Skinner To Host Auction of Fine Jewelry Tuesday, June 14th in Boston
Boston, Ma – May 26, 2011 - Skinner Inc. will host a fine jewelry auction in its Boston gallery at 63 Park Plaza on Tuesday, June 14th at 10 a.m. The spectacularly varied sale of more than 850 lots truly offers something for everyone. Works include antique and art deco jewelry, an eclectic collection of artist-designed pieces, a fine collection of Italian gold, contemporary signed jewelry by famous makers, and a vast assortment of diamond solitaires.
The Margret Craver Collection
The Estate of Margret Craver Withers (1907-2010) is a highlight of the sale. Margret Craver was a self-taught modernist jeweler and metalsmith. She was introduced to metalsmithing at the University of Kansas in the late 1920s. In 1938 she traveled to Sweden to study with Baron Erik Fleming, silversmith to the King. Under his tutelage, Craver refined her craft and sharpened her skills. During the war Craver taught metalwork to veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital. She has been recognized with numerous awards and her work is represented in as many museums. Skinner is very pleased to offer selections from her estate that range from her designs to collected works of others, such as fellow innovator John Paul Miller.
Craver’s work is beautifully represented with the Solar-Lunar Cosmos series from the late 1970s. Each transparent glass pendant is set with either gold or silver foil symbolizing the relationship between sun (gold) and moon (silver). Each is suspended from a simple, clear acrylic torque that creates an interaction between wearer and viewer: the pendant changes with the light as the wearer moves. Eleven of the twelve pendants from this series will be offered. Lots 441 through 451 are estimated at $600 to $800 each. Also being offered is a silver and rock crystal dress clip, lot 460, which shows Craver’s strong interest in gemology and lapidary work. The piece is estimated at $1,500 to $2,000.
On Wednesday, June 8th at 6:30 p.m. Skinner will host a gallery talk and reception at the Boston gallery entitled “Margret Craver: A Singular Silversmith and Jeweler of the Twentieth Century” presented by Jeannine Falino, Curator, Museum of Arts and Design, New York City. RSVP to 617.350.5400 or via online registration.
Timepieces
Choice timepieces at auction include an antique gilt-metal and rock crystal crucifix watch, signed by Jaques Joly, lot 606, estimated at $3,000 to $5,000; an Art Deco platinum, gem-set figural wristwatch, attributed to Eszeha, the cover lot, 841, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000; and lot 822, an Art Deco onyx, enamel and diamond “Pendulette,” by Cartier, Paris, c. 1920, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000. A Patek Philippe gentleman’s 18kt gold “perpetual calendar” wristwatch with Moonphases, lot 580 and estimated at $20,000 to $30,000, is also expected to entice active bidding.
Diamond solitaires
The auction features solitaires ranging from 2.00 cts. to over 10.00 cts. including a platinum and diamond solitaire, set with a square emerald-cut diamond weighing 10.62 cts., accompanied by a GIA report stating G color, VVS2 clarity. Lot 826 is estimated at $550,000 to $650,000. Another stunning stone is a pear-shaped diamond weighing 9.13 cts., accompanied by a GIA report stating E color, VVS1 clarity. That lot, 845a, is estimated at $475,000 to $525,000. An 18kt gold and fancy light yellow diamond solitaire, set with a rectangular-cut diamond weighing 8.95 cts, with GIA report, lot 821, is estimated to sell between $75,000 and $100,000. And, an Art Deco platinum and diamond solitaire set with a square-cut diamond weighing 2.96 cts., lot 851, rounds out the sale and is estimated at $20,000 to $25,000.
Gemstones and Signed Pieces
Top quality rubies are becoming increasingly rare these days. A beautiful antique 18kt gold, ruby and diamond ring, lot 845, accompanied by an AGL report stating the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no evidence of heat treatment, is indeed a find. The estimated value is $15,000 to $20,000.
Numerous signed pieces of jewelry by famous makers will also be showcased including works of Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier’s “La Nouvelle Vague” collection.
For those planning a summer wedding, Skinner is offering a pair of antique diamond earpendants, lot 610, and estimated at $2,500 to $3,500, and a beautiful empire seed pearl tiara, Paris, France, 1809-19. Crowning the head with delicate seed pearl feather motifs on textured gold, the tiara, lot 621, is valued at $1,000 to $1,500.
Previews, Catalogs and Bidding
Previews will be held on Sunday, June 12th from 12:00 to 5:00 pm and Monday, June 13th, 2011 from 12:00 to 7:00 pm. Illustrated catalog #2550B is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at (508) 970-3240 or at the gallery for $32. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. At www.skinnerinc.com, users may also view all lots in the auction, leave bids, order catalogs and bid in real-time through SkinnerLive!
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc is one of the world’s leading auction houses. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world. Skinner auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Providing a broad range of auction and appraisal services, Skinner is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner appraisal experts are frequently featured on the PBS-TV series Antiques Roadshow. Specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Paintings & Prints, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit www.skinnerinc.com.
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Contacts
- Victoria Bratberg, Director of Fine Jewelry, 617-874-4305, vbratberg@skinnerinc.com
- Kate de Bethune, Director of Marketing, 508-970-3231, kdebethune@skinnerinc.com