THE PONAHALO DIAMONDS AND 20TH CENTURY JEWELS HIGHLIGHT CHRISTIE'S NEW YORK OCTOBER SALE Christie’s October 15 Jewels: The New York Sale will dazzle and delight with an array of diamonds, colored diamonds and gems, and a collection of signed jewels, Superb 20th Century Jewels.
approximately 3.35 carats, flanked
on either side by a trillion-cut diamond (illustrated right, estimate:
$15,000-20,000), and a circular-cut diamond pendant weighing
approximately 6.01 carats (estimate: $120,000-150,000).
Superb 20th Century Jewels from an American Collection
This collection consists of 110 lots and features an extensive assortment
of signed jewels by all the leading makers of the 20th century. A retro
diamond and gold necklace by René Boivin has an exquisite fringe of
collet-set diamond five-strand “pampilles” tassles on a flexible woven
gold band, made for the Princess Irene of Greece (illustrated above left,
estimate: $200,000-300,000). Delivered in 1951, this uniquely designed
piece was perhaps specially ordered by the Princess yet still typical of Boivin’s style.
From Jean Schlumberger, considered one of the most creative and influential jewelry designers of
the 20th century, who became noted for his naturalistic and whimsical designs for Tiffany & Co. is a
diamond, sapphire and emerald ‘dolphin’ brooch,
one of a few models ever made (illustrated left,
estimate: $75,000-100,000). A brooch of the
same model was worn by Elizabeth Taylor at the
opening of the film The Night of the Iguana, a gift
from Richard Burton, although Taylor favored
the description ‘iguana’ to ‘dolphin.’ Also
designed by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. is a
highly detailed suite of gold and diamond ‘tulip’
jewelry with diamond insect and bow motifs and articulated clusters of textured gold tulips (illustrated
above right, estimate: $150,000-250,000).
Two wonderful examples by Cartier are offered; an Art Deco pearl and diamond tassel
pendant (illustrated left, estimate: $40,000-60,000) and an Art Deco star ruby, enamel
and gold necklace, of neo-Egyptian design (estimate: $60,000-80,000). Paul Flato is
represented in the sale with a diamond, sapphire and emerald brooch set with a
detachable sugarloaf sapphire (estimate: $60,000-80,000).
Van Cleef & Arpels are well represented in this collection with a set of emerald,
diamond and cultured pearl jewelry, comprising a necklace and a pair of ear pendants,
made circa 1955, which showcases the intricate design of diamond foliate links with
gold wirework trim with cultured pearls suspending a graduated fringe of detachable
emerald bead drops (estimate: $120,000-180,000). Other
examples by Van Cleef & Arpels include an elegant retro
diamond bow brooch designed as a sculpted openwork circularcut
diamond bow, 1942 (estimate: $40,000-60,000) and a stylish
aquamarine and diamond bracelet, 1955 (illustrated right, estimate:
$40,000-60,000).
Auction:
Jewels: The New York Sale 15 October 10:30am & 3:45pm
Superb 20th Century Jewels from an American Collection 15 October 2pm
Viewing:
Christie’s Rockefeller Galleries 10-14 October
About Christie’s
Christie’s is the world's leading art business with global art sales in 2007 that totalled £3.1 billion/$6.3 billion.
This marks the highest total in company and in art auction history. For the first half of 2008, art sales totalled
£1.8 billion / $3.5 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service
and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the
greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and
