Skinner, Inc. will host an auction of Fine Jewelry in its Boston gallery on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The sale will feature a fine assortment of jewelry, including diamonds, pearls, colored stones, watches, and signed pieces by makers such as: Raymond Yard, David Webb, Seaman Schepps, Cartier, Mauboussin, Belperron, and Van Cleef & Arpels. The sale features periods from Antique and Art Deco to the present and provides the opportunity for any jewelry lover to find unique pieces to collect, wear, and enjoy.
Diamonds
More than twenty diamond solitaires ranging in price from $2,000 to $200,000 will be offered. A fine example is an Art Deco diamond ring set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 5.15 cts., and accompanied by a GIA certificate, stating that the diamond is E color, VVS1 clarity (lot 748, estimated between $200,000 and $225,000).
Another exquisite item is a platinum and diamond “Toi et Moi” ring by Raymond Yard (lot 750, $60,000 to $80,000). Yard counted among his clients many of the elite of New York society in the 1920s, including John D. Rockefeller, the Woolworths, the Duponts, and Joan Crawford. This ring demonstrates Yard’s ability to take beautiful diamonds and gemstones and make them sparkle in truly elegant settings.
From Cartier comes an important and chic platinum and diamond ring set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing approx. 7.75 cts. and flanked by baguette-cut diamonds (lot 753, $80,000 to $120,000). A platinum and fancy intense yellow diamond solitaire, also emerald-cut and weighing 3.50 cts. is flanked by pear-shaped diamonds. This stone (lot 585, $30,000 – $40,000) is accompanied by a GIA certificate stating the diamond is fancy intense yellow color, SI1 clarity.
Signed Jewelry
Signed jewelry highlights include an Art Deco “Tutti Frutti” pendant watch by Mauboussin, set with carved emeralds, rubies and sapphires (lot 751, $6,000 to $8,000); a platinum, sapphire and diamond bracelet by Seaman Schepps, circa 1940s (lot 752, $30,000 to $40,000); and a carved rock crystal, emerald, and diamond brooch by Cartier, circa 1950s (lot 745, $8,000 to $12,000).
A Suzanne Belperron amethyst, cultured pearl, and diamond pendant/brooch (lot 704, $25,000 to $35,000) shows her imaginative use of material which was, at the time, like nothing previously seen. With a clientele that included European royalty and fashion icons from the mid-20th century, her works were prized. Belperron never signed her pieces, insisting, instead that “my style is my signature.”
Contemporary signed pieces include an 18kt gold and diamond, bezel-set ring by David Webb (lot 709, $35,000 to $45,000); 18kt gold and mother-of-pearl “Alhambra” ear pendants by Van Cleef & Arpels (lot 699, $3,500 to $4,500); and a pair of gem-set insect brooches, also by Van Cleef & Arpels (lot 705 $6,000 to $8,000).
An 18kt gold and diamond zipper necklace (lot 710, $10,000 to $15,000) is designed as a functioning, adjustable zipper with full cut diamond mêlée accents.
Previews, Events, Catalogue, and Bidding
Previews for the auction will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Monday, March 12, 2012, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
Illustrated catalogue #2586B is available by mail from the subscription department at #508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. Skinner’s site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogues, and bid live in real-time through SkinnerLive!
For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com