PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Freeman’s is pleased to announce the results of its May 19 Jewelry and Watches auction, which confirms Freeman’s leading market position as a destination for fine pieces from renowned makers and houses. Art Deco designs performed particularly well, but the 157-lot sale saw competitive bidding from both phone and online buyers for a wide range of styles and pieces. An impressive fancy light yellow diamond ring achieved $308,700, leading the sale and surpassing the piece’s pre-sale high estimate.

“The sale far exceeded our expectations, especially signed jewelry, the value of which has been rising consistently over the years,” said Virginia Salem, Head of the Jewelry and Watches department. “Our prominent Philadelphia selection led the sale strongly, diamond solitaires all performed extremely well, and we attracted many international buyers. Overall, it’s clear that the market is stronger now than it was this time last year.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CARTIER, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, AND TIFFANY & CO.




Jewelry and Watches featured strong, impressive sales of high-end designer works. A Cartier eighteen karat gold and diamond ring inspired competitive bidding, selling for $10,710 (Lot 49; estimate: $2,000-3,000)—one of several Cartier designs to outperform pre-sale estimates. A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels eighteen karat gold and diamond bracelet nearly doubled its pre-sale estimate to sell for $56,700 (Lot 41; estimate: $20,000-30,000). Lot 93, a colorful diamond, sapphire, emerald, and eighteen karat gold Tiffany & Co. bracelet, sold for an impressive $25,200 (estimate: $12,000-15,000).

ART DECO AND RETRO DESIGNS PERFORM WELL

Freeman’s May 19 auction was characterized by lively bidding wars and impressive results for Art Deco jewelry—everything from brooches to bracelets—confirming continued strong market interest in designs from the Art Deco period. Undoubtedly an auction highlight, an Art Deco carved emerald, pearl, and diamond bracelet achieved an impressive $40,950, more than four times its pre-sale estimate (Lot 137; estimate: $7,000-9,000). A Tiffany & Co. diamond and sapphire bracelet more than doubled its pre-sale high estimate to achieve $15,120 (Lot 3; estimate: $5,000-7,000), followed by a diamond and platinum clip/brooch that tripled its pre-sale high estimate, selling for $10,710 (Lot 4; estimate: $2,500-3,500).

CLASSIC DIAMOND SOLITAIRES SHINE

Jewelry and Watches confirmed ongoing market demand for simple, stunning diamond solitaire styles. A diamond solitaire ring that sold for $30,240 was an auction highlight (Lot 109; estimate: $12,000-15,000), along with a similar style that also surpassed its pre-sale high estimate to achieve $25,200 (Lot 88; estimate: $15,000-20,000). A beautiful pear-shaped diamond solitaire ring sold for $13,860 (Lot 90; estimate: $6,000-8,000), and Lot 105 sold for $6,930 (estimate: $4,000-6,000).

ADDITIONAL SALE HIGHLIGHTS: WATCHES

Almost all watches on offer at Jewelry and Watches surpassed their pre-sale estimates, beginning with a unique Bulgari eighteen karat gold watch that achieved $12,600 (Lot 118; estimate: $8,000-10,000). An eighteen karat gold and diamond watch sold for $7,560 (Lot 121; estimate: $2,500-3,500); a handsome Rolex achieved $6,300 (Lot 125; estimate: $3,000-5,000); a Patek Philippe design nearly doubled its pre-sale high estimate to sell for $6,930 (Lot 127; estimate: $2,500-3,500).