Christie’s New York June jewelry sales christened MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AND COLLECTION OF PEGGY & DAVID ROCKEFELLER, is scheduled to take place at their New York Rockefeller Sales Center, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, commencing at 10.00 AM. A total of 189 lots will be on offer at the auctions, which features an array of jewels such as bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, rings etc. set with colored and colorless diamonds, colored gemstones and organic gemstones such as corals, natural and cultures pearls, by renowned jewelry houses and designers, such as Belperon, Bilgari, Cartier, Hemmerle, Lalique, Oscar Heyman & Bros., Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co., Van Clees & Arpels and Raymond Yard
The June sale offers a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire significant signed jewelry from the Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller, as well as an exceptional Burmese ruby ring by Tiffany & Co., given by Irving Berlin to his wife Ellin for their 40th wedding anniversary. Also highlighted are several other notable private collections including property from the collection of Steve and Peggy Fossett, the estate of Ruth S. Stanton and property formerly from the collection of Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
COLORLESS DIAMOND LOTS
The first five most valued lot of the sale are all colorless diamond lots, led by LOT 168 – A SUPERB DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 2,500,000 – 3,500,000. Ring size 6, platinum ring is set with an old mine-cut cushion-shaped, D-Color, Flawless clarity diamond, weighing approximately 20.47 carats. The diamond is illustrated unmounted.
GIA report no. 2175092308 dated 16 June 2015 states that the diamond is D color, Flawless clarity, with excellent polish and symmetry.
Supplemental letter attached to the report states that the diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa diamond, a rare category of diamonds whose occurrence in nature is only 1-2%, chemically pure and structurally perfect, known is superlatives such as the “purest of the pure,” “whiter than white,” “brighter than bright,” “diamonds of the purest water,” etc.
LOT 189 – A MAGNIFICENT DIAMOND FRINGE NECKLACE – with an of estimate USD 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 is the 2nd most valued lot and Colorless Diamond highlight of the sale. The 15 ¼ ins (38.7 cm) choker length platinum fringe necklace consists of a neckchain composed of a row of oval-shaped diamonds from which fringes are suspended from every alternating oval-shaped diamond. In the lower half of the necklace the median fringe and two alternating fringes on either side of it are the longest fringes in the necklace, consisting of a pair of two oppositely placed pear-shaped diamonds, with a marquise-shaped diamond in between and a terminal large pear-shaped diamond. All other fringes in the lower half of the necklace, three each on either side of the median, have a basal smaller pear-shaped diamond, a median pair of oppositely placed pear-shaped diamonds and a large terminal pear-shaped diamond.
In the lower half of the necklace there are 14 short fringes, 7 on each half, all of the same length, made up of only three pear-shaped pearls, a basal pair of oppositely placed pear-shaped diamonds and a terminal pear-shaped diamond. The diamonds in the fringes range in size from 0.70 carats to 7.04 carats and those in the neckchain from 1.00 carat to 2.02 carats,
73 GIA reports dated 13 March 2006 to 6 January 2009 statE that the diamonds range in weight from 0.70 to 7.04 carats, are D color to F color, and Internally Flawless to VS2 clarity.
LOT 86 – AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND PENDANT NECKLACE, BY LEVIEV – with an estimate of USD 1,300,000 – 1,500,000 is the 3rd most valued lot and Colorless Diamond highlight of the sale.
The 17 ins (43 cm), 18k white gold fine double link chain, with three heart-shaped spacers set with circular-cut diamonds placed symmetrically on either side and two large circular links and clasp at the rear, suspends a heart-shaped diamond weighing approximately 15.36 carats.
GIA report no. 2175228901 dated 25 April 2018 states that the heart-shaped diamond is D-Color, VVS2-Clarity. A working diagram annexed to the report indicates that the clarity of the diamond is potentially Internally Flawless. Supplemental letter accompanying the report states that the diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa diamond, chemically pure and structurally perfect diamonds known is superlatives such as the “purest of the pure,” “whiter than white,” “brighter than bright,” “diamonds of the purest water,” etc.
The Lot is also accompanied by a copy of a certificate of appraisal from Leviev dated 10 March 2016.
LOT 65 – AN IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND RING – with an estimate USD 650,000 – 750,000 is another Colorless Diamond highlight and the 4th most valued lot of the sale. Ring size 6, platinum ring is set with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut or emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately 38.20 carats.
GIA report no. 1182407818 dated 24 January 2018 states that the emerald-cut diamond is Y to Z Color and VS2-Clarity.
LOT 149 – AN ELEGANT DIAMOND BRACELET, BY ALEXANDRE REZA – with an estimate USD 500,000 – 700,000 is the 5th most valued lot of the sale and a colorless diamond highlight. The 7 ins (17.8 cm), 18k yellow gold bracelet, signed A. Reza with French assay mark for 18k gold, is designed as a line of thirteen pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 2.00, 2.15, 2.06, 2.35, 3.70, 3.49, 4.12, 3.38, 3.55, 2.35, 2.16, 2.04 and 2.01 carats, with total weight of the diamonds approximately 35.36 carats.
Thirteen reports dated from 10-12 April 2018 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America state that the thirteen diamonds, weighing from approximately 2.00 to 4.12 carats, are D-Color and VVS1-Clarity; Eleven diamonds are also accompanied by a working diagram indicating that their clarities are potentially Internally Flawless.
COLORED DIAMOND LOTS
Top lot among Colored Diamond lots and the 6th most valuable lot of the sale is LOT 54 – A RARE COLORED DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 400,000 – 500,000. Ring size 6, 18k rose gold ring is claw-set with a cushion modified brilliant-cut fancy green diamond, weighing approximately 5.02 carats, highlighted by a pale pink brilliant-cut diamond surround and upper half-hoop of the ring further accented by similarly cut pale pink diamonds.
GIA report no. 2193093492 dated 5 March 2018, states that the diamond is fancy green, natural color and SI1-Clarity.
Other significant Colored Diamond lots include Lots 35 and 144.
LOT 35 – A COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 250,000 – 350,000 is another Colored Diamond highlight lot of the sale. Ring size 6, platinum and 18k gold ring is double claw-set on 18k yellow gold with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond, weighing approximately 5.31 carats, flanked on either side by a window-shaped colorless diamond on the shoulders of the ring.
GIA report no. 2185936990 dated 18 December 2017 states that the diamond is fancy vivid yellow, natural color and VVS1-Clarity. A working diagram annexed to the report indicates that the clarity of the colored diamond is potentially Internally Flawless.
LOT 144 – A COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 150,000 – 200,000 is another colored diamond highlight. Ring size 5, platinum and 18k yellow gold ring, is claw-set on yellow gold with a cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut fancy intense yellow diamond, weighing approximately 12.43 carats, flanked on either side by a triangular-cut colorless diamond on the shoulders of the ring.
GIA report no. 2195348691 dated 7 May 2018 states that the diamond is fancy intense yellow, natural color and VS2-Clarity.
RUBY LOTS
Top among the Ruby Lots is LOT 167 – THE BERLIN RUBY A RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, BY TIFFANY & CO – with an estimate USD 400,000 – 600,000, which is also the 8th most valued lot of the sale. Ring size 6 ¾ platinum ring, signed Tiffany & Co is double claw-set with a modified oval-cut ruby, weighing approximately 4.59 carats, flanked on either side by a bullet-shaped diamond, on the shoulders of the ring.
GIA report no. 1084918 dated 12 July, 2017, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of this ruby would be classified as Classic Burma (Myanmar), with no gemological evidence of heat enhancement. A second report by SSEF on the origin of the ruby also accompanies the lot.
The Lot was previously the property of Ellin and Irving Berlin, from which the ruby gets the name BERLIN RUBY.
Other significant Ruby Lots include Lots 113 and 114.
LOT 113 – A PAIR OF RUBY AND DIAMOND EARRINGS – with an estimate of USD 40,000 – 60,000 is another ruby highlight of the sale. Each of the pair of platinum earrings, 1 ¾ ins in length, suspends a shield-shaped diamond from an claw-set oval-cut ruby, measuring respectively 16.08 x 12.58 x 5.22 mm and 16.29 x 12.38 x 4.39 mm, highlighted by a circular-cut diamond surround, and the linear surmount also set with circular-cut diamonds.
AGL report no. 1092051 A and B dated 1st May 2018, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of the rubies would be classified as Mozambique, with standard heat enhancement and moderate clarity enhancement with heating residues.
LOT 114 – A THREE-STONE RUBY AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 40,000 – 60,000 is a significant ruby lot in the sale. Ring size 6 ¾, platinum ring is claw-set with three oval-cut rubies, measuring from 15.72 x 12.54 x 5.03 mm to 13.60 x 10.70 x 4.72 mm, the largest ruby in the center and the smaller rubies on either side and adjacent to the central ruby, highlighted by a circular-cut diamond surround, on the gallery and the upper hoop also accented with circular-cut diamonds.
AGL report no. 1092014, 1-3 dated 30 April, 2018, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of these three rubies would be classified as Mozambique, with standard heat enhancement and minor clarity enhancement showing heating residues and in-filling.
EMERALD LOTS
Top among the emerald lots is LOT 39 – AN EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 150,000 – 200,000. Ring size 6 1/2 , platinum and 18k gold ring is double claw-set on yellow gold with cut-cornered rectangular-cut/emerald-cut emerald weighing approximately 8.50 carats, flanked on either side by a triangular-shaped colorless diamond, weighing approximately 1.04 and 1.05 carats.
AGL report no. 1083667, dated 23 June, 2017, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of this emerald would be classified as Colombia, with minor clarity enhancement of the traditional type, and accepted in the trade.
Other significant Emerald Lots include Lots 34 and 146.
LOT 34 – AN EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – with an estimate of USD 120,000 – 180,000 is another emerald highlight of the sale. Ring size 7, platinum and 18k gold ring, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and numbered NY 62241, is double claw-set on yellow gold with a rectangular emerald-cut emerald, weighing approximately 10.31 carats, flanked on either side by a triangular-cut colorless diamond.
AGL report no. CS 1076524, dated 23 June, 2016, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of this emerald would be classified as Colombia, with minor clarity enhancement of the traditional type.
LOT 146 – A DIAMOND AND EMERALD NECKLACE – with an estimate USD 70,000 – 100,000 is another significant emerald lot. The 15 3/8 ins (39 cm, choker length, platinum fringe necklace of graduated design has a neckchain of festoons set with baguette-cut diamonds; the two ends of each festoon set with circular-cut diamonds, and the curvature of each festoon occupied by a marquise-shaped diamond.
The lower-half of the necklace suspends eleven emerald drop fringes, one median fringe and five fringes on either side. Each fringe is composed of a drop-shaped emerald, suspended by a diamond-set bell cap from a surmount set with three circular-cut diamonds, which is attached to the circular-cut placed at the ends of each festoon. Between the fringes a pear-shaped diamond is attached to the lower end of the baguette diamond festoons and the marquise-shaped diamond is attached on the upper curvature of the festoon.
In the upper-half of the necklace there are no emerald fringes but only short fringes consisting of three circular-cut diamonds each, arising from the circular-cut diamonds placed at the ends of the festoons.
AGL report no. 1092519 dated 8 May, 2018, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of these emeralds, based on random tests of over half of the emeralds, would be classified as Zimbabwe, with minor clarity enhancement of the traditional type.
SAPPHIRE LOTS
Significant Sapphire highlights include Lots 164, 186 and 163.
LOT 164 – A GROUP OF DIAMOND AND ‘MYSTERY-SET’ SAPPHIRE AND RUBY JEWELRY, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – with an estimate of USD 150,000 – 250,000 is the top highlight of sapphire lots. The jewelry consists of two necklaces. One choker length 18k white gold necklace, 15 ½ ins (39 cm) long, with French assay marks for 18k gold, is designed in a tapered v-shape necklace, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending a drop-shaped pendant mystery-set with square-cut sapphires and capped with brilliant-cut diamonds, from the tip of the V-shaped vertex. The necklace is signed V.C.A. and numbered no. M41560, with maker’s mark.
The second necklace with a 17 ½ ins. (44.5 cm), 18k white gold link chain, suspends a drop-shaped pendant mystery-set with square-cut rubies and capped with brilliant-cut diamonds. The neckchain is signed V.C.A. and numbered no. BL4516.
LOT 186 – A SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, BY RAYMOND YARD – with an estimate of USD 150,000 – 200,000 is another sapphire highlight in the sale. Ring size 4 ½ platinum ring designed by Raymond Yard circa 1944, signed Yard, is claw-set with an oval-cut sapphire, weighing approximately 5.00 carats, flanked by successively shorter lengths of baguette-cut, circular-cut and half-moon shaped diamond zones on the gallery and shoulders of the ring.
SSEF report no. 95819 dated 29 September 2017 states that the analyzed properties confirm the authenticity of this sapphire as Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. The color of this sapphire may also be called “royal blue” based on SSEF reference standards
AGL report no. 1086865 dated 11 September 2017, states that it is the opinion of the Laboratory that the origin of this sapphire would be classified as Classic Kashmir, with no gemological evidence of heat enhancement.
A letter annexed to the AGL report states that “the combination of size, origin and quality elements for the sapphire described in this report signifies a gem of importance.”
LOT 163 – A ‘MYSTERY-SET’ SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BROOCH, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – with an estimate of USD 70,000 – 100,000 is another sapphire highlight of the sale. The platinum and 18k white gold brooch of length 2 5/16 ins (5.9 cm) with French assay marks for platinum and 18k gold, is designed as a mystery-set square-cut sapphire leaf, with baguette-cut diamond stalk and midrib and circular-cut diamond margin. The brooch is signed Van Cleef & Arpels, and numbered no. 97921, with maker’s mark.
