PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Freeman's November 1 Fine Jewelry auction features a diverse assortment of dazzling jewels from renowned makers including Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari. Comprised of 172 lots, including signed modern and antique designs, many pieces are expected to draw considerable attention and garner international interest.
The sale features whimsical brooches, in the shape of a tennis racket (Lot 41, $2,000-3,000) and lily of the valley (Lot 82, $5,000-7,000); cultured pearls necklaces; diamond bracelets, including an Art Deco diamond and platinum bracelet accented with trapezoidal, baguette, marquise, bullet- and circular-cut diamonds estimating 14.00 carats (Lot 171, $15,000-20,000); and numerous large diamonds. Most notably, the final lot of the sale, a rare Belle Époque fancy vivid yellow diamond pendant, circa 1910, weighs 10.59 carats and is estimated at $250,000-350,000.
Held until now in a private collection, a cushion-cut diamond is set within a 2.0 carat delicate wreath of three tiers of diamonds and platinum made by famous Philadelphia jeweler J.E. Caldwell. Boasting the strongest saturation of yellow possible for a colored diamond, it is the pendant's "vivid" rating, paired with its provenance and fresh-to-the-market status, that is expected to generate a swell of interest amongst diamond enthusiasts around the world. The diamond has VVS-2 clarity and is accompanied by a working diagram stating how the clarity can be improved.
“This is a rare and exceptional yellow diamond,” said Virginia Salem, GG, Department Head of Fine Jewelry. “The cut and the vivid color, combined with its impressive size, makes this piece truly remarkable.”
The sale features other noteworthy pieces from private collections, including a diamond solitaire ring centering a marquise-cut diamond, weighing 22.85 carats and mounted in platinum (Lot 162, estimated at $200,000-$300,000), along with a diamond and platinum cluster bracelet with clusters of pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds, totaling 45 carats (Lot 163, $40,000-$60,000), both from the collection a private Philadelphia lady. A diamond solitaire ring centering a marquise-shaped diamond, weighing 5.24 carats, comes from the private collection of a Palm Beach lady (Lot 168, $40,000-$60,000).
Collectors of signed pieces will enjoy the opportunity to bid on a Louis Comfort Tiffany pendant brooch, circa 1915 (Lot 2, $5,000-7,000). The rectangular cushion-cut black opal is surrounded by bezel-set demantoid garnet and sapphires and accented by grape leaves, suspended from a delicate removable chain. A heart-shaped opal and fourteen karat gold necklace from Tiffany & Co. (Lot 100, $7,000-9,000), features polished chevron gold links, centering three opals in a foliate motif, was designed by Wordley, Allsopp & Bliss of Newark, NJ, who designed substantial gold jewelry for Tiffany during the 1940s and 50s.
The sale also showcases a collection of statement pieces by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis, who used his jewelry to create a link between past and present, finding inspiration in many different cultures and periods. An eighteen karat gold torque necklace with a tapered design with a repoussé and textured gold finish of scrolling vine motif complete with signed box (Lot 135, $6,000-$8,000) is joined by a striking 18.0 karat gold cuff bracelet with matching earrings (Lot 106, $2,000-$3,000). These pieces are classic examples of Lalaounis’ iconic designs.
