Bonhams announce the October 1 20th Century Decorative Arts auction featuring a unique offering of approximately 20 pieces of jewelry crafted by noted artists and designers. Created out of an appreciation for modernist architecture and design, this section of the auction represents a transformation from the standard view of jewelry as body ornament to ‘wearable miniature sculptures’ that celebrate form, function and light.
The offering features an array of stunning brooches, necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets and cuffs designed by Claire Falkenstein, Margaret De Patta, Georg Jensen, Claude Lalanne, Peter Macchiarini and Line Vautrin.
According to Jason Stein, Associate Director of 20th Century Decorative Arts at Bonhams: “Following the successful auction of Tony Duquette’s famed “Talismans of Power” necklaces at Bonhams Los Angeles in 2011; we have seen a growth trend in the market for design jewelry. Interest in these pieces has continued with well attended retrospectives at The Museum of Arts and Design, New York and The Oakland Museum of California as well as a dedicated section in the Bonhams fall 20th century catalog. We look forward to ongoing interest in this collecting category.”
Design jewelry highlights from the October 1 auction include: an asymmetrical copper and Venetian glass collar by Claire Falkenstein (est. $6,000-8,000); a striking mixed metal cuff also by Falkenstein (est. $1,800-2,500); an architecturally inspired silver studio ring, circa 1950 by Margaret De Patta (est. $2,000-4,000); a gilt bronze cuff bracelet by Line Vautrin (est. $3,000-4,000); a mid-century modern studio pin, circa 1960 by Peter Macchiarini (est. $2,500-3,500) an organically inspired gilt-bronze necklace and cuff by Claude Lalanne (est. $1,500-2,000) and a pair leaf earrings with seed pod drops also by Lalanne (est. $1,000-1,500) and a sterling silver blossom bracelet and pin by Georg Jensen (est. $600-800).
The illustrated auction catalog for this sale will be available online for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the sale.
Preview: September 28-30
Auction: October 1, 2011, Los Angeles
