Doyle New York's Important Estate Jewelry auction on September 29, 2010 saw international competition from bidders in the salesroom, on the telephones, and via the Internet. The sale offered jewelry spanning the Antique, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modern eras by some of the world's most prestigious makers, including Cartier, David Webb, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. Also featured were fine watches and objets de vertu, including elegant compacts and cufflinks.
Strong competition resulted in a stunning total of $3,757,986, far surpassing the estimate of $2,304,250-3,258,750 with 87% sold by lot and 90% sold by value.
Diamonds
The auction was highlighted by a selection of high-carat diamond jewelry that achieved stunning prices. A ring centering one rectangular step-cut diamond approx. 16.74 carats, L color, VS1 clarity, formerly property of the Scripps Estate, soared past its estimate of $125,000-175,000 to achieve $242,500. Another ring with an emerald-cut diamond approx. 6.44 carats, G color, VS2 clarity, from the Estate of a Palm Beach Lady, sold for $140,500, well over its estimate of $75,000-100,000.
Colored Stones
Colored stone jewelry featured a circa 1925 carved emerald and diamond ring by Cartier centering one round cabochon emerald carved in a floral motif, approx. 15.90 carats. Estimated at a conservative $3,000-4,000, the ring was the object of fierce competition that sent its price to a stunning $98,500. An Art Deco diamond and emerald bracelet, also circa 1925, from the Estate of Raye D. Werner, sold for $74,500 against an estimate of $30,000-50,000.
David Webb
Jewelry by David Webb proved popular at the auction. A David Webb gold, platinum and diamond bib necklace from the Estate of the Hon. Florence P. Shientag achieved $80,500, several times its estimate of $20,000-30,000. A lovely David Webb diamond flower clip-brooch from the same estate sold for $43,750, against an estimate of $30,000-40,000.
Natural Pearls
Strong demand for natural pearl jewelry was evident at the sale, where a circa 1920 triple strand natural pearl necklace with diamond clasp by Yard from the Estate of Anne S. Humes sold for $53,125, many times over its estimate of $10,000-15,000. A natural pearl necklace with platinum and diamond clasp, also circa 1920, estimated at $5,000-7,000, achieved a strong $25,000.
Jade
The auction market for jade jewelry has been increasingly competitive, and this sale was no exception. A pair of circa 1930 Art Deco jade and diamond pendant-earrings by Janesich sold for $43,750, surpassing their estimate of $20,000-30,000. A circa 1920 Tiffany & Co. Art Deco jade and diamond ring estimated at $15,000-20,000 sold for $34,375.
Doyle New York’s next auction of Important Estate Jewelry is scheduled for December 8. Consignments are currently being accepted.
