Bonhams & Butterfields announce the March 21, 2011 auction of Salon Jewelry and Watches, featuring a five-strand coral bead necklace originally owned by Grace Sefton Mayer, a member of the infamous female pilot group the “Ninety Nines,” founded by Amelia Earhart.
The stunning multi-strand necklace, passed through Mayer’s family to its current owner, boasts deeply colored coral beads which measure approximately 9.2 x 7.0mm to 9.0 x 4.9mm. Mounted in eighteen karat gold, the storied necklace measures approximately 16 inches in length and features a distinct, 2 ¼-inch-wide, gold filigree clasp (est. $4,500-6,500).
Highlights from the March 21st Salon Jewelry and Watches auction will also include a pair of black enamel, diamond and eighteen karat gold door knocker earclips by David Webb (est. $5,000-7,000); an eighteen karat bicolor gold cigarette case by Boucheron (est. $3,000-5,000); a fourteen karat gold, red enamel and diamond violin brooch with diamond encrusted bow in a fitted box (est. $1,500-2,500); and an art nouveau diamond and eighteen karat gold brooch by Joe Descomps, circa 1900 (est. $3,000-5,000); as well as pieces from noted makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Marsh & Co., Webb, and Tiffany & Co.
Timed to coincide with the auction previews for the Salon Jewelry and Watches and SoMa Estate Sales, Bonhams & Butterfields is also pleased to offer “The Artistic Mysteries of Gem Carving,” a presentation by award winning gemstone carver and fine jeweler, Glenn Lehrer, on Saturday, March 19, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Please see separate press release.)
“The Artistic Mysteries of Gem Carving” event is complimentary and open to the public. Reservations are requested; please contact [email protected].
The illustrated auction catalogs for the Salon Jewelry and Watches Sale and the SoMa Estate auction will be available online for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the sales.
Event: “The Artistic Mysteries of Gem Carving,” with Glenn Lehrer, March 19th, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., San Francisco
Salon Jewelry and Watches Preview: March 11-13, Los Angeles
Salon Jewelry and Watches Preview: March 18-20, San Francisco
Salon Jewelry and Watches Auction: March 21, San Francisco, simulcast to Los Angeles
SoMa Estate Auction Preview: March 18-20, San Francisco
SoMa Estate Auction including Jewelry: March 21, San Francisco
www.bonhams.com/jewelry
