Skinner Brings Sparkle & Shine to the Holiday Season

BOSTON, MA – November 21, 2013 – ‘Tis the season to give – or to gift oneself! Just in time for the holidays, Skinner, Inc. announces its sale of Fine Jewelry on December 10. From wonderful examples of Art Deco jewelry by Cartier and contemporary pieces by Buccellati and Van Cleef & Arpels, to exceptional pieces by eclectic jeweler and metalsmith Marie Zimmermann, this auction has something for everyone. With over 700 lots of treasures to choose from, the perfect gift awaits.

Marie Zimmermann

Rare Pair of Jade and Enamel Bangles, Marie Zimmermann (Lot 472, Estimate $25,000-$35,000)

Rare Pair of Jade and Enamel Bangles, Marie Zimmermann (Lot 472, Estimate $25,000-$35,000)

Skinner is pleased to offer four extremely rare pieces by the largely unknown, but revered jeweler and metalsmith Marie Zimmermann. Zimmerman’s diverse work, highly sought after by serious collectors and connoisseurs, includes jewelry, silver, and objects in a variety of patinas and forms. Many institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, have Zimmermann’s work in their permanent collections.

Illustrating the artist’s ability to re-interpret Chinese motifs is a Pair of Jade and Enamel Bangles (Lot 472, estimated $25,000 – $35,000). Exhibited in 1939, they were kept by Zimmermann throughout her life. The December 10 auction will also feature three rings by Zimmermann, each in a distinct style: a Gold and Amethyst Intaglio Ring (Lot 473, $5,000 – $7,000); a Gold, Carnelian Intaglio and Enamel Ring (Lot 474, $4,000 – $6,000); and a Gold, Baroque Pearl, Emerald, and Pink Sapphire Ring (Lot 475, $10,000 – $15,000). Each of these exquisite rings, like all works by the artist, is very rare.

Victoria Bratberg, Skinner, Inc.’s Director of Jewelry, noted, “I would consider Zimmermann one of the great eclectic artists of the 20th century. I hope this sale exposes all collectors to her unique work.”

Diamond Jewelry

The December 10 auction shines with numerous examples of fine diamond jewelry. Buccellati is represented by several stellar pieces, including a signed 18kt Gold and Diamond “Maria” Necklace (Lot 679, $6,000 – $8,000) and a pair of signed 18kt Gold and Diamond Hoop Earrings (Lot 681, $6,000 – $8,000). As well, Skinner will offer signed jewelry by various famous makers including Van Cleef & Arpels, notably, an 18kt Gold and Diamond “Angel Hair” Necklace, (Lot 710, $10,000-15,000) and an 18kt Gold and Diamond Bow Bangle (Lot 718, $20,000-30,000)

18kt Gold and Diamond 'Angel Hair' Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, France (Lot 710, Estimate $10,000-$15,000)

18kt Gold and Diamond ‘Angel Hair’ Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, France (Lot 710, Estimate $10,000-$15,000)

A selection of beautiful gems by Tiffany & Co., includes a Platinum and Diamond Choker, from the 1950s (Lot 770, $15,000 – $20,000) and, from Harry Winston, a timeless, Platinum and Diamond Solitaire (Lot 772, $60,000 – $80,000), featuring a 3.02 cts. round brilliant-cut diamond flanked by pear-shaped diamonds. The Winston Solitaire is accompanied by GIA report no. 15758128, dated May 1, 2007, stating that the diamond is G color, VS2 clarity.

In the spirit of the season, Skinner will offer a fine Emerald-cut, 4.23 ct. Diamond Pendant (Lot 773, $80,000 – $120,000), with proceeds to benefit Partners In Health. Founded in 1987 by Dr. Paul Farmer, Partners In Health brings the benefits of modern medical science to communities around the world lacking access to healthcare. Priority programs focus on cancer and chronic disease, HIV/AIDS, women’s health, tuberculosis, and child health. The jewel is accompanied by GIA report no. 5151750215, dated October 23, 2013, stating that the diamond is D color, VVS2 clarity.

Pearls

Skinner’s Fine Jewelry auction is flush with highly desirable pearls, including a magnificent Chaumet Natural Pearl Necklace (Lot 781, $40,000 – $60,000 and a Tiffany & Co. Natural Pearl Necklace (Lot 731, $8000-12,000)A beautiful Buccellati 18kt Gold and Cultured Pearl Bracelet (Lot 676, $8,000 – $12,000) is another wonderful highlight.

Colorful Gemstones

Popping with color are several eye-catching offerings, including a Carved Gemstone Bracelet (Lot 768, $25,000-35,000), and a Fine Jadeite Bead Necklace (Lot 774, $15,000 – $20,000) composed of 105 jadeite beads graduating in size and completed by a pearl clasp. A Cartier 14kt Gold, Lapis, and Turquoise Convertible Suite, c. 1940s (Lot 706, $15,000 – $20,000) will be offered as well, including an adjustable length necklace of tubogas links, adorned with a fringe of beads, each topped by a lapis or turquoise pyramid. Adjustable in length, this bright and pretty piece can be worn either as a choker or a bracelet, along with the accompanying earclips.

Antique & Art Deco Jewels

Fine Pair of Antique Gold and Diamond Earpendants and Coach   Covers (Lot 498, Estimate $12,000-$15,000)

Fine Pair of Antique Gold and Diamond Earpendants and Coach Covers (Lot 498, Estimate $12,000-$15,000)

Skinner will feature an exceptional selection of antique and Art Deco jewels to catch any connoisseur’s eye. Among these are several examples by Cartier, including an Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet (Lot 784, $30,000 – $50,000) and an Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Ring (Lot 785, $80,000 – $120,000), set with an old marquise cut diamond weighing 5.25 cts. According to the accompanying GIA report no. 2155668891, dated September 18, 2013, the diamond is G color, VS1 clarity.

To complete the luxurious look, Cartier’s Art Deco Silk and Carved Gemstone Evening Bag (Lot 783, $5,000 to $7,000) will also be available, featuring platinum, pearl, and rose-cut diamond terminals, an 18kt gold and enamel strap, and a carved Indian deity suspended from a platinum and diamond bail.

Rounding out the antique and Art Deco offerings is a Fine Pair of Antique Gold and Diamond Earpendants and Coach Covers (Lot 498, $12,000 – $15,000) and an Art Deco Diamond and Gem-set Brooch by J.E. Caldwell & Co. (Lot 775, $6,000 to $8,000), designed as a jade jardinière with diamond bonsai tree and accents in onyx, sapphires, and rock crystal.

Artist Jewelry

Among the auction’s artist-designed highlights is Roy Lichtenstein’s Pop Art “Modern Head” Pendant/Brooch, c. 1968 (Lot 142, $2,000 – $3,000), made by Multiples Inc., designed as an abstract polychrome enamel head with “Benday” dots. Also available is an intriguing 18kt Gold Kinetic Ring designed by Pol Bury, (Lot 144, $6,000 – $8,000), featuring a circular top, mounted with flexible rods.

Previews, Catalog and Bidding

Previews for the auction will be held on Sunday, December 8, from noon to 5 PM and Monday, December 9, from noon to 7 PM. Illustrated Catalog #2693B is available from the Subscription Department, at 508-970-3240, or from the Gallery. Prices realized will be available online at www.skinnerinc.com, both during and after the sale. The Skinner website enables users to view every lot in the auction, leave bids, order catalogs and bid live, in real-time, through SkinnerLive!

About Skinner

Skinner auctions draw international interest from buyers and consignors alike, with material regularly achieving record prices. The company’s auction and appraisal services focus on fine art, jewelry, furniture, and decorative arts from around the globe, as well as wine, important musical instruments, rare books, clocks, Judaica, and more. Monthly Skinner Discovery

auctions feature a breadth of estate material. Widely regarded as one of the most trusted names

in the business, Skinner appraisers have appeared on the PBS-TV series Antiques Roadshow since the show’s inception. Skinner has galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts,

with an international audience of bidders participating in person, by phone, and online through

the SkinnerLive! online bidding platform. For more information and to read our blog, visit the Skinner website at www.skinnerinc.com, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/skinnerauctions, or follow us on Twitter @Skinnerinc.

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Contacts

Victoria Bratberg
Director of Fine Jewelry
617-874-4313
jewelry@skinnerinc.com

Kate de Bethune
Director of Marketing
press@skinnerinc.com

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