SKINNER TO HOLD FINE JEWELRY AUCTION JUNE 13TH IN BOSTON
Clinic and Gallery Walk at Boston Gallery June 11, 2006
BOSTON, Mass. - June 1, 2006
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www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, one of the nation's leading auction houses, will hold an auction of fine jewelry in Boston on Tuesday, June 13th. The sale, which will begin at 11 a.m., features over 750 lots of fine estate and designer jewelry, watches, and accessories. Highlights include a collection of antique flower jewelry, a wonderful selection of diamonds, colored diamonds and gemstones, a selection of wristwatches, including Franck Muller, signed pieces by Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, and Seaman Schepps, a collection of Georg Jensen jewelry, and a nice selection of Hermes scarves and handbags.
Diamonds and Colored Diamonds
Colored diamonds feature prominently in this auction and the best of these is a yellow diamond solitaire, prong-set with a pear-cut yellow diamond weighing 21.25 cts., framed by forty-four tapered diamond baguettes, in a 14kt bi-color gold mount. Accompanied by original bill of sale, a copy of a letter from the curator of the Smithsonian's Department of Mineral Sciences dated 1986, and Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America Inc. certificate stating that the diamond is fancy light yellow color, VVS2 clarity. At the time it was purchased, the diamond was known as the "African Sunrise". (lot 760, $130/160,000). Also of note is a fancy blue diamond ring weighing 1.55 cts., with even distribution, SI1 clarity, bezel-set in an 18kt rose gold mount pave-set with full-cut pink diamond melee accompanied by GIA certificate (lot 759 $100/$125,000), and an 18kt Gold, Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring bezel-set with a natural fancy intense radiant-cut pink diamond, VS1 clarity, weighing 0.76 cts., flanked by round brilliant-cut diamonds, that are D color and internally flawless. This ring is also accompanied by GIA certificate. (lot 744, $38/42,000.)
Two other colored diamond lots are a pink diamond and diamond Ring, bezel-set with a square step-cut fancy deep pink diamond weighing 0.90 cts., in a platinum and 18kt rose gold mount pave-set with full-cut diamonds with GIA (lot 746, $38/42,000.), and a colored diamond and diamond bangle bracelet, prong set with thirteen old European-cut diamonds, signed C. W. S. Sons (Lot 526, $8/12,000.)
Diamonds in the sale are highlighted by lot 755, a platinum and diamond solitaire, prong-set with a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing approx. 4.51 cts., flanked by tapered baguettes (est. $40/60,000), lot 754, a platinum and diamond solitaire, prong-set with an emerald-cut diamond weighing approx. 7.90 cts., flanked by tapered baguettes, (est. $40/50,000), Lot No. 722, a platinum and diamond solitaire, prong-set with an Asscher-cut diamond weighing 5.62 cts., prongs and shoulders bead-set with single-cut diamonds, L color, VS2 clarity, with GIA cert. (est. $25/35,000), and two lovely pairs of diamonds earrings, lot 743, a pair of platinum and diamond earstuds, prong-set with old European-cut diamonds weighing approx. 3.44 and 3.36 cts. (est. $18/20,000) and lot 752A, a pair of platinum and diamond earpendants, each prong-set with an old European-cut diamond suspending an old pear-shape spaced by a full-cut diamond (est. $12/15,000.)
Colored Stones
Colored stones are also plentiful and highlights include several sapphire offerings. Lot 758A is a Burma sapphire and diamond ring, signed by Cartier, prong-set with a cushion-cut sapphire weighing 5.55 cts., flanked by trapezoidal-cut diamonds, in an 18kt white gold mount with AGTL cert. (est. $32/42,000). Other sapphire lots include lot 734, a signed Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond ring prong-set with a cushion-cut sapphire weighing 8.354 cts., flanked by diamond trillions, accompanied by AGL certificate, (est. $18/22,000), and lot 731, a sapphire and diamond bracelet, set with old European and old mine-cut diamonds and step-cut sapphires (est. $18/22,000),
Other unusual colored stones include lot 726, a Raymond Yard platinum, alexandrite and diamond ring, prong-set with a cushion-cut alexandrite weighing 4.04 cts., flanked by trapezoidal-cut diamonds, signed Yard, accompanied by Gem Research Swiss Lab certificate, (est.$15/20,000), and lot 739, an 18kt gold, kunzite and diamond pendant/brooch, H. Dunay, set with a fancy step-cut kunzite with seventeen full-cut diamond accents in a scrolling mount (est. $4/6,000.)
Collection of Antique Flower Jewelry
The auction also features a wonderful collection of antique flower jewelry including pins, brooches, pendants, and a slide bracelet. Lot 354 is an Art Nouveau enamel and diamond orchid pendant/brooch featuring a polychrome enamel flower centering an old European-cut diamond in a 14kt gold mount (est. $8/1,200), and lot 361 is an Art Nouveau 18kt gold, enamel and diamond pansy brooch, Tiffany & Co., with purple and lavender enamel , and an old European-cut diamond highlight, (est. $1/1,500).
Signed & Designer Pieces
Skinner's jewelry auctions typically features pieces signed pieces by important designers and studio artists, and this sale has several fine offerings in this category. Lot 745 is a platinum, 18kt gold and Diamond Ribbon Brooch signed by Cartier, c. 1960s, pave-set with 187 full-cut diamonds melee with applied gold ball accents, (est. $15/20,000). Also signed is lot 643, an 18kt gold, enamel, and diamond bracelet and earclips, signed by David Webb, designed as a hinged cuff with cream colored enamel, full-cut diamond melee highlights, earclips en suite (est. $12/18,000), and lot 651, an 18kt gold and diamond tassel suite, by Van Cleef & Arpels, c. 1960, including a draped slide necklace with foxtail chain tassels, full-cut diamond clasp and terminals, bracelet ensuite, with similar ropetwist earrings, signed Van Cleef & Arpels (est. $20/30,000)
One of the most interesting lots in the auction is lot 758, a brooch designed as a pair of 18kt Gold, Ruby, and Cultured Pearl Lips by Henry Kaston, designed by Dali (est. $4,000-6,000.) It features a 212 ruby melee, enclosing ten white pearl teeth. Kaston, whose work has been exhibited at the Met, the Vatican and the Smithsonian, is the only living jeweler to have worked with Dali. A person of many accomplishments, Kaston is also a sculptor, inventor and violin bow maker. Dali said of this design: "Poets of the ages, of all lands, write of ruby lips and teeth of pearls. It remained for Dali to translate this poetic cliche into a true surrealistic object.
Art Deco & Antique Jewelry
The sale is rounded out with a wonderful selection of antique and art deco pieces. Of note for antique jewelry is lot 540, an antique 18kt gold and hardstone intaglio bracelet, Carlo Giuliano, bezel-set with intaglios depicting classical figures joined by ribbed cylindrical links, with maker's mark (est. $8/10,000), lot 514, an antique 18kt gold coral cameo brooch, depicting Zeus, within a scrolling foliate frame, with a fitted Geneva jeweler's box (est. $1,5/2,000), and lot 529, an antique diamond bow brooch, collet-set with table and rose-cut diamonds in a gold mount (est. $1,5/2,000). This piece is pictured in the book Jewellery by Michael Poynder.
Art Deco offerings include lot 717, a French Art Deco platinum, diamond and gem-set clip, prong-set with leaf-carved emeralds, rubies and sapphires, framed by baguette and circular-cut diamonds, with French guarantee stamps and maker's mark for AK (est. $8/10,000), lot 697, an Art Deco platinum, sapphire and diamond Bracelet, bezel-set with an Asscher-cut diamond weighing 0.82 cts, further bead-set with old European, old single, and full-cut diamond melee and calibre-cut sapphire highlights, (Est. $5/7,000), and lot 716, an French Art Deco jadeite and onyx and diamond brooch, with openwork plaque set with old European and rose-cut diamonds, framed by shaped jadeite plaques and calibre-cut onyx, with French guarantee stamps (est.$3/4,000.)
Additional Highlights
Other offerings include a fine selection of men's and ladies watches including Patek Phillipe, Franck Muller, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Rolex, and a group of Georg Jensen jewelry, including pieces set with colored stones. One such example is a sterling silver and green onyx necklace signed Georg Jensen (lot 72, $1/1,500). Those seeking Hermes handbags and scarves will find a large selection from a Rhode Island collector, all in excellent condition, including a box leather "Kelly" handbag (lot 1, $2/3,000), and a brown crocodile handbag (lot 11, $2/3,000), among others.
Special Event
As a complement to its auction preview on Sunday, June 11th, Skinner invites the public to participate in a Jewelry Clinic and Gallery Talk. The clinic will be 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. At 12:30 p.m., department director Gloria Lieberman and gemologist Sheila Barron will present a gallery talk focusing on colored diamonds and unusual colored stones.
Catalogue and Preview Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 11th, 12 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 12th, and 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 13th. Illustrated catalogue #2323 is available by mail for $32 ($39 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $29. 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 auction, leave bids, and order catalogues online.
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About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the nation's leading auction houses for antiques and fine art and the only major auction house headquartered in New England. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner's appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty 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. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Bolton, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner's web site
www.skinnerinc.com.
