BOSTON, Mass. – November 24, 2002 - www.skinnerinc.com - -- Skinner, Inc., one of the nation’s leading full-service auctioneers and appraisers of antiques and fine art, a major force in the sale of fine jewelry at auction, will hold an auction of Fine Jewelry on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 12:00 noon in Skinner’s Boston gallery. Skinner’s December sale is typically one of its strongest of the season and features some spectacular gift ideas, just in time for the holidays. This auction is abundant in diamonds, gemstones, and designer pieces. The sale also features several wonderfully unique antique jewelry items from 3 private collections, and many contemporary items. Many of these pieces had been in one family for generations.

Previews for the sale will be held Wednesday, December 11th, 2 to 5 p.m.; Thursday, December 12th, 2 to 7 p.m., Friday December 13th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, December 14th, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Skinner experts will be on hand at all auction previews to answer any questions regarding material in the sale. Also, in conjunction with the Thursday evening preview, Skinner will present a gallery walk discussing some of the auction’s more important offerings, and an informative lecture entitled “Demystifying the Auction Process: How to Buy Art and Antiques at Auction.” The lecture is a great opportunity for first-time auction goers to learn how easy it is to buy at auction. Thursday’s evening activities will begin at 5:00 p.m. Sale highlights are as follows:

The front and back covers of the auction catalogue feature some of the more spectacular highlights from the sale:

· Lot 419: Ruby and Natural Pearl Pendant Brooch, c. 1900, the oval openwork form bead-set with two oval faceted rubies framed by eight baroque natural pearl buds on wirework stems, further bead and prong-set with 100 circular-cut rubies, six circular-cut amethysts and six brown old mine-cut diamond melee, 18kt gold and platinum mount, signed Tiffany & Co. Note: Accompanied by an appraisal from Tiffany & Co. Estimated $20,000-30,000.

· Lot 492: Art Deco Pearl, Jadeite and Diamond Bracelet, formed of three strands of seventy-seven graduating semi-transparent and translucent jadeite beads and two strands of white pearls, geometric-form openwork clasp centering an oval black opal and bead-set with fifty-three old European, old single, and old mine-cut diamonds, platinum mount, in its original fitted box. Estimated $20,000-30,000.

· Lot 516: Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet, the central buckle motif joining articulated geometric-form links completed by a conforming hinged buckle closure, set throughout with 374 old European and full-cut diamonds weighing approx. 21.0 cts., minute millegrain accents, lg. 7 in., French guarantee stamps. Estimated $15,000-20,000.

· Lot 519: Art Deco Diamond and Gem-set Watch Pin, the oblong form pave-set with old European and single-cut diamonds, depicting sapphire, ruby, and emerald lovebirds on a flowering branch, inset with a square watch with Arabic numerals indicators, cabochon sapphire wind stem, millegrain accents, platinum mount, Austrian hallmarks. Estimated $4,000-5,000.

The sale also features several fur coats, a wonderful selection of Hermes accessories, including several Kelly handbags in excellent condition, scarves, gloves, and watches. Art Deco and Art Nouveau pieces abound, as well as jadeite, Plique a Jour, sapphire jewelry, and several lots of gold bracelets from one collection. For the gentlemen in the crowd, there are several lots of watches and cuff links. A wonderful array of diamond pieces complete the sale, with an especially fine selection of diamond rings, perfect for holiday engagements. Some interesting lots include:

· Lot 478: Edwardian Platinum and Diamond Dog Collar, bead set with 49 full-cut diamonds. Estimated $3,000-$5,000.

· Lot 476: Antique Diamond Bangle Bracelet, designed as a four-petal rose-cut diamond flower. Estimated $3,000-$5,000.

· Lot 482: diamond Garland Necklace, formed of 106 graduated round brilliant cut diamonds, and three pear-shaped faceted diamonds. Estimated $8,000-$10,000.

· Lot 485: Platinum and diamond Solitaire, prong set with an oval brilliant cut diamond weighing 4.03 cts. Estimated $40,000-$50,000.

· Lot 504: Diamond Solitaire: prong set with an emerald cut diamond weighing 12.20 cts, flanked by tapered baguettes. Estimated $40,000-$50,000.

· Lot 505: Light Yellow Diamond Solitaire, prong set with an emerald cut light yellow diamond, weighing approximately 5.00 cts, framed by round brilliant cut diamonds. Estimated $15,000-$20,000.

· Lot 506: Platinum and Diamond Solitaire prong set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing 7.20, flanked by tapered baguettes. Estimated $30,000-$35,000.

· Lot 520: Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1915, bezel-set with a faceted oval sapphire measuring 11.90 x 10.50 x 7.18, framed by 14 old mine cut diamonds. Estimated $10,000-$15,000.

Auctions previews will be held Sunday, December 8th, 12-5 p.m., Monday, December 9th, 12-7 p.m., and Tuesday, December 10th, 9-11 a.m. View every lot in the sale in color on Skinner’s web site at www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner’s newly revamped site also enables customers to order catalogues, leave bids and check prices realized in real-time during the sale. Illustrated catalog #2177 is available for $29 ($32 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at Skinner/Bolton (978-779-6241 ext. 240.) For more information, call 978-779-6241, fax 978-779-5144, or visit www.skinnerinc.com

Note to Editors: Photos available upon request. Contact Catherine Riedel at 978-779-6241 x 231.

About Skinner:
With galleries in Boston and Bolton, Mass., Skinner is a one of the nation’s leading auction houses. As a full-service auction house, Skinner provides auction and appraisal services for all manner of antiques and fine art, and its appraisal experts are regularly seen on the PBS series, The Antiques Roadshow. Skinner conducts auctions year-round and has received world-record prices for many pieces sold at auction. Departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, and Discovery. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.