Doyle’s estate jewelry auction on September 21 saw international competition from hundreds of 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 Harry Winston, Buccellati, Cartier, David Webb, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co. Also featured were watches and objets de vertu, including elegant compacts and cufflinks. Highlighting the auction was a large group of rings set with high carat weight diamonds.
Strong international competition resulted in an auction total of $4,583,307, with 78 percent sold by lot and 83 percent sold by value.
The top lot of the day was a ring set with an emerald-cut diamond of approximately 5.26 carats, D color, internally flawless, that sold within estimate at $266,500. A ring set with a round diamond of approximately 5.34 carats, H color, VS2 clarity, achieved $158,500, well over its estimate of $80/120,000. Another ring with the same estimate and the identical selling price featured a round diamond of approximately 13.27 carats, U to V color, VVS2 clarity.
A ring set with a one round diamond of approximately 8.36 carats, K color, VVS2 clarity, sold for $146,500; and a ring with an emerald-cut diamond of approximately 12.78 carats, S to T range, VS1 clarity, sold for $140,500, both near the top end of their respective $100/150,000 estimates.
Featured among the diamond necklaces was a pendant necklace by Cartier set with three diamonds of approximately 2.32 carats each that sold for $92,500, surpassing its estimate of $50/70,000. A diamond necklace by Harry Winston, total diamonds approximately 24.35 carats, fetched $86,500.
Strong prices were also achieved by colored stone jewelry. An invisibly-set sapphire, diamond and yellow diamond flower clip-brooch by Charles Vaillant sold for $76,900. Charles Vaillant was a New York jeweler who made jewelry for the Duke of Verdura. After leaving Verdura, he continued to create fabulous pieces for private clients. Verdura was represented in the sale by an elegant gold and white enamel “Chevalier” cuff bangle bracelet set with emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and cultured pearls that sold within estimate at $37,500.
A sapphire and diamond brooch centering an oval sapphire of approximately 27 carats sold for $50,000, many times its estimate of $8/12,000; and a pair of Art Deco carved jade and diamond clips by Charlton & Co. achieved $31,250.
Jewelry set with natural pearls also fetched strong prices. A pair of Art Deco diamond and natural pearl pendant earrings more than doubled their estimate of $15/20,000, selling for $40,625.
The selection of watches offered a gentleman’s 18K gold automatic wristwatch with moon phase dial by Patek Philippe that sold for $31,250.
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
Consignments are currently being accepted for Doyle’s next estate jewelry sale scheduled for December 6. For information, 212-427-2730 or www.DoyleNewYork.com .
