Timeless Styles, Original Pieces make a Splash at John Moran’s December 13th Fine Jewelry Auction Timeless Styles, Original Pieces make a Splash at John Moran’s December 13th Fine Jewelry Auction
- An Art Deco Diamond, Emerald, and Platinum Bracelet hammers for more than three times the high
News-Antique.com - Jan 09,2012 - Timeless Styles, Original Pieces make a Splash at John Moran’s December 13th Fine Jewelry Auction
- An Art Deco Diamond, Emerald, and Platinum Bracelet hammers for more than three times the high estimate
- Functionality and fine design attract bidders worldwide to bid on designer timepieces
Pasadena, CA—John Moran’s much-anticipated December Fine Jewelry, Antiques, and Fine Arts Auction did not disappoint this year, as a number of gorgeous decorative arts pieces, fine jewelry, and designer watches were offered up just in time for the holidays.
Evoking the November 15th Decorative Arts sale, Russian pieces inspired intensely competitive bidding among long-distance as well as local buyers. An 88-standard silver and enamel cup sold for eight times the high estimate ($800 – 1200), realizing $10,000, while a Faberge egg pendant brought $3368.75 (estimate: $1500 – 2000). Elsewhere in decorative arts, a charming child’s 14K gold place setting and partial vanity service realized nine times the high estimate (estimated at $700 – 900), selling for $4500. A Scottish tortoiseshell snuffbox, featuring a portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie (mid-18th century champion of the Jacobite cause) reverse-painted on glass, delighted overseas bidders, but ultimately went to a local floor bidder for the price of $1680, well over the estimate of $400 – 600.
Diamonds of all cuts and settings were also in high demand, with charming whimsical pieces bringing as much interest as classic settings and antique pieces. Right off the bat, a French art nouveau citrine, diamond, and enamel pendant (circa 1895) brought $7200 (estimate: $4000 – 6000). A diamond and black enamel lorgnette by Cartier created quite a stir among floor bidders, ultimately selling for five times the high estimate, at $4200 (estimate: $600 - 800). A diamond and 18k white gold butterfly brooch made buyers’ hearts flutter, bringing $1440 at the block (estimate: $800 – 1200).
More fine jewelry highlights from this category include:
• A Tiffany and Co. diamond and yellow gold eternity band, estimated at $600 – 800, achieved $1560.
• A pair of diamond and 14k yellow gold hoop earrings doubled the high estimate, ultimately selling for $3675 (estimate: $1250 – 1750).
• An Italian 18K yellow gold, enamel, and diamond wasp brooch quickly zoomed well above estimate, finding a buyer at $3900 (estimate: $1500 – 2000).
• A pair of circa 1850 antique diamond earrings, featuring rose-cut diamonds was estimated at $1800 – 2250, and garnered $5206.25.
• A three-stone diamond and 18K gold ring, which may make an excellent and unexpected stocking stuffer, sold for $16,800 (estimate: $10,000 - $15,000).
The classic beauty and enduring style of Art Deco was confirmed by appreciative bidders, who snatched up Deco jewelry pieces at competitive prices. Most notably, an exquisite Art Deco bracelet, set with 52 French-cut diamonds, offset by rows of caliber-cut emeralds (104 in total) stole the hearts of floor, phone, and absentee bidders, ultimately going to a floor bidder for a price of $30,000 (estimate: $7000 – 9000). Two diamond and platinum Art Deco rings also made
