Clars Auction Gallery
May 19, 2022
5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609
www.clars.com
888.339.7600 (toll free)
510.428.0100 (local)
info@clars.com

OAKLAND, CALIF. — Clars’ May sales will feature a jewelry and timepieces session on May 19, with general auctions to follow on May 21 and May 22.

The firm’s jewelry and timepieces department will present a selection of diamond, colored gemstone, signed jewelry and timepieces on Thursday, May 19, beginning at 10 am Pacific Time. The collection includes diamonds, such as a 2.03-carat fancy blue VVS modified rectangular step cut diamond ($500/700,000). Colored gemstones are highlighted by a 7.67-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring ($16/18,000); and a 3.77-carat unheated Burma and diamond ring ($10/15,000). Makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Fabergé and more are well represented, including a Cartier sapphire and 18K gold Panthère ring ($5/7,000). In addition, Clars will present two Rolex wristwatches, including an early Rolex small crown Submariner wristwatch, reference no. 6205 ($80/100,000); and a Rolex Daytona chronograph wristwatch.

Lore and mystery surround blue diamonds, including some of the world’s most famous gemstones, such as the infamously “cursed” Hope Diamond. Blue diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world. Their remarkable color is most often caused by the mineral impurity boron. These stones, precious for their rare hue, are infamously difficult to cut, as the rough is commonly asymmetric in shape and displays color zoning. It is common for cutters to fashion colored stones into brilliant-cuts, to make the color appear more saturated. Contrary to common cutting practices, the 2.03-carat fancy blue VVS modified rectangular diamond is fashioned as a step-cut. This demonstrates how truly exceptional the inherent color of the stone is. The cut allows multiple views into the depths of the stone, flaunting its exceptional clarity.

The timepiece, reference number 6205, is an early model of the Rolex Submariner. It was produced only second to 6204, and was later followed by 6200. Reference 6205 is one of three early models produced in 1954, including reference numbers 6204 and 6200. Although reference 6205 was produced the same year as 6204 and 6200, it quickly ceased production, while other models continued to enter the market. These early models marked the beginning of a more than 60-year evolution of the Submariner.

The Daytona Cosmograph, reference no. 6263, began production in the early 1970s. Reference 6263 was the first model to be fitted with screw-down pushers, allowing for water protection up to 100 meters. Reference no. 6263, is one of the last to include a manually wound Valjoux movement. In 1988, the watches were equipped with automatic movements. This early model features a unique black dial, lacking the “Daytona” name, but signed “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph,” marking the early evolution of the watch.

The furniture and decorative arts department will be offering an Italian polychrome decorated dressing chest, circa 1750 ($6/9,000). Appealing to a musically inclined audience, the sale will include four pianos, two of which are Steinways, one, a Model M, is valued at $8/12,000.

Clars will offer an oil on canvas by artist Michele Cascella (Italian/American, 1892-1989) in the May 22 sale. The painting, titled “Summer Holidays,” ($4/,6,000) is a classic example of the artist’s impressionist style. Much influenced by artists such as Van Gogh and Raoul Dufy, Cascella utilizes a colorful and vibrant palette to entice his audience.

The prints and multiples portion of the sale will feature a wide variety of works from artists like Alex Katz, Yaacov Agam and Jim Dine, to name a few. It will also feature two Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b 1929) prints (each $10/ 15,000).

Among the woodblock prints created by the great shinhanga artist, Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), the design “Zojo Temple, Shiba” is regarded as his most outstanding and iconic creation. Among collectors of Japanese prints of the shinhanga movement, it is one of the most expensive designs.

Clars Auction Gallery is at 5644 Telegraph Avenue. For information, 510-428-0100 or www.clars.com.

1. Kawase Hasui, woodblock print, Zojo-ji Temple in Shiba. 2. Art Deco diamond and black chalcedony brooch. 3. Aldro Thompson Hibbard (American, 1886-1972), Untitled (Snowfall on a Village), oil on canvas (laid down on board), 32″ x 35.5″. 4. Michele Cascella (American/Italian, 1892-1989), Summer Holidays, oil on canvas, 30″ x 40″. 5. Set of three Chinese white jade scepter plaques. 6. An 18th century Italian polychrome decorated dresser. 7. An early Rolex small crown Submariner wristwatch, ref 6205. 8. A sapphire and eighteen karat gold ring, Cartier. 9. An eighteen karat gold ring, Frivole, Van Cleef & Arpels. 10. A 767 carats Colombian emerald and diamond ring. 11. A large collection of Lalique and Daum art glass including limited edition examples from a prominent Hillsborough estate.
In Person + Online Bidding
Upcoming Auctions:
May 21
May 22