The Auction Market in Brief

This Fall’s auction sales have posted some impressive results, most surpassing the high estimates and bringing fresh, interesting jewelry to market.

The Doyle New York sale last week showed that Art Deco, Belle Epoque pieces and David Webb are all still hot items. The David Webb necklace, shown here, was part of the Estate of the Honorable Florence Shientag and was sold for $80,500. A Cartier Belle Epoque chocker on a pink velvet ribbon brought $43,750; and a pair of Art Deco Diamond and Jade Earrings by Janesich also went for $43,750.

Sotheby’s recent sale in New York totaled $15,047,802. Highlights included a Natural Pearl Necklace, ranging in size from 4.67mm-10.80mm, which brought $98,500, against a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-30,000; and an Art Deco Ring, circa 1935, featuring a 8.50ct sugarloaf Kashmir sapphire selling for $296,500.

The Skinner sale earlier last month can also boast numerous highlights, including a whimsical Tiffany and Company antique carved moonstone and diamonds “Man in the Moon” brooch which sold for $20,145; and an Art Deco Tiffany and Company Diamond Solitaire which sold for $281,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $75,000-100,000.

What is coming up?

There is a full calendar of auctions for the rest of the year both here and abroad. On the 19^th of October Bonham’s will simulcast a Fine Jewelry Sale in their three US locations. Bonham’s has a wonderful, user-friendly online catalogue and a printable version is also available. The sale features some beautiful antique jewelry, as well as a very impressive collection of unusual Marsh jewelry from the Estate of Margaret Roebling Perrine.

On October 20, Christie’s will auction off The Bulgari Blue as part of their Fine Jewelry Sale. This is the largest triangular shaped fancy vivid blue diamond ever sold at auction. The 10.95ct blue diamond is priced upon request for interested bidders, but is expected to bring in over $12 million. The diamond is set in its original twin stone ring mounting. Its twin diamond is a 9.87ct colorless triangle cut designed by Bulgari in the 1970s for the European collector who is now selling it. More information and the sale catalogue can be found on line at www.christies.com or via the Christie’s iPhone app (recently updated and working fabulously).

On November 20, in London Sotheby’s will sell 20 pieces that once belonged to the Duchess of Windsor, originally offered in the first historical sale of her jewels in 1987. Wrapping up the auction season on December 7, Skinner will host the fourth of their quarterly Fine Jewelry sales in Boston.

Weekend Bonus Brief: Buying at Auction

Auctions, at houses big or small, can be an exciting and entertaining way of purchasing jewelry. Next week there will be three major jewelry sales in New York. Bonham’s, Christie’s and Sotheby’s will all be having auctions. They produce beautiful, glossy color catalogs, hold preview exhibitions and frequently have lectures or offer more information online regarding the sales.

Auction catalogs are often beautiful publications, a great collector’s item for any jewelry enthusiast. As well as being an invaluable tool for those interested in purchasing at the auction, the catalog is a wonderful book full of jewelry from all periods to return to again and again. Each item, or lot, will have a number, description and usually a photograph.

Be sure to attend the preview. If you find a lot that you would like to purchase have a specialist speak to you about the piece(s) that you are interested in. Examine the item closely, try it on, look for any damage…anything because once you have bought it, it is yours. If you cannot look at the piece in person, send someone you trust, or at the very least request a condition report.

Set a budget before the sale. While you will not purchase an item involuntarily by scratching your nose, be sure you know how much you want to bid before you start raising your paddle. Know exactly what the buyer’s premium is and make sure to calculate this into your final bid price. Sales taxes will also apply. If you do your homework there will not be any surprises when you get your bill.

After the sale, the results will be posted on line, and mailed to you if you have purchased a catalogue. These are a good reference to help you value a similar piece that you might own or as an indicator of the price of something that you might have your eye out for in a future sale!