CHICAGO, IL.- Hindman’s May 14th Fine and Important Jewelry Auction realized over $1.8 million in 330 lots. The sale was held remotely, bringing together telephone and online bidders from across the globe. The sale offered jewelry sourced from numerous estates and collections from across the country.

Pieces by well-known, trusted houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. achieved strong results overall. Signed, wearable pieces of jewelry were in high demand, and brought top prices. Pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels sold especially well with the Diamond and Sapphire ‘Feuilles’ Bracelet and Brooch (lots 139 & 139A), the Amethyst and Pink Sapphire ‘Hawaii’ Convertible Set (lot 137) and the Ruby and Diamond Earclips (lot 42), each exceeding their high estimates.

The auction’s top lot, an oval brilliant cut diamond weighing 10.17 carats, realized $137,500 against a presale estimate of $70,000-90,000. This desirable oval shape, as well as the covetable size, contributed to strong interest among bidders. Diamonds in general held their own against pre-sale market uncertainty, with certified diamonds in the sale selling at 87% overall.

The auction boasted an extraordinary example of Louis Comfort Tiffany Art Jewelry as well. The Tiffany & Co, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Art Nouveau, Topaz, Emerald and Polychrome Enamel Necklace (lot 81) was one of the main highlights of the day, and a collector’s piece rarely seen at auction. Competitive bidding among seventeen bidders and four online bidding platforms contributed to the exceptional result, finally selling for six times the estimate, realizing $60,000 over a presale estimate of $10,000-15,000.

Brooches were also in high demand, as examples by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels realized strong prices. An exquisite En Tremblant Diamond Flower Brooch (lot 167) soared over its presale estimate of $7,000-9,000, realizing $35,000 among strong presale interest and numerous bidders on the telephones. A Cartier, Art Deco Diamond and Rock Crystal Brooch (lot 51) and a Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly Brooch (lot 158) doubled their presale estimates, each selling for over $8,000, against presale estimates of $4,000-6,000.

“We were delighted by the successful remote execution of our Fine & Important Jewelry auction, and by the remarkable results the sale delivered,” shared Kimberly Burt, Vice President of Marketing and Luxury Goods. “Our buyers responded to what was a well-curated sale of beautiful jewelry. We were thrilled to see such a high level of engagement and to deliver such strong results to our consignors.”