Whether it’s called zoomorphic personal ornamentation or critter glitter, animals of all kinds have been a recurring motif in jewelry history. Their natural beauty and unique traits have inspired countless pieces, from the scarab beetles of ancient Egypt to David Webb’s zebras and frogs.

The perennial fascination with animal themes is also because certain mammals, birds, reptiles and even insects are regarded as symbolic of virtues or desirable characteristics — “brave as a lion,” “wise as an owl,” “busy as a bee.”

In the ancient world, the Greeks, Persians and Romans followed the Egyptians in prizing jewelry with animal motifs.… Read More

Looking West From Peristyle, Court of Honor and Grand Basin of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (Chicago, Illinois)

Beginning in the 19th century, as the popularity and accessibility of international travel increased substantially, countries began hosting international fairs and exhibitions to drive both commerce and tourism. Luxury goods makers like Tiffany & Co. used these fairs not only as a way to market their pieces to a wide audience, but also showcase their skills in hopes of attracting international press and prestige.… Read More

BOSTON, MA – April 27, 2018 – Skinner is pleased to announce May 15th as the date for our first Important Jewelry auction of the year. Collectors and buyers who wait in anticipation of this event will be pleased with the breadth and content of this auction, featuring over 400 lots of diamonds, colored stones, and antique and period jewelry.

Rare Colombian Emeralds

Our Important Jewelry auction features several exceptional Colombian emeralds.… Read More

BOSTON, MA – Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers presents its third Fine Jewelry auction of 2017 on Tuesday, September 19 at 10AM in Boston. The auction will feature over 300 lots of diamonds, colored stones, and antique and period jewelry.

Diamonds

Leading our collection of diamonds this auction are several over 5 carats including a brilliant-cut diamond weighing 7.69 carats (Lot 320, estimated between $35,000-55,000), a brilliant-cut weighing 6.17 carats (Lot 319, $30,000-50,000), and an oval-cut diamond weighing 6.05 carats (Lot 317, $40,000-60,000).… Read More

BOSTON, MA  – Skinner, Inc. presents its second Fine Jewelry auction of 2017 on June 27th in Boston. The auction will feature over 400 lots of diamonds, colored stones, and antique and period jewelry.

Diamonds

Leading the collection of diamonds is a 10.65 carats, emerald-cut diamond graded by the GIA as a J Color, VS2 clarity (Lot 402, Estimated between $100,000-125,000). Diamond highlights also include a Fancy Intense Yellow oval diamond ring weighing 4.09 carats by Oscar Heyman (Lot 401, $30,000-50,000), a solitaire set with a 4.33 carats pear-shape diamond (Lot 400, $50,000-60,000), and a cushion-cut 5.01 carats diamond in a Taffin mount (Lot 399, $75,000-85,000).… Read More

BOSTON, MA – Skinner, Inc. will present an auction of European Furniture & Decorative Arts & Fine Silver in its Boston Gallery on Friday, April 7 at 10AM. With over 650 lots on offer, the auction will feature an expansive selection of fine silver and European fine and decorative arts of the 16th through early 20th centuries.

Fine Silver

The auction opens on Friday with just under 200 lots of fine silver, featuring a broad range of flatware and hollowware from the United States, England, and Europe.… Read More

James Horton Whitehouse was one of Tiffany & Co.’s earliest and most well-respected designers, producing many of the firm’s most important pieces during his 44-year career. Born in Staffordshire, England in 1833, Whitehouse was trained in metalworking in Birmingham, England, home of leading silver manufacturer Elkington & Co. Elkington was well-respected not only for the innovative electroplating technique, but for the exception design and quality of both their silver and electro-plated wares.… Read More

BOSTON, MA – Skinner, Inc. presents an outstanding two-day auction of European Furniture & Decorative Arts and Fine Silver & English Ceramics, taking place in Boston. Session I begins on Thursday, January 12 at 4PM with over 350 lots of fine ceramics and silver. Session II opens on Friday, January 13 at 10AM with 376 lots of fine furniture, porcelain, bronze and marble sculpture, glassware, and more.

Iconic names in design and workmanship including Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Faberge, and Wedgwood are prominently represented.… Read More

BOSTON, MA – Skinner, Inc. presents two Fine Jewelry auctions to close out 2016. The live auction on December 6 will feature over 450 lots, including the collection of noted jewelry expert Rita Goodman. The online auction, which is open for bidding until December 7th, features over 200 lots including many signed pieces by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Bulgari, and Chanel. Both auctions will be available for public preview on December 4th and 5th in the Boston gallery.… Read More

Featuring Special Collections of Wedgwood & English Ceramics

BOSTON, MA – Skinner, Inc. will present a two-part auction of European Furniture & Decorative Arts & Fine Silver in its Boston Gallery on Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7. With over 850 lots on offer, the auction will feature Part II of The Paul Lauer Collection of Wedgwood and The Edward Knowles collection of English Pottery, as well as an expansive selection of fine silver and European fine and decorative arts of the 16th through early 20th centuries.… Read More