| Press Contact: | Catherine Riedell | Gloria Lieberman |
| Director of Marketing | Vice President of Fine Jewelry | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
978-779-6341, x231 |
617-350-5400 x305 | |
SKINNER'S MARCH JEWELRY AUCTION FEATURES
THE EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION OF DR. ANNELLA BROWN
Collection of Buccellati Jewelry from a Greenwich, Conn. Estate
Contemporary Designer Jewelry from a Vermont Estate
Jewelry De-accessioned from a Major Northeastern Institution
Large Selection of Colored Diamonds and Georg Jensen Silver
BOSTON, Mass. - March 2003 – www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, Inc., one of the nation's leading auctioneers and appraisers of antiques and fine art, and a major force in the sale of fine jewelry at auction, will hold an auction of Fine Jewelry on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 12:00 noon in its Boston gallery. The auction is one of the most interesting Jewelry sales to be hosted by Skinner this year, with offerings from nearly every period, and something for virtually every jewelry lover, in a range of prices. The auction features a wide assortment of colored and colorless diamonds, and gemstones; a good selection of gentlemen's jewelry; and several lots of Georg Jensen silver jewelry. The sale also features wonderful collections including jewelry de-accessioned from a major northeastern institution; a collection of Buccellati jewelry from a Greenwich, Conn. Estate; and a collection of contemporary designer jewelry from a Vermont estate, including signed pieces from Gabriella Kiss. The undisputed highlight of the sale is an extraordinary collection from one of Boston's best known collectors of fine jewelry and artwork: The Jewelry Collection of Dr. Annella Brown, noted jewelry collector and one of the nation's first female surgeons.
The Collection of Dr. Annella Brown
Known for her distinctive style and passion for one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, Dr. Annella Brown has been a long-time friend and customer of Skinner for many years. Dr. Brown's reputation for collecting is surpassed only by her personal and professional accomplishments. Throughout her life, she has inspired many by her pursuit of knowledge and beauty. From the early age of four, she knew her future was in medicine, and through years of hard work and perseverance, she succeeded in becoming the first accredited woman surgeon in New England, and one of only ten in America. Not content to rest there, she went on to study the history of art at Wellesley College, and through her love of architecture and design she became a collector, connoisseur, and dealer of fine French furniture, and then Art Deco jewelry. As an avid buyer of art deco jewelry, Dr. Brown was a familiar face in auction rooms around the world and known for never putting her paddle down. Now eighty-three, she has retired from medicine and has consigned her jewelry collection for sale at auction.
"We're delighted that Dr. Brown has chosen to sell her collection with Skinner," notes Gloria Lieberman, director of Skinner's Fine Jewelry department. "Her collection amasses some of the finest examples of Art Deco jewelry ever brought to auction. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of jewelry from a legendary collector."
Featured lots from Dr. Brown's collection include:
· Lot 470, an Art Moderne Emerald and Smoked Rock Crystal Dress Clip, designed as a rock crystal fan bezel set with a round cabochon emerald, by Suzanne Belperron. Estimated $12,000-$15,000.
· Lot 478, an Art Nouveau 18kt Gold Placque de Cou, designed as an openwork plaque with a carved turquoise woman's head with chased flowing gold hair, highlighted by old European cut diamond blossoms, flanked by two conforming smaller frames. The center plaque is signed Lalique. Estimated $35,000-$45,000.
· Lot 498, a diamond and gem-set bracelet, set with faceted oval and cabochon ruby, emerald, sapphire, and full-cut diamond and champagne diamond blossoms, carved buds and leaves. Made by Anna Bachelli. Estimated $50,000-$70,000.
· Lot 524, an Art Deco Pink Diamond and Ruby Dress Clip, c. 1930, centering an emerald cut pink diamond weighing 1.90 cts. Framed by square step-cut rubies, single-cut diamonds and diamonds baguettes. Estimated $30,000-$40,000.
· Lot 525 is perhaps the most interesting and unique offering in the sale. Four Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Dress Clips with 200 full and baguette-cut diamonds, approx. total weight 14.08 carats, signed Dusausoy, sold together with 20 interchangeable silver fittings, including 17 brooches, two cuff bracelets, and one tiara/necklace, with original case. Originally sold separately from their fittings, the dress clips were once part of the Andy Warhol Collection and are being offered here for the first time with their fittings. Estimate upon request.
Colored Diamonds
Colored diamonds have become increasingly popular in the past few years and
Skinner is offering several colored stones in this sale, including a range of
colors from fancy yellow intense to hot pink. Featured lots include:
· Lot 455, a Colored Diamond Solitaire, cut cornered rectangular modified, fancy intense yellow, flanked by triangular cut diamonds weighing 1.01 carats. Platinum and 18 karat gold mount, signed Tiffany & Co. Accompanied by a platinum band. Estimated $50,000-$60,000
· Lot 457, an Art Deco Colored Diamond and Diamond Sautoir, featuring a detachable pendant centering a flexibly-set faceted pear-shape yellow diamond weighing approx. 9 carats. The frame, bail and necklace is further bezel and bead-set with one marquise and 164 old mine and old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.25 carats. Platinum mount. Estimated $80,000-$120,000.
· Lot 458, a Colored Diamond Solitaire, centering a fancy intense pink corner cut rectangular modified brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.62 carats in a platinum mount. Estimated $100,000-$125,000.
Georg Jensen
Georg Jensen designed pieces are always a favorite among Skinner's jewelry customers,
and this auction offers several wonderful examples of vintage Georg Jensen silver.
Notable lots include:
· Lot 44, a Sterling Silver, Amber, and Chalcedony Brooch, centering a bezel-set amber cabochon framed by blossom and vine elements, two bezel-set green chalcedony accents, signed Georg Jensen, no. 69. Estimated $1,000-$1,500.
· Lot 46, a Sterling Silver& Labradorite Necklace, formed of alternating floral and leaf-form, each bezel-set with an oval cabochon labradorite. Signed GI and Georg Jensen no. 1. Estimated $1,000-$1,500.
· Lot 47, A Sterling Silver and coral Necklace, composed of alternating floral and foliate links, the foliate links bezel-set with coral cabochons, signed Georg Jensen, no. 10. Estimated $1,500-$2,000.
· Lot 48, a Sterling Silver Necklace, formed of alternating leaf and bud form links completed by a circular box clasp, designed by Harald Nielsen and signed Georg Jensen, no. 96, inscribed and dated "KAM June 1967". Estimated $800-$1,200.
· Lot 65, Six Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Dresser Items, designed with floral and bead devices, including a shoehorn, no. 172B, nail scissors, nail buffer, shoe lacing hook, and two cuticle tools, nos. 172, blades, horn, hook, cuticle tool, hairbrush, and mirror, attachments all made of hallmarked Solingen steel, signed GI for Georg Jensen, together with a dresser jar no. 172K, signed Georg Jensen. Estimated $800-$1,200.
Gentlemen's Offerings
As with all Skinner jewelry auctions, the March sale features a nice array of
gentlemen's jewelry. Some of the best offerings include:
· Lot 254, Genetleman's 18kt gold Wristwatch, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Triple Calendar Moonphase, 1951. Estimated $15,000-$20,000.
· Lot 255, Art Deco 18kt Gold Minute Repeating Pocket Watch, Cartier, the silvered metal dial with gold Arabic numerals and breguet hands. European Watch and Clock Company 27 jewel movement, interior 18kt gold case. Original box. Estimated $6,000-$8,000.
· Lot 242, Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Cartier "Tank Basculante", rectangular white dial with Roman numerals. Adjustable black alligator Cartier band with original box. Estimated $1,500-$2,000.
· Lot 251, Gentlemen's 18kt Gold Wristwatch, David Yurman "Thoroughbred", the square ivory tone dial with Arabic numeral indicators. Gold link band with deployant clasp. Estimated $1,500-$2,000.
Catalogue & Preview
Auctions previews will be held Sunday, March 16th, 12-5 p.m., Monday, March 17th, 12-7 p.m., and Tuesday, March 18th, 9-11 a.m. The Sunday evening preview will also feature a lecture by Gloria Lieberman entitled "Have you Met Dr. Brown?" discussing selected pieces from the jewelry collection of Dr. Annella Brown. The lecture begins immediately following the preview at 5:00 p.m.
View every lot in the sale in color on Skinner's web site at www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also enables customers to order catalogues, leave bids and check prices realized in real-time during the sale. Illustrated catalog #2188 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 full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art. Regularly seen on the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, Skinner is one of the nation’s leading auction houses. 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 & Ethnographica, and Discovery. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.