BOSTON, Mass. – www.skinnerinc.com – Skinner, one of the nation’s leading auction houses, will host an auction of fine jewelry at its Boston gallery on Tuesday, December 8th at 10:00 a.m. Highlights include a number of rare and impressive pieces of animal jewelry, brilliant diamonds and colored gemstones, and a stunning selection of unique artist and art deco pieces. More than 700 lots will be featured in the upcoming sale.
Animal Jewelry
Just in time for holiday shopping, this sale features a number of exquisite pieces of animal jewelry, ideal for finding something unique for a loved one this season. One of the most impressive items in the sale is an 18kt gold, colored diamond, and diamond brooch designed as a kitty on a curb link safety chain leash, bezel set with oval and round brilliant cut colored diamonds weighing 17.08 and approx. 0.96 cts (lot 721, est. $100/150,000).
In addition, the sale will feature a rare and impressive collection from Cartier including a rare, 18kt gold, coral and diamond puffer fish brooch (lot 602, est. $1,5/2,000); an 18k gold, lapis and diamond ladybug brooch (lot 601, est. $6/8,000); and an 18k gold, emerald and diamond donkey brooch (lot 604, est. $1,5/2,000). Tiffany & Co. is also well represented in this sale including a citrine and diamond “bird on a rock” brooch (lot 475, est. $12/18,000) and a gem-set “salamander” brooch (lot 479, est. $8/10,000).
Fine Diamonds and Colored Gemstones
If you are looking for diamonds this season, Skinner’s upcoming fine jewelry auction is guaranteed to impress. The sale features a number of exceptionally striking diamonds. In particular, as the pear shaped diamond makes its way back into vogue, the sale includes a 4.37 ct pear shaped, prong set, diamond platinum and diamond solitaire (lot 663, est. $80/100,000). Buyers will also find the pair of diamond ear studs, prong set with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 7.00 and 7.03 cts (lot 720, est. $65/75,000) of particular note, as well as a platinum and diamond solitaire, prong set with a full cut diamond weighing 9.96 cts (lot 717, est. $60/80,000). For those interested in colored stones, the sale features a Tiffany & Co. fancy, intense yellow diamond and diamond ring, set with a radiant-cut yellow diamond weighing 7.06 cts (lot 670, est. $110/120,000); an art deco platinum Burma ruby and diamond ring, prong set with an oval cut ruby weight 4.04 cts, flanked by diamond baguettes (lot 703, est. $20/30,000) and a Burma sapphire and diamond ring, prong set with a cushion cut sapphire (lot 680, est. $22/24,000).
Watches
Wristwatches make a splash at the upcoming auction and a “timeless” gift for anyone on your list. Highlights include a stainless steel oyster chronograph antimagnetic Rolex wristwatch (lot 260, est. $10/15,000); a Patek Philippe 18k gold wristwatch, c. 1960 (lot 261, est. $4/6,000); a Cartier 18k gold “Vendome” wristwatch, c. 1973 (lot 261A, est. $2/3,000); and a Bedat & Co. gentleman’s 18k gold and stainless steel “No.7” wristwatch, (lot 262, est. $2,5/3,000).
Artist Jewelry
Unique and inspired artist jewelry is also of note at the sale including a pair of Lilly Fitzgerald 22kt gold and butterfly wing brooches (lot 68, est. $4/6,000), a Piero Dorazio 18k gold and enamel ring (lot 70, est. $4/6,000), a pair of artist-designed 18k gold and enamel “Leaf Vein Hand” clip brooches, Salvador Dali, made by Alemany & Ertman Inc. (lot 72, est. $4/6,000) and finally, an artist-designed 18k gold and enamel pendant necklace, Salvador Dali, Diejasa (lot 73, est. $800/1,200).
Additional highlights
Additional highlights of the upcoming sale include a Cartier art deco onyx, enamel and diamond travel “Pendulette,” c. 1929 (lot 686, est. $2/3,000); an art deco platinum and diamond line bracelet, bead set with twenty-seven old European cut diamonds (lot 711, est. $55/65,000), a leather Hermes “Evelyne” shoulder bag in black clemence leather (lot 14, est. $800/1,200); an Etruscan revival 18k gold and enamel pendant, Eugene Fontenay, c. 1860s (lot 490, est. $3/5,000) and an Etruscan revival 18k gold and enamel brooch, Eugene Fontenay, c. 1860s (lot 495, est. $2,5/3,000).
Catalog and Preview Information
Previews for the auction will be Sunday, December 6th, 12pm-5pm and Monday, December 7th, 12pm-7pm. Illustrated catalog #2487 is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $29. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For more information, call 617-350-5400, or visit www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner’s site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, and order catalogs online.
Image” Lot 602: 18kt Gold, Coral, and Diamond Puffer Fish Brooch, Cartier est, $1,500-2,000