Sotheby’s New York has announced the holding of its New York Magnificent Jewels Spring Sale on April 18, 2018, at 10.00 AM, at their New York Seventh-Floor Sales Center in the 10-storey headquarters situated at York Avenue, Manhattan, New York. The auction will be preceded by the exhibition of the lots at the same venue, from April 13, 2018 to April 17, 2018 from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM EDT on all five days. A total of 138 lots will be on offer at the auctions, consisting of an array of jewels and jewelry including bracelets, brooches, clip brooches, cuff bracelets, earclips, earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings, set with colored diamonds, colorless diamonds, colored gemstones both precious and semi-precious and organic gemstones such as natural and cultured pearls, corals, mother-of-pearl etc.
Among the highlights of the sale are an Important Fancy Intense Pink Diamond weighing 7.01 carats and a Rare Fancy Intense Blue Diamond weighing 3.47 carats alongside classic white diamonds of impeccable quality, including a Magnificent 33.25 carat, D-Flawless, pear-shaped diamond pendant.
Signed jewels by renowned jewelry houses such as Bucellati, Bulgari, Cartier, Oscar Heyman & Bros., Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels and David Webb are presented, in addition to a stunning diamond and emerald necklace by Tiffany & Co., formerly from the collection of Betsey Cushing Whitney. Contemporary jewels by Hemmerle round out the sale, with three visually striking and bold designs serving as a celebration of the avant-garde firm in its 125th year.
COLORED DIAMOND LOTS
Colored diamond lots are among the top highlights of the sale, the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 8th most valued lots, based on their estimates being colored diamond lots.
LOT 107 – AN IMPORTANT FANCY INTENSE PINK DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 4,200,000 – 5,200,000, is the top highlight of the sale. Ring size 6¼ platinum ring, stamped PT950 on the shank is set with a cut-cornered square brilliant-cut, SI2 clarity, Fancy Intense Pink diamond weighing 7.01 carats.
GIA report no. 1186878310 states that the diamond is Fancy Intense Pink, Natural Color and SI2 clarity.
LOT 48 – AN IMPORTANT FANCY INTENSE ORANGY PINK DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 is the 3rd highlight and 2nd most valued colored diamond lot of the sale. The size 5 ring is set with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut (emerald-cut), Fancy Intense Orangy-Pink diamond weighing 7.37 carats, flanked by two cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut near colorless diamonds on the shoulders of the ring, further accented with round near colorless diamonds and diamonds of pink hue, on the upper hoop of the ring.
GIA report no. 6197058597 states that the diamond is Fancy Intense Orangy-Pink, Natural Color, VS1 clarity. Total weight of cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamonds approximately 1.50 carats; average color-grade E-F color and clarity grade VVS-VS. The small round diamonds, weighing approximately 1.00 carat have an average color-grade of G-H color and clarity-grade of VS-SI clarity. The round diamonds of pink hue are approximately VS-SI clarity.
LOT 138 – A RARE FANCY INTENSE BLUE DIAMOND RING – with an estimate USD 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 is the 4th highlight and 3rd most valued colored diamond lot of the sale. The white metal ring is set with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut, I1 clarity, Fancy Intense Blue diamond weighing 3.47 carats. The blue diamond is to be sold without the mounting.
GIA report no. 1186953259 states that the diamond is Fancy Intense Blue and I1 clarity.
LOT 90 – FANCY VIVID YELLOW-ORANGE DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 750,000 – 1,000,000 is the 8th highlight and the 4th most valued colored diamond lot of the sale. Ring size 5½, platinum ring stamped PT950 on the inner surface of the shank, is set with a shield-shaped, VS2-clarity, Fancy Vivid Yellow-Orange diamond weighing 5.02 carats, accented by round diamonds on the upper hoop of the ring.
GIA report no. 11188054 dated June 23, 2000, states that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Yellow-Orange, Natural Color and VS2 clarity. The near-colorless circular-cut diamonds have a total weight of approximately 0.45 carats, with an average color-grade of F-G color and clarity-grade of VVS-VS clarity.
COLORLESS DIAMOND LOTS
Significant colorless diamond lots include Lots 67, 137 and 136, which are respectively the 2nd, 5th and 6th highlights of the sale based on estimates.
LOT 67- A MAGNIFICENT DIAMOND PENDANT-NECKLACE – with an estimate of USD 4,000,000 – 5,000,000 is the most valued colorless diamond lot of the sale.
The 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) choker length platinum pendant necklace stamped 950 for platinum, bearing maker’s mark for Jacques Timey, has a platinum link chain suspending a pear-shaped, D-color, Flawless clarity diamond weighing 33.25 carats, topped by a marquise-shaped diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat. The length of pendant is approximately 1¾ inch (4.45 cm).
GIA report no. 5182740856 states that the diamond is D color, Flawless clarity. Diamond type classification letter annexed to the report states that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa which confirms the D-color status of the diamond. The marquise-shaped diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat, has average color-grade of F-G color and clarity-grade of VS clarity.
LOT 137 – DIAMOND BRACELET – with an estimate of USD 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 is the 2nd most-valued colorless diamond lot of the sale
The 7-inches (17.8 cm), platinum bracelet, stamped PT950, is designed as a line of 22 alternating cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamonds and cut-cornered rectangular step-cut (emerald-cut) diamonds, with a total weight of 72.96 carats. The lot is accompanied by 22 GIA reports.
GIA report no. 2175859765 states that the diamond weighing 3.52 carats is G-color, VS2 clarity. GIA report no. 5121856214 states that the diamond weighing 3.02 carats is E-color, VS1 clarity. GIA report no. 7203654609 states that the diamond weighing 3.50 carats is E-color, VS1 clarity. GIA report no. 6265134716 states that the diamond weighing 3.02 carats is E-color, VVS2 clarity. GIA report no. 2264271050, states that the diamond weighing 3.08 carats is F-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 6261131166 states that the diamond weighing 3.04 carats is F-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 2214831174 states that the diamond weighing 3.36 carats is F-0color, VS1 clarity. GIA report no. 6262273958 states that the diamond weighing 3.01 carats is E-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 2145433991 states that the diamond weighing 4.16 carats is F-color, VS1 clarity. GIA report no. 5161161040 state that the diamond weighing 4.03 carats is G-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 1162269379 states that the diamond weighing 4.60 carats is G-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 6245010137 state that the diamond weighing 3.11 carats is E-color, VS2 clarity. GIA report no. 5141343976 states that the diamond weighing 4.15 carats is D-color, VS2 clarity. GIA report no. 1245643168 states that the diamond weighing 3.06 carats is E-color, VVS2 clarity. GIA report no. 1268131645 state that the diamond weighing 3.17 carats is E-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 6265131190 states that the diamond weighing 3.01 carats is E color, VVS1 clarity. GIA report no. 3195390801 states that the diamond weighing 3.03 carats is E-color, VS1 clarity. GIA report no. 2155107216 states that the diamond weighing 3.01 carats is F-color, Internally Flawless clarity. GIA report no. 2264130478 state that the diamond weighing 3.01 carats is E-color, VS1 clarity. GIA report no. 2155216233 states that the diamond weighing 3.01 carats is G-color, VVS2 clarity. GIA report no. 6215023472 states that the diamond weighing 3.05 carats is G-color, VVS1 clarity. GIA report no. 6262130991 states that the diamond weighing 3.01 carats is E-color, VVS1 clarity.
LOT 136 – DIAMOND PENDANT-NECKLACE – with an estimate of USD 900,000 – 1,200,000 is the 3rd most-valued colorless diamond lot of the sale. The 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) platinum pendant necklace is composed of a platinum link-chain suspending a pendant made up of a pear-shaped, D-color, Internally Flawless diamond weighing 11.12 carats, with an inverted V-shaped surmount of circular single-cut diamonds. The clasp behind is also highlighted with circular-cut colorless diamonds.
GIA report no. 5171617292 states that the diamond is D color and Internally Flawless clarity. Diamond Type Classification Letter annexed to the report states that the diamond has been determined to be Type IIa, which confirms the D-color status of the diamond. The single-cut, circular diamonds has a total weight of approximately 1.05 carats; an average color-grade of E-F color and average clarity-grade of VVS-VS clarity.
EMERALD LOTS
Among the significant emerald lots are Lots 116, 134 and 135.
LOT 116 – EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING, OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS – with an estimate of USD 800,000 – 1,200,000 is the 7th highlight of the sale based on estimates and the most valued emerald lot of the sale.
The size 6½, Iridium-Platinum alloy ring, inscribed 18% irid plat, with maker’s mark for Oscar Heyman & Brothers, numbered 302847, is set with a square emerald-cut emerald weighing 45.94 carats, flanked by two modified triangular brilliant-cut/trilliant-cut diamonds on the shoulders, weighing 1.54 and 1.52 carats, and further accented by 56 baguette-cut diamonds, on the gallery and upper hoop of the ring.
The emerald is medium slightly bluish-green, moderately included with some surface reaching inclusions visible under 10x magnification. AGL report no. 1090729 states that the emerald is of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: minor and type: modern; GGL report no. 17042019 states that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with minor clarity enhancement. GRS report no. 2017-058746 states that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with minor clarity enhancement.
Oscar Heyman & Bros. Certificate of Authenticity states that the ring includes 2 trilliant diamonds weighing 3.06 carats and 56 baguette diamonds weighing 4.21 carats. GIA report no. 7183281100 states that the trilliant-cut diamond weighing 1.54 carats is H color and VS2 clarity; and GIA report no. 3185281077 states that the trilliant-cut diamond weighing 1.52 carats is G color, and VS2 clarity. The baguette diamonds are of similar color and clarity.
LOT 134 – AN EXQUISITE EMERALD AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, TIFFANY & CO. – with an estimate of USD 700,000 – 900,000 is the second most valued emerald lot of the sale. This stunning diamond and emerald necklace by Tiffany & Co., formerly from the estate of Betsey Cushing Whitney was sold as Lot 91 at Sotheby’s New York Sale, on October 19, 1998. The 14 inches (35.6 cm) choker length platinum necklace signed Tiffany & Co. is composed of a line of 16 marquise-shaped diamonds alternating with 16 step-cut emeralds. Total weight of emeralds approximately 5.60 carats, with a medium slightly bluish-green color, slightly to moderately included, some with surface reaching inclusions and minor abrasion, visible under 10x magnification.
Total weight of diamonds approximately 35.00 carats. The carat weights of the front three diamonds are inscribed on the mounting as: – 4.25, 3.45, 3.25. The lot accompanied by thee GIA reports in respect of the front three diamonds.
GIA report No. 10361194 dated May 6, 1998 states that the diamond weighing 4.25 carats is G color and VS2 clarity. GIA report No. 10361293 dated May 13, 1998 states that the diamond weighing 3.45 carats is F color, SI1 clarity. GIA report No. 10361290 dated May 12, 1998 states that the diamond weighing 3.25 carats is E color, VS1 clarity, together with the original working diagram stating that the diamond may be potentially Internally Flawless.
LOT 135 – AN EXCEPTIONAL EMERALD – is another significant emerald lot, with an estimate of USD 400,000 – 600,000. The unmounted emerald-cut emerald weighing 6.33 carats is a property from a private collection. The emerald has a slightly bluish-green hue, medium tone and strong saturation, with notably high clarity, a few inclusions faintly visible under 10X magnification.
AGL report no. 1089396 states that the emerald is of Classic Colombian origin, with no clarity enhancement. A letter from AGL states that the emerald possesses “an exemplary combination of color and superior clarity, combined with an absence of enhancement and fine cut.”
GIA report no. 2193029721 states that the emerald is Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity enhancement.
SAPPHIRE LOTS
Among the significant sapphire lots are Lots 73, 53 and 105.
Top highlight of the sapphire lots is LOT 73 – SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, DAVID WEBB – with an estimate of USD 350,000 – 450,000. Ring size 6¾, 18k gold and platinum ring, signed David Webb and inscribed 18K 900PT for 18 karat gold and platinum, is set within a foliate mounting with an oval-shaped Ceylon sapphire weighing 53.63 carats accented with marquise-shaped and round diamonds.
GIA report no. 2151043710 states that the sapphire is of Ceylon origin, CMT type I, with no indications of heating. AGL report no. CS 39918 states that the sapphire is of Ceylon origin, with no indications of heating; an annexed letter details the rarity of large top-quality Ceylon sapphires. The lot is accompanied by a David Webb Certificate of Authenticity, dated December 30, 2015.
Total weight of marquise-shaped diamonds approximately 7.15 carats. Total weight of round diamonds approximately 2.10 carats. Average color grade of diamonds G-J color, clarity grade VS-SI clarity. Fitted with internal sizing band.
LOT 53 – AN IMPRESSIVE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 300,000 – 500,000 is another significant sapphire lot of the sale. Ring size 6¼, circa 1920 white metal ring, is claw-set with a cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire weighing 11.24 carats, accented by numerous single-cut diamonds on the upper hoop of the ring.
The sapphire presents a very pleasing outline and a richly saturated velvety blue with no apparent color zoning. Three minor fingerprint inclusions, all of which fall along the edge or outside of the table. One of these is just slightly eye-visible. Minor silk, minor wear to the facet junctions, and insignificant scratches and chips along the girdle.
AGL report no. 1090290 states that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. GGL report no. 18032002 states that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating
The small old mine-cut diamonds are approximately 0.25 carat and decorative in quality.
LOT 105 – SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD 125,000 – 175,000 is the 3rd most valued sapphire lot in the sale. The size 4¾ platinum ring, inscribed PT950 for platinum, is claw-set with a cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire weighing 4.50 carats, flanked by half moon-shaped diamonds on the shoulders of the ring.
AGL report no. 1088347 states that the sapphire is of Kashmir origin, with no indications of heating. Total weight of side diamonds approximately 1.30 carats, average color-grade F-G color and clarity-grade VS clarity.
RUBY LOTS
Significant ruby lots include Lots 88, 19 and 35.
LOT 88 – DIAMOND, GEM-SET AND ENAMEL ‘RABBIT WAITER’ BROOCH, RAYMOND YARD – with an estimate of USD 55,000 – 75,000 is a stunning animal motif platinum brooch in the form of a rabbit designed as a waiter carrying a drink tray and an articulated champagne bucket, set with round and emerald-cut white diamonds on the head, face, ears, hands, shirt, slacks, flaps behind and the bucket; calibré-cut rubies on the jacket front, sides, pocket and sleeves; blue sapphires on the collar, collar lapels and cuffs; and emeralds on the tray, champagne bottle, and the rear flaps. The eye is set with a round ruby. The brooch is further accented with green and black enamel. The brooch designed circa 1935 is signed Yard and numbered 2726.
Total weight of diamonds 1.25 carats, average color-grade F-G color, clarity-grade VS clarity. The rubies are a medium-deep slightly pinkish red and eye-clean. The sapphires are a medium to medium-light blue and slightly included. The emeralds are medium slightly bluish green and slightly included. Length of brooch approximately 1¾ inches (4.5 cm).
LOT 19 – PAIR OF RUBY AND DIAMOND EARRINGS – with an estimate of USD 50,000 – 70,000 is another ruby lot in the sale.
Each of the pair of 18k gold earrings, ⅞ inches/2.3 cm in length is set with an oval-shaped ruby weighing respectively 4.74 and 4.69 carats, topped by a triangular brilliant-cut / trilliant-cut diamond with curved earclips/earwires. The oval-cut rubies with excellent cut and symmetry, have a very slightly purplish red hue, slightly dark medium tone, strong saturation; medium to moderately high clarity with scattered veils and feathers that are subtly eye visible, with scattered minute surface cavities visible only under 10X magnification.
The diamonds with a total weight of approximately 3.60 carats, have an average color-grade of K-L color, and clarity-grade of VS2-SI1 clarity.
AGL report no. 1090175 A and B state that the rubies are of Burmese origin, with indications of heating.
LOT 39 – RUBY AND DIAMOND ‘WRAPPED HEART’ PENDANT-BROOCH, VERDURA – with estimate of USD 40,000 – 60,000 is the PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED ESTATE SOLD TO BENEFIT A CHARITABLE FOUNDATION. The platinum and 18k gold brooch, stamped PLAT 18K, with dimensions of 2 x 1¾ inches (5.1 x 4.5 cm) and signed Verdura is composed of a heart-shaped cluster of 39 cabochon rubies, wrapped with a ribbon motif set with round diamonds. Total weight of cabochon rubies approximately 50.50 carats. The rubies have a purplish red to red hue, medium to moderately dark tone, medium to moderately strong saturation and range from transparent to highly translucent clarity with scattered surface-reaching inclusions.
Total weight of round diamonds approximately 3.00 carats, average color-grade F-H color and clarity-grade VS1-SI1 clarity. Gross weight of brooch approximately 26 dwts.
NATURAL PEARL LOTS
Among the natural pearl highlights are Lots 75, 109 and 77.
LOT 75 – PAIR OF NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND BROOCHES – with an estimate of USD 100,000 – 150,000 is one of the highlights of natural pearl lots.
The silver and rose gold, circa 19th-century brooches with dimensions of 1¾ x 1¾ inches (4.5 x 4.5 cm) are designed as bows set with old European-cut diamonds, each suspending a slightly baroque natural pearl with dimensions of 13.2 x 13.8 mm and 14.0 x 13.8 mm, accompanied by brooch fittings and hair pins for variety of wear.
The pearls have a silver body color, moderately high to high luster and minor to moderate orient of varying hue at the base of both pearls. The surface quality of the pearls is average with minor blemishes and scattered minor wear consisting of scratches commensurate with age,
Total weight of the old mine and rose-cut diamonds in the brooch is approximately 1.30 carats, average color-grade G to K color and clarity-grade VS1-I1 clarity.
LOT 109 – PAIR OF NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND EARRINGS – with an estimate of USD 45,000 – 65,000 is another natural pearl lot in the sale.
The 4 inches (10.16 cm) long flexible silver earrings of cascading foliate design with four tiers, are set with old mine, old European, single and rose-cut diamonds, suspending a pair of semi-baroque drop-shaped natural pearls measuring approximately 11.9 x 8.1 mm and 12.8 x 9.0 mm. The hook fittings are hinged and clip into place.
Total weight of diamonds in both earrings approximately 13.10 carats, with average color-grade of H-K color and clarity-grade of VS-I clarity.
GIA report no. 1196041984 states that the pearls are natural, saltwater, and that the pearls have been worked.
LOT 77 – PAIR OF NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND EARCLIPS/EAR PENDANTS – with an estimate of USD 20,000 – 30,000 is another natural pearl lot in the sale.
Each of the ear-pendants has a rosette motif surmount, with a centerpiece set with a semi-baroque button-shaped natural pearl, surrounded by two alternating rows of petal-shaped motifs set with rose-cut diamonds. The dimensions of the semi-baroque button-shaped natural pearls are respectively 13.6 x 13.1 mm and 14.3 x 13.0 mm. The button-shaped pearl is mounted on yellow gold and the rose-cut diamonds are mounted on silver.
Each of the surmounts suspends by a yellow gold bell cap arrangement two drop-shaped natural pearls with dimensions of 20.7 x 12.2 mm and 22.9 x 12.3 mm respectively
The semi-baroque-shaped pearl tops are of creamy ivory body color, with light overtones of pink and peach, wrinkled skins and waxy luster. The pear drops are of creamy ivory body color, with slight wrinkling, waxy luster and flattening to the backs. Length approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm). The posts are hinged and hook into the top of the earrings. GIA report no. 5191094754 states that the pearls are natural, saltwater
