BOSTON, Mass. – Skinner, Inc. today announced strong results for its recent Fine Jewelry sale held Tuesday, September 11th. The highly successful sale grossed $2,788,405 including buyer’s premium, surpassing the pre-auction estimate high, with the estates of New York gallery owner Joan Sonnabend and American sportswoman Hope Goddard Iselin generating heated bidding.
Pearl Necklace with Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Clasp by Cartier sold for $281,000 at the recent Fine Jewelry auction held at Skinner, Inc.
The Collection of Hope Goddard Iselin
Pearls continue to be in high demand as highlighted by the auction’s top two lots from the collection of Hope Goddard Iselin. A pearl necklace with an Art Deco platinum and diamond clasp by Cartier brought $281,000, and a natural pearl necklace composed of 77 pearls sold for $142,200, well above its pre-sale estimate high of $15,000.
Iselin was an avid horsewoman, golfer, and accomplished sailor who competed on an international level. She was the first woman to compete in the America’s Cup. Her husband, C. Oliver Iselin, who defended the America’s Cup four times, was perhaps the most famed American yachtsman of the late 19th century. “Mrs. Iselin’s participation in what is still a male-dominated sport caused controversy at the time, and she is remembered as a daring competitor. We feel that she would have appreciated the competitive spirit in the auction room during the sale,” said Victoria Bratberg, Director of Fine Jewelry at Skinner.
The Collection of Joan Sonnabend
Excitement surrounded the announcement that the September Fine Jewelry auction at Skinner would feature jewelry from the estate of Joan Sonnabend, an esteemed figure in the art world, and owner of the New York gallery Sculpture to Wear. More than a hundred people packed into the Skinner gallery the day before the auction to hear Robert Lee Morris, a jewelry artist whom Joan discovered, speak about his memories of his friend and mentor.
Artist pieces from Sonnabend’s collection realized extraordinary prices: a gold pendant piece by Pablo Picasso titled Visage géométrique aux traits auctioned for $16,590, a gold pendant by Max Ernst titled Groin brought $23,700, and a 22kt and 18kt gold longchain by Noma Copley also did well bringing in $41,475.
Signed Jewelry
Jewelry signed by famous makers brought excellent results. An 18kt gold and diamond bracelet by Cartier brought $28,440, an antique yellow sapphire and diamond pendant by Tiffany & Co. earned $31,995, gold “Alhambra” earclips by Van Cleef & Arpels brought $9,480 and gold gem-set “Byzantine” earclips by Verdura fetched $8,295.
Skinner, Inc. will hold its next Fine Jewelry auction on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 in its Boston gallery. For information on consignment, please contact the Skinner Fine Jewelry department at (617) 874-4305 or [email protected].
For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.
