Magnificent Jewels
Live Auction: 9 December 2020 • 10:00 AM EST • 2:00 PM EST • New York

Magnificent Jewels 9 December 2020 • 10:00 AM EST • New York

T he 9 December Magnificent Jewels auction in New York is headlined by exquisite jewels from the collections of Cecile Zilkha and Marylou Whitney and complemented by an exceptional group of top-quality Fancy Colored diamonds in hues of red, blue, orange, pink, green and yellow. For connoisseurs of design, there is a rich selection of vintage jewels by Cartier, Boivin, Belperron and Schlumberger and a stunning group of Art Deco masterpieces by Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier and Yard.

The Zilkha Collection
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Renowned for her timeless elegance, dedicated philanthropy, and lifelong interest in the arts, Cecile’s collection reflects her iconic sense of style and affection for objects of superlative quality and craftsmanship.

The Whitney Collection
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Marylou Whitney, a generous philanthropist, thoroughbred breeder, arts patron, devoted wife and mother, and glamorous society hostess. Known in the racing world as the “Queen of Saratoga,” Marylou was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her boundless energy, exceptional kindness, and iconic style.

An Exceptional Necklace by Suzanne Belperron

“Deciding on the cover of any publication is not an anodyne choice. For my book Suzanne Belperron, I had to chose an iconic piece that reflected the oeuvre of its creator in all her splendor. This necklace was that piece. Moreover, this necklace carries with it an extraordinary symbolism, having been featured in Vogue for one of the first post-war publications in December of 1947. The editor of the magazine published this jewel in a two page feature, alongside pieces by Cartier, giving a clear idea of the level of esteem placed on creations by Suzanne Belperron in that era.”

–Olivier Baroin

Belperron | Ruby and Diamond ‘Plastron’ Necklace
This exceptional ruby and diamond bib necklace is one of Suzanne Belperron’s most iconic designs. Composed of numerous irregular ovoid-shaped rubies and embellished with old-cut diamonds, the necklace tapers beautifully at each end to drape with remarkable fluidity and comfort. Its sense of modernity, balanced with femininity, makes it a wearable piece of art that looks as fresh and dynamic today as it did when it was first created.

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An Important Art Deco Diamond Bracelet by Boucheron

Boucheron | Diamond Bracelet
An excellent example of Art Deco design, this bracelet is punctuated by step pyramids of baguette diamonds. Historical events can have a profound effect on art, and in 1922 the tomb of King Tutankhamen was discovered, sending a wave of Egyptomania throughout Europe and the U.S. The perfect geometry of the pyramid is reflected in this exceptional work by Boucheron. A contemporaneous comparison is found in the rapidly changing New York skyline. A subtler design element in this exquisite bracelet is found in the half-dome links framing the central band, prefiguring the voluminous forms that dominated a decade later.

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A Whimsical Collection of Boivin Jewels

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