.
The various owners portion of the sale also boasts a number of sought after lots.
A diamond and platinum necklace by New York designer Henry Dunay is sure to entice bidders. Designed as a series of textured interlocking oval links centered by five pavé-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, the signed piece is estimated at $6/8,000.
Two signed David Webb designs are also appealing.
Carrying an estimate of $7/9,000, one Webb bracelet (pictured, left) is designed as a leopard with its hinged body terminating in a looped tail, accented by black enamel spots, a forehead pavé-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, and cabochon emerald eyes.
Another Webb bracelet, estimated at $6/8,000, is of flexible, bombé design, with lozenge-shaped blue enamel panels, detailed with round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Also drawing much attention are three lots featuring South Sea cultured pearl necklaces in all colors. The first lot, estimated at $5/7,000, is a multi-colored necklace comprised of twenty-four baroque pearls in hues of pink, gold, green and silver. The second, estimated at $6/8,000, is a necklace made up of twenty-four slightly graduated off-round white pearls. Rounding out the group is another multi-colored necklace comprised of thirty-one slightly graduated round pearls ranging in hue from silver to white to green to gray, completed by a diamond-set ball clasp and estimated at $5/ 7,000.
Other lots certain to lure collectors are a tanzanite and diamond ring by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. (est. $5/7,000); a pair of 1930s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and platinum cufflinks (est. $3/5,000); and a fun pair of Moghul style emerald, beryl and diamond pendant earrings (est. $2/3,000).
Additionally, Bonhams is pleased to offer a select group of lots from the estate of beloved ‘Golden Girls’ actress, Estelle Getty. Known for playing a tough, wise-cracking great grandma the items from her personal collection reveal Getty’s taste for feminine pieces. All extremely wearable, the lots include an 18k gold Cartier bracelet wristwatch (est. $2,500-3,500); a signed, 18k gold Tiffany & Co. bracelet (est. $1,200-1,800); and an 18k gold Geneve wristwatch (est. $1,000-1,500).
In addition to fine jewelry, the sale boasts a number of desirable watches as well.
Cause for excitement amongst collectors is a very fine and rare 18k gold Patek Philippe wristwatch (pictured, right). The piece is marked by many notable features not the least of which are apertures for day, leap year, week and moon phases; automatic movement adjusted to heat and cold; and a fitted makers leather strap with 18k gold folding clasp. Presented with a fitted box, papers and spare strap the handsome piece carries an estimate of $45/55,000.
Another lot certain to attract serious interest is a very fine and rare 1963 Rolex anti-magnetic chronograph bracelet watch. Amongst its many features are outer black tachometer and inner blue telemeter scales, a three-piece polished and grained finish case, and a fitted stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted link 7205 bracelet with folding clasp stamped ‘78’. Estimated at $30/50,000 the lot represents an excellent opportunity for collectors.
Also of interest is a Rolex, ‘James Bond’ Submariner watch. Made in 1960, the self-winding divers bracelet watch has baton and triangle markers and hands, center seconds and a water-resistant type case. Presented on a fitted stainless steel Rolex USA riveted expanding link bracelet with extending clasp, the lot is estimated at $8/ 12,000.
A rare Swiss perpetual calendar chronograph pocket watch will be offered as well. Featuring fully jeweled movement with overcoil hairspring, enamel dial with Roman numerals, gilt Louis XV hands, and an18k gold full hunter case with smooth covers the elegant piece is expected to fetch $8/12,000.
The sale will take place on June 23rd at the Madison Avenue galleries at 1PM EST. The illustrated auction catalog for the sale will be online at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the preview and auction. For more information about the department, please visit www.bonhams.com/jewelry.
http://www.bonhams.com/jewelry
