Bonhams New York Jewels Auction Is a White Glove Sale
Jewelry and objects belonging to Bette Midler, heiress Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan, and Lady Sylvia Ashley were among the highlights.
Taking place May 24, the New York Jewels auction was a white glove sale, meaning every lot sold.
The top lot was a Cartier emerald and diamond bracelet circa 1926, which fetched $3.2 million, blowing its pre-sale estimate out of the water.
Seen at the top of the article, the bracelet features 101 carats of emeralds. It was estimated to earn between $750,000 and $1.25 million.
It belonged to Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan (1887-1966), an American heiress who was the daughter of sugar baron William G. Irwin. She was one of the world’s richest women in the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods.
“We are exceptionally pleased with the success of the Cartier emerald bracelet and the New York Jewels sale overall,” Director of Jewelry for Bonhams New York Caroline Morrissey said.
“The bracelet is adorned with extremely rare Colombian emeralds, the finest of its kind, with impeccable provenance. That was a consistent theme across the sale—exceptional pieces straight from the collections of iconic women.”
The heiress’ Cartier diamond and natural pearl aigrette (seen above), circa 1914 and featuring an 8.25-carat old European-cut diamond and two natural pearls with an additional 5.5 carats of diamonds mounted in platinum and steel, sold for $586,000, above its $450,000 high-end estimate.
Items belonging to actress and singer Bette Midler (born 1945) were another draw at the Bonhams sale.
Midler’s Tiffany & Co. yellow sapphire and diamond feather brooch, seen above, was the top lot belonging to the entertainer, though it only sold at the low end of its pre-sale estimate for about $41,000.
Her 18-karat gold and ruby Demner bracelets (above) sold for about $44,000, at the high end of their $20,000-$40,000 pre-sale estimate.
With the secondhand watch market on fire, it comes as no surprise that Midler’s Cartier La Dona watch (above) sold for roughly $20,000, though it was expected to earn only as much as $12,000.
There were also jewels from Lady Sylvia Ashley (1904–1977), who led a fascinating life. She was married five times, including to Hollywood stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Clark Gable.
The most expensive lot sold from the 60 pieces that belonged to her was a Bulgari ruby ring that earned $290,000.
Other highlights included two Van Cleef & Arpels desk clocks.
The VCA clock seen above, circa 1940 with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies mounted in 18-karat gold, was only expected to earn between $7,000 and $9,000. It ultimately went for nearly $85,000.
A VCA sapphire and diamond clock, meanwhile, earned more than $121,000.
The New York Jewels sale earned nearly $8.4 million in total. Full results are available online.
The Latest
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.