CHICAGO, IL.- On September 16,
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers conducted a single-owner auction of Important Jewelry from the Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfeld. International dealers, collectors and institutions took note early on, many traveling to Chicago to view the impressive collection. Preview events in Chicago and New York showcased the sale, presenting highlights of signed pieces from designers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Belperron, David Webb, Harry Winston and Seaman Schepps. The collection of 250 lots outperformed presale estimates, with sales totaling $3.5 million.
Stealing the show was an extremely sought after Art Deco platinum, emerald, diamond, onyx and enamel lapel watch / necklace by Cartier. Signed E.W.&C. Co., it sold for $473,000, tripling its presale estimate of $100,000 - 150,000. Of similar interest, a ring by Harry Winston containing a pear shape brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 9.12 carats of D color and VS2 clarity sold for $515,000 against a presale estimate of $375,000 425,000. An additional Harry Winston ring of platinum, 18 karat yellow gold, emerald and diamond sold for $149,000 with a presale estimate of $70,000 90,000.
Suzanne Belperron also lured competitive bidding.A pair of silver, green beryl and grey chalcedony dress clips sold for $197,000 against a presale estimate of $30,000 50,000. A silver, carved aquamarine and green beryl ring sold for $55,000 while a silver, aquamarine and green beryl double strand necklace sold for $37,500, both Belperron with presale estimates of $7,000 9,000.
Mrs. Hassenfeld was an accomplished ballerina in her youth and later a dedicated philanthropist and humanitarian. She married the late Harold Irwin Hassenfeld, a member of the founding family of Hassenfeld Brothers, now known as Hasbro Inc. The couple divided their time between two homes in Nashville and Palm Beach.
Mrs. Hassenfeld was a founding member of the Swan Ball, one of the premier charity events in the United States attended by hundreds of prestigious supporters. The event continues to benefit Cheekwood Estate in Nashville, Tennessee, a privately supported nonprofit educational institute for the study and appreciation of the arts and botany.
