O
ur 7 December Magnificent Jewels auction in New York is distinguished by several important private collections. From colored diamonds of every hue to superb vintage and modern classics by famed jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, the sale boasts a wide array of exceptional jewels to fit every taste and style. We are pleased to present one of the most significant collection of Bulgari jewels ever to come to market, featuring impressive diamonds and colored stones as well as a beautiful selection of Monete pieces. For connoisseurs of design, we offer a highly important, newly rediscovered jewel by Louis Comfort Tiffany and modernist designs by Boucheron, Belperron, Fouquet and Templier.
This season offers diamonds of every color: red, orange, pink, yellow, green and a wide spectrum of blues. Leading the group are a 6.69-carat Fancy Intense Pink and 6.11-carat Fancy Intense Blue, both of high clarity and of pure unmodified hues. These are complemented by a wealth of whiter-than-white Type IIa diamonds including a statement-making 62.65-carat pear shape and an elegant 26.54-carat elongated emerald cut, mounted by Bulgari. Superlative colored stones also make an appearance. Featured are exceptionally vibrant Royal Blue sapphires; a selection of top-quality, no-oil Colombian emeralds; and a great variety of richly saturated Burmese and Mozambique rubies.
The house of Bulgari was founded by Sotirio Boulgaris in 1884 and continues to thrive today with its distinct brand of Italian-style glamour, making some of the world’s most extraordinary statement jewels. Best known for bold, gold designs and a playful use of colored stones, Bulgari is beloved by tastemakers and connoisseurs alike, enjoying generations of high-profile enthusiasts, from Elizabeth Taylor and Gina Lollobrigida to Julianne Moore and Jessica Chastain.
This December we are honored to present one of the most significant private collections of Bulgari ever to come to market. Dating to the 1980s, a time when everything—fashion, music, markets, politics—seemed to be at full throttle, the jewels capture the spirit of this dazzling era. The collection is distinguished by custom-made pieces boasting large gemstones as well as a rich selection from the Bulgari’s highly sought-after ‘Monete’ line. Two outstanding ‘Serpenti’ jewels are also featured: a vintage angel skin coral bracelet-watch and a highly flexible diamond necklace, now a contemporary classic.
This sale provides a fascinating look at at the evolution of jewelry design over the past one hundred and twenty years. Among the earliest examples on offer are works by Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, kindred spirits in their exploration of the optical effects of enamel, glass and unusual gemstones as well as their devotation to naturalism. Classic Art Deco and retro jewels are well represented by Cartier, complemented by works by Fouquet, Templier and Dunand who, though working during the same period, applied a modernist approach. The sweetness of the 1950s is found in an inseperables brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, followed by the high glamour of a 1960s ruby and diamond fringe necklace by David Webb. Jewelry in the the 1970s and ‘80s were lockstep with fashion—bold and and unapologetic—as illustrated here ruby cabochon jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels and a ‘Monete’ necklace by Bulgari. Fast forward to today, and designers are exploring new materials as they push the boundaries of design and technique. Distinguishing many of them from their predecessors, however, is a comittment to social responsibility. With a focus on ethical sourcing and African-inspired design, Vanleles is one such jeweler, represented here by her 'Enchanted Garden' earclips.
