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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Viva Italia – Jewellery from an Italian Collection adds Sparkle to a Sale

Stunning jewellery made by Italian society jeweller Stefano Scortecci for a prominent family of European diplomats during the 1960s will be sold by Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions London saleroom on Wednesday 27th November.

An aquamarine pendant and en suite ear clips by Scortecci
An aquamarine pendant and en suite ear clips by Scortecci
Stefano Scortecci opened his workshop in Rome in 1920. He became one of Rome’s leading society jewellers during the second half of the 20th Century, with a client list that included Presidents of the Italian Republic. His son Marcello joined the business in 1945 and was followed by his son Stefano Scortecci Jnr in 1970. Scortecci Jnr brought new creative ideas to the business and later became Chamberlain of Università E Nobil Collegio Degli Orefici Gioiellieri Argentieri Dell’ Alma Citta Di Roma (The Roman University of Jewellers and Goldsmiths). He held the position at the university founded by Pope Julius II in 1508 from 2002 -2011.

One of the most expensive pieces in the collection is a pendant and matching earrings (pictured) made of ‘Martha Rocha’ aquamarine to designs by the current owner that were mounted by Scortecci. The gems were purchased in the early 1960s by the owner whose husband was part of the Italian Diplomatic Misson to Brazil. The stone takes its name from the beauty queen, Martha Rocha, who became the first Miss Brazil in 1954. The original aquamarine weighed 35kg and was carved in to 300, 000 carats of cut gemstones. Similar stones are now named ‘Martha Rocha’ due to their deep blue colour. This lovely set is estimated to sell for £7,000 – 10,000 [Lot 322]

A tiara and necklace (pictured), made as a special commission by Scortecchi, was worn by the current owner at the 1961 state banquet in honour of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh during their state visit to

Italy from 2nd May – 5th May 1961. The banquet was hosted by the Italian President Giovanni Gronchi at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, and was attended by 3,000 members of Italian high society. This unique piece is estimated at £8,000 – 12,000. [Lot 327]

From other owners are six beautiful items from a collection of Bulgari jewellery purchased in the 1970s and 1980s, includes a stunning solitare diamond ring, Weighing 4.48 carats the gem is estimated at £12,000-18,000. [Lot 365]

Other highlights include a 1950s diamond bracelet consisting of thirty four rectangular step cut diamonds, approximately 28.80 carats total, estimated at £15,000 – 20,000 [Lot 366], and a late Victorian diamond whorl brooch circa 1880 mounted in gold backed silver, weighing approximately 8 carats and estimated at £3,000 – 4,000. [Lot 219]

The sale is on view from Thursday 31st October – Sunday 10th November, 10am to 5pm at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury’s Maddox Street saleroom in London’s Mayfair. The auction will take place in the same venue. Online bidding with no additional premium will be available via www.dnfa.com.