| Press Contact: | Gloria Lieberman, Director | Catherine Riedel, Director |
| Fine Jewelry | Marketing & Public Relations | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
617-625-4295 ext. 305 |
978-779-6241 x231 |
ART DECO SELECTIONS TO HIGHLIGHT
SKINNER JEWELRY AUCTION JUNE 14TH
Gallery Walk and Clinic at the Boston Gallery June 12, 2005
BOSTON, Mass. -May 23, 2004 – www.skinnerinc.com - -Skinner, one of the nation's leading auction houses, will hold an auction of fine jewelry in Boston on June 14th, at 12 noon. The sale comprises approximately 565 lots, and features a particularly fine array of period Art Deco jewelry, with examples from several different estates and families. Edwardian, antique, and artist designed selections also will be offered, as well as Part II of the estate of Selma Postar.
Art Deco Jewelry
Among the most outstanding in the Art Deco offerings is a platinum, diamond, and emerald bracelet, centering a bezel-set rectangular step-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.65 cts., (lot 561, $10/15,000). Other selections include a platinum and diamond tassel pendant from a Cohasset, Massachusetts family (lot 565, $8/10,000), and a pair of platinum and diamond earpendants (lot 556, $8/12,000). Also featured is a ruby bead, diamond, and enamel necklace, c. 1935 (lot 546, $8/10,000). "This is a lovely ruby bead necklace," notes department director Gloria Lieberman. "It's quite unusual; the rubies are of very high quality, and the clasp, while not original to the piece, is extraordinarily beautiful." Additional selections include a diamond and emerald brooch by Tiffany & Co.(lot 559, $3/5,000), and a wonderful gem-set charm bracelet (lot 550, $4/6,000). From a Providence, Rhode Island estate is a Cartier, Paris diamond pendant watch (lot 552, $1/1,500); and a Cartier onyx and gem-set oval picture frame, c. 1940(lot 535, $3/500).
Edwardian and Antique Jewelry
Leading the auction's Edwardian jewelry is an extraordinary signed twin-stone colored diamond and diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., prong-set with an orangey-brown old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 2.56 cts., and an old European-cut diamond weighing 2.70 cts. (lot 557, $20/30,000). Sale highlights also include an enchanting signed Tiffany & Co. diamond and demantoid garnet brooch designed as a frog (lot 563, $5/7,000). Both the ring and the brooch are from the estate of Mrs. L. S. Herrmann. Skinner has sold several important items from the Herrmann Estate in previous auctions, including a spectacular Edwardian Collier de Chien by Cartier that brought $65,000 and a ruby ring by Tiffany & Co. that brought $57,000.
This auction includes a good selection of signed jewelry, with additional examples including a Renaissance Revival 18kt gold and star sapphire brooch by Carlo Giuliano, (lot 463, $2,5/3,500). Antique jewelry is also highlighted by a group of micromosaic offerings (lot 268, $6/800, lot 263, $5/700, lot 264, $4/600). There is also a large group of Art Nouveau jewelry including a pair of 18kt gold, pearl, and diamond earpendants (lot 476, $3000/$4000) and a plique-a-jour necklace in the style of Louis Comfort Tiffany (lot 475, $15/2000).
Artist Designed Jewelry
Lot 533 is an 18kt gold and diamond collar, designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 8/12,000). The collar, which descended in the family of the original owner, appears to be the original model designed and made in 1957. One additional example with larger diamonds was produced in 2000. Says Lieberman, "The collar is so flexible and supple; it moves when you wear it. It's very beautiful, very feminine." The piece has been in the same family since its purchase in the 1950s, when Schlumberger was still working in France for Tiffany & Co.
Artist designed jewelry is crowned by lot 322, a silver brooch by Alexander Calder, composed of a single strand of planished wire ($8/12,000). The brooch descended directly from the artist to the White and Parsons families, who were neighbors of the Calders in Roxbury, Connecticut. The Calder Foundation dated and authenticated this brooch in April 2005, assigning it the application number A21784. The brooch is part of a broader consignment to Skinner, which also included a polychromed mobile metal standing sculpture by Calder, which recently sold at Skinner's auction of American and European paintings on March 20, 2005 for $121,500. Other artist designed jewelry in this sale includes a signed 23kt gold pendant by Pablo Picasso, no. 6 of 20, no. 1409 in its original fitted box (lot 320, $7/9,000), and a silver and enamel pendant by Red Grooms (lot 319, $5/700).
Additional Highlights
Men's jewelry is highlighted by a very rare and unusual gentleman's Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. 18kt gold "Hour Glass" wristwatch (lot 215, $15/20,000). "There were not many made of this size and shape," according to Lieberman, "and they do not come on the market often." Additional highlights include Part II of the Estate of Selma Postar (1927-2004). A North Shore, Mass. native, Selma lived on Beacon Hill in Boston most of her adult life, and was known as a self-taught jewelry dealer with a keen eye for interesting and unusual items. Part I of her collection was offered in Skinner's March 15, 2005 auction of fine jewelry, closing that sale with a wonderful and varied selection of Art Deco, Victorian, and modern pieces. This June auction's offerings will be led by an exceptionally beautiful and unusual Art Nouveau enamel, freshwater pearl, and diamond brooch by Krementz & Co., designed as a freshwater pearl and basse taille enamel swan among water lilies and rushes (lot 479, $6/800).
Special Events
Skinner invites the public to participate in its Jewelry Clinic on June 12th, which will be hosted by Mr. Hagop Matossian from Bostonian Jewelers. Mr. Matossian, an antique and period jewelry restoration expert, is a pioneer in laser restoration techniques. 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. All preview attendees are invited to participate. For more information, call 617-350-5400.
Catalogue and Preview Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12th, 12 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 13th, and 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 14th. Illustrated catalog #2277 is available by mail for $29 ($35 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $26. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For more information, call 617-350-5400, or 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.