Dec 14, 2023 12:00 EST
Important Jewelry
268
Platinum and Diamond Pendant
Estate / Collection: Estate of Mary Ellin Barrett
One old European-cut diamond ap. 2.80 cts., 213 old European-cut diamonds ap. 6.70 cts., circa 1920, ap. 12.7 dwts.
Marie Louise Mackay, by descent to
Katherine and Clarence H. Mackay, by descent to
Ellin and Irving Berlin, by descent to
Mary Ellin Barrett
The discovery in 1859 of the Comstock Lode, a vast deposit of silver ore in Nevada, was one of the most significant mining discoveries in American history. It drew people from across America, among them Irish-born John W. Mackay (1831-1902). In 1865 he bought into a mine that hit big and made him an overnight millionaire. He formed a partnership with three other Irishmen, later known as the Bonanza Kings, and in 1873 they made the largest ore discovery ever found in North America, earning John Mackay an estimated $50 billion in today’s money. The Mackays established themselves in Paris in an elegant mansion near the Arc de Triomphe, now the home of the Belgian Embassy, where his wife, Marie Louise, became a society hostess famed for her lavish dinners and balls.
Sold for $23,940
Estimated at $10,000 - $15,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Estate of Mary Ellin Barrett
One old European-cut diamond ap. 2.80 cts., 213 old European-cut diamonds ap. 6.70 cts., circa 1920, ap. 12.7 dwts.
Provenance:Marie Louise Mackay, by descent to
Katherine and Clarence H. Mackay, by descent to
Ellin and Irving Berlin, by descent to
Mary Ellin Barrett
The discovery in 1859 of the Comstock Lode, a vast deposit of silver ore in Nevada, was one of the most significant mining discoveries in American history. It drew people from across America, among them Irish-born John W. Mackay (1831-1902). In 1865 he bought into a mine that hit big and made him an overnight millionaire. He formed a partnership with three other Irishmen, later known as the Bonanza Kings, and in 1873 they made the largest ore discovery ever found in North America, earning John Mackay an estimated $50 billion in today’s money. The Mackays established themselves in Paris in an elegant mansion near the Arc de Triomphe, now the home of the Belgian Embassy, where his wife, Marie Louise, became a society hostess famed for her lavish dinners and balls.
Center diamond: F-G-H-SI2-I1, small feather in table, reflecting lily pad like inclusion on crown facet, very lively.
Diamonds: H-I-VS-SI-several Imperfect.
Top half of pendant with secondary inner frame. Pendant loop wrapped around raised disc, solder repair on disc, pendant loop possibly added later.
Diameter 1 7/8 inches.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
Auction: Important Jewelry, Dec 14, 2023
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Auction of Important Jewelry on December 14, 2023 Tops $6 Million!
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The Ellin and Irving Berlin Sapphire and Diamond Ring Achieves $998,000
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY -- Sapphires soared at Doyle's auction of Important Jewelry on December 14, 2023 as bidders around the world vied for exceptional examples of the dazzling blue gemstone. Competitive bidding throughout the auction resulted in a highly successful sale total of $6,016,716, far surpassing its $2,964,700-4,432,800 estimate.
The Ellin and Irving Berlin Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Highlighting the sale was the superb Ellin and Irving Berlin Sapphire and Diamond Ring that sailed past its $200,000-400,000 to a stunning $998,000. The circa 1928 ring featured a Burma sapphire of exceptional quality and color weighing 18.22 carats. During their 62-year marriage, Irving Berlin gave his wife Ellin gifts of exquisite jewels as expressions of their lasting love for one another. Doyle was honored to auction one of these treasured pieces (lot 269). Read an essay profiling Ellin and Irving Berlin (click here).
Other Notable Sapphires
From the Collection of an International Family was a ring set with a Kashmir sapphire of 10.49 carats that realized $378,000, many times its estimate of $40,000-60,000. The sapphire attracted a great deal of interest due to its large size, which is unusual for a Kashmir sapphire.
An elegant ring by Harry Winston centering a Ceylon (Sri Lanka) sapphire of 11.37 carats from the Private Collection of an American Philanthropist also outperformed expectations, selling for $189,000, more than doubling its $60,000-80,000 estimate.
Luxury Watches
The selection of luxury watches drove determined competition at the sale. A 1950s Rolex 'Triple Calendar Jean-Claude Killy' chronograph, Ref. 6036, from the Estate of gallerist Gloria Naftali sold for $100,800, and a 1970s Vacheron Constantin gold and diamond '222' wristwatch realized $69,300, both surpassing their respective estimates.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation of your jewelry, fine watches and luxury handbags. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact:
New York: Ann Lange at 212-427-4141, ext 221 or jewelry@Doyle.com
Beverly Hills: Emily Marchick and Nan Summerfield at 310-276-6616 or DoyleLA@Doyle.com
Palm Beach: Collin Albertsson at 561-360-2308 or DoyleFL@Doyle.com
