| Press Contact: | Gloria Lieberman, Director | Catherine Riedel, Director |
| Fine Jewelry | Marketing & Public Relations | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
978-779-6241 ext. 228 |
978-779-6241 ext. 231 |
RARE PRIVATE COLLECTIONS TO HIGHLIGHT
SKINNER AUCTION OF FINE JEWELRY
BOSTON, Mass. - November 28, 2004 – www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, Inc., one of the nation's leading auction houses, will hold an auction of fine jewelry at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 14, 2004, at its Boston gallery. The sale brings together an extraordinary selection of important jewelry from estates and private collections, and also presents a group of artist designed jewelry, Hermès handbags, and American Art Nouveau items deaccessioned from a prominent New England museum.
Estate Collections
Rare and important estate comes to auction from a family of collectors who acquired antique jewelry during the 1930s and 1940s, when a great deal of nineteenth century material was available. Featured are unusual pieces from the mid- to late nineteenth century, many signed by the most important makers of the time. Examples include a Renaissance Revival cat's-eye chrysoberyl, enamel, and diamond cuff bracelet by Falize (lot 520, $6/8,000). "It's unusual, it's beautiful, it's rare, it's just wonderful," remarks department director Gloria Lieberman. Additional highlights include an 18kt gold and hardstone intaglio bracelet by Ernesto Pierret (lot 521, $3/5,000) and a 15kt Gold and Turquoise Bracelet by Carlo Giuliano (lot 589, $3/5,000). "It's the best of the best," says Lieberman, adding, "We are fortunate to be able to offer all of these wonderful pieces."
Another estate comes from Rhode Island, descended in a family with upstate New York origins. This collection features classic early Tiffany jewelry. Highlights include a Tiffany Edwardian floral brooch, set throughout with diamonds, and accented with berries of freshwater pearls (lot 598, $6/8,000) and a Tiffany black opal and enamel pendant dating from c.1905 (lot 603/ $10/15,000). Also from this collection, an Edwardian Diamond Plaque de Cou (lot 610, $15/20,000) with an approximate diamond weight of 21.00 cts.
Other pieces from private collections include a sculpted platinum and diamond bow brooch by Cartier (lot 592, $15/20,000), and an Edwardian yellow diamond snowflake brooch (lot 597, $10/15,000). Two very unusual watches also will be offered: a Tiffany pocket watch from circa 1890 in an extraordinary platinum and gold setting (lot 605, $8/12,000), and a gentleman's Rolex wristwatch from the 1940s (lot 324, $10/15,000). "Each is in near mint condition," notes Lieberman. "You never see condition like this."
Additional Highlights
Additional highlights in the sale include an exquisite large emerald and diamond pendant descended in the family, accompanied by a 1951 magazine article showing the original owner, Mrs. Harry B. Hollins, 3rd, wearing the piece (lot 581, $40/50,000). A varied collection of wearable Art Deco jewelry include diamond bracelets by Tiffany and J.E. Caldwell (lot 579, $5/7,000 and lot 606, $6/8,000), and a diamond and onyx wristwatch by Cartier (lot 580, $10/15,000). Artist designed jewelry is led by a Calder brooch purchased at an estate sale in California (lot 335, $2/3,000). The consignors of this piece had seen it while previewing the estate offerings, and shortly afterwards saw Lieberman discussing Calder jewelry in a segment of the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow. Returning to the sale, they found the brooch was still available and purchased it.
"It's a wonderful and very unusual sale," says Lieberman.
Special Events
In conjunction with its preview on Sunday, December 12th, and as a complement to its lecture series, Skinner invites all preview attendees to participate in its Jewelry Clinic, hosted by Mr. Hagop Matossian from Bostonian Jewelers. Mr. Matossian, an antique and period jewelry restoration expert, is viewed by his peers in the industry as a pioneer in laser restoration techniques. For the past 25 years, he has collaborated with dealers and private collectors on restoration and alteration projects. He will be available for individual consultations concerning items in the auction throughout the preview. The clinic will begin at 12 noon, and continue until 4 p.m.
Website, Catalogue, and Preview Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 12th, 12 to 7
p.m., Monday, December 13th, and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 14th. Illustrated
catalogue #2261 is available by mail for $32 ($39 for foreign requests) from
the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is sold at the gallery
for $29. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com
during and after the sale. For more information, visit www.skinnerinc.com.
Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids,
and order catalogues online.
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.