Sales – JCK

Bonhams’ Upcoming Sale Spotlights Some of Chanel’s Greatest Hits

Annie Davidson Watson — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:13:25 +0000

Coinciding with the “Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto” exhibition opening at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Bonhams Knightsbridge is hosting a Sept. 11–21 sale full of Chanel tweeds, quilted bags, CC logo jewels, and more.

“The auction is ideal for those wishing to acquire their first piece of Chanel or the seasoned collector looking to add to their collection.” Meg Randell, Bonhams’ head of designer bags and fashion in the U.K., said in a statement about next month’s The Art of Luxury: Chanel sale. “We are delighted to include a selection of haute couture designs, originally created for the elite Chanel couture buyers.

“Chanel has long been known as the name behind the world’s most coveted style. Gabrielle Chanel created some of the most iconic and elegant fashion statements, from the 2.55 flap handbag to the bouclé suit, both of which have stood the test of time and continue to garner intense interest at auction,” Randell’s statement said.

Gabrielle Chanel haute couture jacket in gold-embroidered tweed on cream silk, estimate £500–£800

One standout from the sale is a one-of-a-kind piece designed by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself for fall/winter 1966–1967, with its original Chanel label. The tailored jacket of gold-embroidered tweed on cream silk features a Nehru collar and gold chain woven buttons, with black stitch detail accenting the collar and cuffs as well as a cream silk lining with a gold chain hem. The jacket is expected to fetch between £500 and £800 ($632–$1,102).

Victoire de Castellane for Chanel No 5 gold-plated clip-back hoop earrings, estimate £1,200–£1,800

The original designs don’t stop there. The sale also offers jewels by Victoire de Castellane for Chanel, including a pair of oversize gold-plated earrings from spring 1987, which are expected to go for anywhere between £1,200 and £1,800 ($1,518–$2,277). In addition to jewels and ready-to-wear, Bonhams’ sale includes plenty of Chanel’s signature handbag designs—of course!

Chanel CC logo cuff bracelet in black resin with crystal, estimate £250–£350 ($316–$442)

The V&A Chanel exhibit opens Sept. 16.

Top: Chanel jumbo double flap bag (circa 2003) in black lambskin with silver hardware, estimate £4,000-£6,000 ($5,062–$7,593)

Images courtesy of Bonhams

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8 Highlights From Bonhams’ California Jewels July Sale

Annie Davidson Watson — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:09:15 +0000

International auction house Bonhams is hosting the latest iteration of its California Jewels sale on July 18, at Bonhams’ Los Angeles outpost. Comprising over 320 lots, the auction will include both contemporary and vintage jewels, many of them signed pieces from prominent private estates.

“We are honored to offer important jewels in our forthcoming California Jewels auction, especially those from curated private collections featuring impressive diamonds and gold statement pieces,” said the director of Bonhams’ jewelry department, Emily Waterfall, in a statement. “The lots offered highlight craftsmanship from leading names in jewelry that will entice jewelry aficionados and collectors everywhere.” Among these names are legacy jewelers such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co. (including a few Schlumberger designs), David Webb, Mario Buccellati, Piaget, and more.

Below is a look at eight pieces in the auction, several of which are from the art deco period (including a 1925 carved agate desk clock by Cartier) and have the same appeal today as they did then.

Schlumberger for Tiffany bow tie necklace in 18k yellow gold, estimate $8,000–$12,000

Art deco bracelet in platinum with 32 cts. t.w. oval and pear-shape sapphires and 9.5 cts. t.w. round, baguette-, and marquise-shape diamonds, estimate $20,000-$30,000

Cartier ring in platinum with a 3.89 ct. cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond, estimate $40,000–$80,000

David Webb Frog brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum with oval ruby cabochon eyes, round diamonds, and enamel, estimate $9,000–$12,000

Tiffany & Co. X bracelet in 18k yellow gold with 1.5 cts. t.w. diamonds, estimate $2,200–$3,200

Cartier desk clock (circa 1925) with carved banded agate body, black enamel and mother-of-pearl face, and carved onyx and coral studs, estimate $8,000–$12,000

Mario Buccellati bracelet (also pictured at top) in 18k bicolor gold with 4.5 cts. t.w. oval sapphire cabochons, rose-cut diamonds, 1.6 cts. t.w. rose-cut diamonds, estimate $15,000–$20,000

Piaget manual wind wristwatch (circa 1970) in 18k gold with lapis lazuli and nephrite, estimate $10,000–$15,000

(Photos courtesy of Bonhams)

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On Now: Bonhams’ Annual Artist Jewelry Sale

Annie Davidson Watson — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:43:18 +0000

Not all art is jewelry, but all jewelry is art; certain jewelry, however, is more “art” than others. Some wearable designs put emphasis on the art first, jewelry second. International auction house Bonhams is hosting such pieces, by artists including Georg Jensen, William Spratling, Peter Macchiarini, and others, in its third annual Artist Jewelry online sale.

“Artist Jewelry highlights the most stylish pieces from leading artists from the postwar era,” said Emily Waterfall, Bonhams’ Los Angeles–based director of the jewelry department, in a statement. “The pieces in the sale are designs that are truly works of wearable art, fusing the connection between jewelry, modern art, and sculpture.”

Arnaldo Pomodoro necklace in 18k yellow gold with turquoise, estimate $4,000–$6,000

Leading the sale in value is an 18k yellow gold and turquoise necklace featuring various emblematic charms by Arnaldo Pomodoro, an Italian sculptor known for large-scale installations.

Jean Cocteau necklace in gold-plated metal, estimate $3,000–$5,000

Another notable piece is a signed pendant necklace, portraying three surrealist faces, created by avant-garde French novelist and playwright Jean Cocteau (who was also a visual artist) early in the Dadaist movement.

Ted Muehling cuff and belt buckle in brass, estimate $400–$600

A brass cuff and belt buckle set by renowned American artist Ted Muehling, whose work often involves organic shapes and forms found in nature, is one of the 200-plus distinctive pieces in the Bonhams auction.

Top: Pal Kepenyes collar in mixed metal, estimate $600-$800 (photos courtesy of Bonhams)

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The Extraordinary Creations of Sidney Mobell Head to Auction

Annie Davidson Watson — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:53:51 +0000

The world looked different through the eyes of the late American artist, jeweler, and philanthropist Sidney Mobell. A Monopoly board wasn’t just a Monopoly board—it was 23k gold-plated with matching dice and metallic money (and was named the world’s most expensive Monopoly game by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1998). A slot machine wasn’t just a slot machine—it was a 24k gem-studded work of art, complete with matching American Liberty Head coins. Even a toilet seat wasn’t just a toilet seat; it was yet another everyday object made exceptional, finished in gold and set with gemstones.

Sidney Mobell and his 23k gold-plated Monopoly game (including board, dice, tokens, cards, hotels, houses, dice cup, and play money printed in metallic paper), estimate $3,000–$5,000

Mobell had a knack for making the ordinary extraordinary, and now his personal collection—including some of his most notable designs—is heading to auction. Hosted by Bonhams in Los Angeles, the 60-lot single-owner sale is set to take place June 9–20, with the slot machine leading it in estimated value.

Slot machine (circa 1981, redecorated from a 1925 machine) in 24k gold with 141.59 cts. t.w. sapphires, 106.5 cts. t.w. rubies, 4.8 cts. t.w. emeralds, and diamonds, accompanied by gold-plated American Liberty Head coins, estimate $20,000–$30,000

“The collection is not only playful, with jewel-encrusted everyday objects, it also encompasses some fine jewelry, much of which belonged to Mobell’s wife, Ronni Grant Mobell,” said Bonhams’ director of jewelry department in Los Angeles, Emily Waterfall, in a statement. “The collection heading to auction sums up Mobell, who was readily quoted saying if he was going to be in business, then he would have to do something different than all the other jewelers. This was something he achieved with his imagination and craftsmanship, creating showstopping items, and it is unsurprising that several of his works are housed in the Smithsonian.”

Interactive mousetrap (circa 1975) in bicolor 14k gold and white gold cheese wedge with 1.5 cts. t.w. round diamonds, estimate $5,000–$7,000

Top: Gumball machine (circa 1984) plated in 24k gold with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and amethysts, estimate $3,000–$5,000 (photos courtesy of Bonhams)

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Must-See Pieces in Christie’s June 7 Magnificent Jewels Sale

Annie Davidson Watson — Thu, 25 May 2023 17:15:40 +0000

While the 126.76 ct. internally flawless “Light of Peace” diamond leads Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels with an estimate between $10 million and $15 million, and Anne Eisenhower’s personal collection is another highlight, there are several additional not-to-be-missed pieces in the June 7 sale. Among them: a 3.1 ct. fancy vivid blue diamond ring expected to fetch between $4.2 million and $5.2 million; a Salvador Dalí starfish brooch with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds; and an art deco diamond and emerald necklace by Chaumet with an estimate surpassing $2 million.

The auction will also include signed jewels by Cartier, Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpels and jewelry from the collections of Adolphus Andrews Jr. and Emily Taylor Andrews, Betsey Cushing Whitney, and the Rothschild family. Below is a closer look at some notables in the Christie’s sale.

Jar “shell” brooch from 1997 in 18k rose gold and silver with round diamonds and brown diamonds, estimate $200,000–$300,000

Chaumet art deco necklace (circa 1930) in platinum with 2.96 to 10.28 ct. emerald- and square-cut emeralds, 1.2 to 3.07 ct. emerald- and square-cut diamonds, and baguette- and tapered baguette-cut diamonds, estimate $2 million–$3 million

Van Cleef & Arpels ring (circa 1949) in platinum with round diamonds and a 2.87 ct. round brilliant-cut diamond, estimate $50,000–$70,000

Salvador Dalí circa-1950 “Étoile de Mer” brooch (also pictured at top) in platinum and yellow gold with a cultured pearl, round and single-cut diamonds, round rubies, buff-top emeralds, and green-blue, brown, yellow, and orange round and single-cut diamonds, estimate $1.5 million–$2 million

Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and earring set (circa 1970) in yellow gold with ruby beads, reeded emerald beads, round emeralds, round-, old-, and single-cut diamonds, and black enamel, estimate $400,000–$600,000

Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set bracelet (circa 1960) in platinum with calibre-cut sapphires, and baguette- and single-cut diamonds, estimate $250,000-$350,000

Ring in platinum with a 3.1 ct. fancy vivid blue cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond, estimate $4.2 million–$5.2 million

Necklace with detachable pendant in silver-topped gold with round, cushion, and pear-shape old-cut diamonds, estimate $500,000–$700,000

(Photos courtesy © Christie’s Images Limited 2023)

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The Ones to Watch at Phillips’ Jewels & Jadeite Auction

Annie Davidson Watson — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:19:27 +0000

On May 23, Phillips auction house will host its Jewels & Jadeite sale in Hong Kong, headlined by a Bulgari necklace with diamonds and a 118 ct. Sri Lankan sapphire. “Unique in its size, color, and origin, the stone embodies the transparency and luminosity pursued by Bulgari for its high jewelry creations,” said Benoît Repellin, Phillips’ worldwide head of jewelry, in a statement. “This jewel is a holy grail for any collector, with a classic and elegant design typical of Bulgari that emphasizes the beauty and extraordinariness of the gem.” The necklace goes to auction with an estimate of $3.05 million to $4.5 million.

Further, the auction will include pieces from other leading houses. “In addition to the exceptional Bulgari sapphire and diamond necklace to lead this season’s sale, we are delighted to offer an array of iconic signed pieces such as the Zip necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels and the vintage Tutti Frutti brooches by Cartier,” said Charlene Lau, the head of Phillips Jewels’ Hong Kong department, in a statement. “The sale is also highlighted by a selection of the finest Burmese rubies and rare colored diamonds that are highly sought after in the market.

“We have witnessed a significant growth with unprecedented participation and sell-through rates last season,” Lau said, “and we look forward to carrying on this sturdy buying momentum to our new sale room in Hong Kong this May.” Here’s a closer look at a few of those highlights.

Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. ring in yellow gold and platinum with a 6.26 ct. sapphire and marquise-shape and brilliant-cut diamonds, estimate $260,000–$360,000

Chanel Camellia brooch in white gold and platinum with carved onyx and diamonds, estimate $28,000–$40,000

Bracelet in white gold with oval- and cushion-shape Burmese rubies and diamonds, estimate $88,000–$120,000

Earrings with 7.05 ct. and 7.28 ct. cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamonds and baguette diamonds mounted in white gold, estimate $170,000–$230,000

Cartier Tutti Frutti brooches (circa 1920s) in platinum with single-cut diamonds and carved rock crystals, estimate $62,000–$88,000

Van Cleef & Arpels Zip necklace in pink gold and platinum with brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut pink sapphires, estimate $150,000–$200,000

Top: Bulgari necklace in platinum and white gold with 118.35 ct. Sri Lankan sapphire, 2 ct. brilliant-cut diamond, and pear-shape diamonds, estimate $3,050,000–$4,500,000 (photos courtesy of Phillips)

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9 Highlights From Hindman’s May Important Jewelry Auction

Annie Davidson Watson — Tue, 02 May 2023 16:34:12 +0000

Hindman’s latest Important Jewelry sale is just around the corner. On May 16, the Chicago-based auction house (one of the largest in the States) is offering jewels from prominent estates and private clients across the country.

The pieces—from such maisons as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., David Webb, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura—represent a range of styles and periods, from antique to art deco to contemporary. A 5 ct. diamond ring is expected to fetch the highest price, with an estimate of $150,000 to $200,000. Below are a few additional highlights from the sale, including an iconic Scarf necklace by Francesca Amfitheatrof for Tiffany, a couple of signature David Webb designs, a Van Cleef 55-diamond watch, and a Cartier letter opener–meets–timepiece.

Ring in platinum with a 5.03 ct. cushion brilliant-cut diamond, estimate $150,000–$200,000

David Webb horse bracelet in platinum, gold, and enamel with 3.4 cts. t.w. round brilliant-cut diamonds and 1.8 cts. t.w. oval cabochon rubies, estimate $35,000–$55,000

Cartier art deco bracelet in platinum with 15–20 cts. t.w. old European-, single-, baguette-, and bullet-cut diamonds, estimate $30,000–$50,000

Van Cleef & Arpels “Pont des Amoureux” watch in 18k white gold and grisaille enamel with 55 round brilliant-cut diamonds and alligator strap, estimate $70,000–$90,000

Francesca Amfitheatrof for Tiffany & Co. Scarf necklace (also pictured at top) with 16.84 cts. t.w. square modified brilliant-cut diamonds and 3.51 cts. t.w. rose-cut diamonds, estimate $40,000–$60,000

Cartier art deco letter-opener watch in silver and yellow gold with agate, lapis lazuli, and enamel, estimate $8,000–$12,000

David Webb necklace in platinum and 18k yellow gold with 2.2 cts. t.w. brilliant-cut diamonds, azurmalachite, and round cabochon rubies, estimate $25,000–$35,000

Verdura winged brooch in 14k yellow gold and platinum with 0.75 ct. t.w. round brilliant-cut diamonds, estimate $8,000–$10,000

Evelyn Clothier necklace in platinum-plated 18k gold with 3 cts. t.w. old European- and single-cut diamonds and a South Sea pearl, estimate $12,000–$18,000

Bidding for the live auction begins at 10 a.m. Central time/11 a.m. Eastern.

(Photos courtesy of Hindman)

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Highlights From Bonhams’ May California Jewels Sale

Annie Davidson Watson — Mon, 01 May 2023 17:52:39 +0000

On May 9, international auction house Bonhams is hosting its California Jewels sale at its Los Angeles location. Pieces offered in the 339-lot auction span decades, from the early 20th century to modern and contemporary.

“We are honored to offer such magnificent jewels in this auction, especially from such significant and curated private collections,” Emily Waterfall, director of Bonhams’ jewelry department in Los Angeles, said in a statement. “The extraordinary stones and craft of the Oscar Heyman & Brothers emerald pieces, the diamonds and stylish gold jewels from globally sought-after designer Ilias Lalaounis from the Sonoma estate collection, and other wearable and exciting pieces of jewelry are sure to entice jewelry aficionados everywhere.”

Below are a few highlights of the sale, including the aforementioned Oscar Heyman emeralds and a Lalaounis set.

Lalaounis floral and foliate 18k gold ear clips and necklace with removable pendant. Necklace has 7.6 cts. t.w. square and rectangular step-cut emeralds and 9.25 cts. t.w. single-cut diamonds; ear clips have 2.45 cts. t.w. round and rectangular step-cut emeralds and 2.05 cts. t.w. single-cut diamonds, estimate $2,500–$3,500

Necklace in 18k white gold with 19.1 cts. t.w. round diamonds, estimate $8,500–$10,000

Oscar Heyman & Brothers ring in 18k gold and platinum with a 5.89 ct. rectangular step-cut emerald and 3.37 cts. t.w. trapezoidal diamonds, estimate $30,000–$50,000

David Webb brooch (also pictured at top) in 18k gold with enamel, 2.55 cts. t.w. round diamonds, and a pear-shape cabochon emerald, estimate $8,000–$10,000

Oscar Heyman & Brothers bracelet in platinum and 18k gold with 19.64 cts. t.w. graduated rectangular step-cut emeralds and 6.07 cts. t.w. baguette diamonds, estimate $20,000–$30,000

Zolotas textured floral and leaf necklace in 18k bicolor gold with 3.5 cts. t.w. single-cut diamonds and matching ear clips, estimate $2,500–3,500

(Photos courtesy of Bonhams)

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Roger Smith’s One-of-a-Kind Pocket Watch Expected to Fetch Over $1M

Annie Davidson Watson — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:22:21 +0000

At just 22 years old, horologist Roger Smith presented the esteemed watchmaker George Daniels with his first handcrafted pocket watch, in hopes of securing an apprenticeship. Daniels, however, sent him back to the drawing board. Five years later, Smith brought Daniels his second attempt: a pocket watch with a perpetual calendar and a tourbillion, spring-detent escapement. Daniel’s feedback? “You are now a watchmaker.”

Smith became Daniels’ sole apprentice. And on June 10 the exact watch that changed Smith’s life and the industry as a whole will be in Phillips’ auction and is expected to take in over $1 million.

Roger Smith’s Pocket Watch No. 2 (circa 1998) could sell for more than $1 million in Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: Eight. (Courtesy of Phillips)

“Roger Smith’s Pocket Watch No. 2 epitomizes a ‘make or break’ moment for both Smith himself and subsequently for all of contemporary English watchmaking,” said Paul Boutros, Phillips’ head of watches in the Americas, in a statement. “It was with this watch that he became George Daniels’ only apprentice, anointed to continue Daniels’ legacy beyond his lifetime.

“The painstaking, yearslong creation of Pocket Watch No. 2 is a testament to one man’s absolute focus and perseverance in the pursuit of his chosen trade. It is without any doubt one of the most important and impressive timepieces made by any contemporary independent watchmaker or brand, and consequently one of the most important watches in the world. We look forward to sharing this remarkable and storied timepiece with our community around the globe.”

Roger Smith with George Daniels, circa 2000s (courtesy of Roger Smith)

This is the first time Smith’s Pocket Watch No. 2 is heading to auction. It is one of only three pocket watches Smith ever created.

At top: Roger Smith in his workshop on the Isle of Man in the 1990s (courtesy of Roger Smith)

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Bulgari Necklace with a Rare 118 Ct. Sapphire Heads to Phillips Auction

Annie Davidson Watson — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:30:38 +0000

During Phillips’ upcoming Jewels & Jadeite Sale in Hong Kong on May 23, the auction house will offer an exceptional Bulgari necklace, marking the very first time the piece comes to market from a private collection. The necklace itself features an incredibly rare, 118.35 ct. unheated cushion-shaped sapphire, “Royal Blue,” from Sri Lanka that’s expected to fetch between $3.2 million and $4.5 million.

Bulgari necklace (circa 2004) in platinum and white gold with a 118.35 ct. unheated Sri Lankan sapphire and diamonds, estimate $3,200,000–$4,500,000; Phillips

Lucia Silvestri, Bulgari’s jewelry creative and gems buying executive director, who held the stone over 20 years ago (before it was realized in 2004), described how “I was so impressed and touched that I still remember the emotion I felt.” She also explained how Sri Lankan sapphires like this one have “the transparency and luminosity” of “gems [that] are infused with light and joy,” making it the perfect gem for a Bulgari piece.

The worldwide head of jewelry at Phillips, Benoît Repellin, also said in a statement: “This one-of-a-kind necklace’s clean and sleek lines, elegant geometry, and the unusual horizontal setting of the 118.35-carat Sri Lankan sapphire are all elements that afford it a timeless modern appeal. Unique in its size, color and origin, the stone embodies the transparency and luminosity pursued by Bulgari for its High Jewellery creations. This jewel is a holy grail for any collector, with a classic and elegant design typical of Bulgari that emphasizes the beauty and extraordinariness of the gem.”

After its unveiling on March 18, the piece is on view now at Phillips’ new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong until it heads to auction. Following, it will embark on an international tour to New York, Singapore, Taipei, and Geneva.

At top: Bulgari’s necklace with a 118.35 ct. sapphire and diamonds heading to Phillips’ May 23 Jewels & Jadeite Sale in Hong Kong. (Photos courtesy of Phillips)

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