Christie’s auction house in a press release dated August 22nd, 2016, has announced the release of its sale catalog for the upcoming auction of the iconic collection of one of the most admired and respected presidents of the United States, the fortieth president Ronald Reagan and his beloved wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan.The auction titled “The Private Collection of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan” is scheduled to take place at the New York Rockefeller Plaza between the 19th and 28th of September 2016, and consists of live and online components.The live component bearing Sale No.12190 and consisting of 441 lots will be held on the 21st and 22nd of September, 2016. While Lots 1 to 224 will come up for auction on 21st September beginning at 10.00 am, the sale of Lots 225 to 441 will take place on the following day starting at the same time.
The online auction bearing Sale No.14205 and consisting of 261 lots (Lots 445 to 705) will commence on September 19, 2016 and will continue for 10 days until September 28, 2016. Thus, a total of over 700 lots will be on offer at the auctions, with presale estimates on individual lots ranging from less than US$1,000 to US$50,000 and the auction is expected to realize a total in excess of US$2 million. In accordance with the wishes of the late President and First lady, the total proceeds of the sale are designated for The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
Some of the iconic objects in the collection associated with the Reagan era at the White House, are “A Signed Fragment of the Berlin wall,” an evocative relic that symbolizes one of President Ronald Reagan’s greatest foreign policy achievements; President Ronald Reagan’s Cowboy Boots by Tony Lama, a gift from Western actor Rex Allen; A Series of Personal Doodles by President Ronald Reagan on White House Stationary and An Official NFL Wilson Football, Signed and Inscribed, “Win One for the Gipper Ronald Reagan.”
The collection also includes “Hollywood Regency” style furniture and decorative works supplied by William Haines Inc; books with personal dedications; presidential mementos and gifts; fine art from the Reagans’ home in Los Angeles and a collection of jewelry and handbags that once belonged to the late First Lady, which includes iconic pieces characteristic of Mrs. Reagan’s sophisticated style.The jewelry collection includes signed pieces from reputed jewelry houses such as Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Seaman Schepps, Ruser, Mikimoto, Tiffany & Co. and designers such as Schlumberger, David Webb and Aldo Cipullo.
Being a website dedicated to the Gem and Jewelry sector, this webpage will deal only with the highlights of the gem and jewelry lots in the comprehensive and sophisticated jewelry collection of the former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
LIVE AUCTIONS – SEPTEMBER 21 – 22, 2016
38 jewelry lots (Lots 126-163) from the First Lady’s collection will be on offer at the live auctions coming up on the 21st September, 2016 and the remaining 47 lots of jewelry (Lots 659-705) will be open for online bidding from September 19-28, 2016.
Diamond and Colored Gemstone Lots
One of the jewelry highlights of the live auction is Lot 126, A Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ring, by Bulgari with a presale estimate of USD 5,000 to 7,000.The size 5 1/2, octagonal shaped, platinum and 18k gold ring designed as an American flag motif, is set with square-cut blue sapphires, rubies and diamonds. The First Lady was photographed wearing this ring when she attended the 4th July 1986 Liberty Weekend Celebrations with the President,held aboard the USS Iowa in New York Harbor. A presale estimate of USD 5,000-7,000 has been placed on this ring.
Another jewelry highlight of the live auction is Lot 162 – A Diamond And Gold Lion Pendant-Brooch Necklace, by Van Cleef & Arpels. with a pre-sale estimate of USD 30,000-50,000. The necklace is made up of a 28 1/2 ins. sculpted, 18k gold hoop and polished gold jointed link neckchain, suspending a detachable 2 ins. pendant-brooch, designed as a sculpted and textured 18k gold lion’s head with circular-cut diamond eyes, the mouth of the lion holding a textured gold and circular-cut diamond articulated ring.The versatile necklace may be separated and worn as two necklaces of 14 1/4 ins or four bracelets of 7 1/8 ins.This versatile lion pendant-brooch necklace was worn on numerous occasions by Mrs. Reagan, in each of its various versions as long and short necklaces with or without the pendant brooch, and a matching pair of earrings and a quarter section of the chain as a bracelet.During a state visit to the United Kingdom in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, the First Lady was photographed with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, wearing this necklace.
Lot 163 – A Pair of Diamond And Gold Ear Clips, by Van Cleef & Arpels with a pre-sale estimate of USD 15,000-20,000, represents the matching pair of earrings, 1 1/2 ins in length, that is usually worn with Lot 162, A Diamond and Gold Lion Pendant-Brooch Necklace. Each of the ear clips is designed as a sculpted and textured 18k gold lion’s head, with circular-cut diamond eyes and its mouth holding a textured gold articulated ring.
Other significant lots incorporating diamonds and colored gemstones are lots 128, 154, 155 and 161. Lot 128 is a signed piece by Oscar Heyman & Bros., and titled “A Diamond, Sapphire And Ruby Pendant Necklace by Oscar Heyman & Bros,” with a presale estimate of USD 2,000-3,000. The 16 ins. necklace has a fine link 18k gold neckchain, suspending a pendant designed as number 76. Circular-cut diamonds are mounted in platinum on both numbers 7 and 6. Calibré-cut blue sapphires are mounted in 18k gold, only on part of number 6, the remaining part being occupied by circular-cut diamonds mounted in platinum. Likewise calibré-cut rubies are mounted in 18k gold, only on part of number 7, the remaining part being occupied by circular-cut diamonds mounted in platinum. The pendant is engraved on the reverse with the words “NANCY, LOVE DEEDIE-TOM” indicating that it was a gift to Mrs.Reagan from Tom and Deedie Chauncey, family friends of the Reagans who lived in Arizona.The year 1976 probably indicates the end of Nancy Reagan’s successful tenure as the First Lady of California.
Lot 154 is a “Pair of Platinum and Diamond Ear Pendants,” also designed by Van Cleef & Arpels and with a presale estimate of USD 5,000-7,000. Each ear pendant, 1 3/4 ins. in length and made of platinum is designed as two over lapping leaves, set with circular-cut diamonds, suspending a detachable bombé drop, also set with circular-cut diamonds.
Lot 155, with a presale estimate of USD 3,000-5,000 is titled “A Black Star Sapphire And Diamond Brooch.” The 1 5/8 ins. platinum brooch is designed as a flower with petals, stalk and central pistil. The petals are set with circular single-cut diamonds and the stalk with rectangular French-cut diamonds.The central pistil is set with a circular black star sapphire cabochon, surrounded by a row of circular, single-cut diamonds.
Lot 161 is a gold and diamond lot, titled “A Gold And Diamond Bangle Bracelet, by Bulgari,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD 5,000-7,000. The hinged bangle is designed as an 18k textured gold bracelet, with spiral bands of platinum set with circular-cut diamonds. The bangle signed “Bulgari” has a diameter of 2 1/2 inches.
Coral and Pearl Lots – Either Alone or in Combination with Diamonds
Corals and pearls are well represented in the former First Lady’s collection. Some of the highlights incorporating corals are lots 136, 147, 148 and 150. Significant pearl lots include lots 130, 135 and 143.
Lot 136 with a presale estimate of USD 3,000-4,000 is a “Coral Bead And Gold Necklace,” designed as a 12-strand pink coral bead torsade and joined by a sculpted 14k gold clasp of foliate motif. The length of the 16 ins necklace is adjustable.
Lot 147 is a “Coral Bead And Gold Necklace, with a presale estimate of USD 1,500-2,500. The adjustable, 16 1/4 ins. necklace is designed as an eight-strand red coral bead torsade, joined by a 14k gold boule clasp.
Lot 148, titled “A Coral, Diamond And Gold Brooch, By Ruser,” has a presale estimate of USD 2,000-3,000. The brooch is designed as openwork sculpted gold leaves claw-set with five oval shaped, red coral cabochons and interspersed with claw-set 14 circular-cut diamonds.
Lot 150 incorporating pink corals is another signed piece by Van Cleef & Arpels. The lot titled “A Group Of Coral And Diamond Jewelry,” consists of a ring and a pair of ear pendants, with a presale estimate of USD 3,000-5,000 placed on it. The ring made of platinum is set with an oval-shaped pink coral cabochon with dimensions of 25.00 mm x 19.50 mm.and its shoulders are set with French-cut diamonds. Each of the ear pendants is set with an oval-shaped pink coral cabochon and a circular-cut diamond at the point of suspension, mounted in platinum. The 1 1/8 ins. pendants are provided with hoops for suspension.
Lot 130 is a significant lot incorporating pearls. The lot titled “A Diamond And Button Pearl Bracelet,” has a presale estimate of USD 4,000-6,000 placed on it. The 7 ins. long bracelet is designed as an openwork flexible band, set with circular-cut diamonds and six button pearls, varying in diameter from 12.55 to 12.75 mm and mounted in 18k yellow gold and white gold.
Lot 135 is another signed piece by Bulgari, titled “A Mabe Pearl, Diamond And Onyx Ring, By Bulgari,” with a presale estimate of USD 3,000-5,000. The 5 1/2 size, 18k gold ring of bombé design is set with a mabé pearl as its centerpiece, within a circular-cut diamond surround. Shoulders of the ring also set with two rows of circular-cut diamonds.The ring is bordered on either side by sculpted onyx.
Another highlight of the First Lady’s Pearl Jewelry collection is lot 143 – A Set Of Mother-Of-Pearl, Diamond And Seed Pearl Jewelry – with a presale estimate of USD 1,500-2,500 placed on it. The set consists of a ten-strand pink seed pearl torsade necklace, the strands joined by an 18k gold clasp, with a detachable mother-of-pearl flower brooch. The centerpiece of the brooch is a cabochon ruby surrounded by a layer of circular-cut diamonds. The set also includes another matching mother-of-pearl flower brooch. Length of torsade necklace 15 ins; and the two brooches 1 1/2 ins each.
ONLINE AUCTIONS – SEPTEMBER 19 – 28, 2016
The 47 jewelry lots (Lot 659-705) open for online bidding from September 19-28 include diamond, colored gemstone and pearl lots either alone or in combination, and lots made of gold only or combining gold and steel and gold and enamel. These lots include pieces from reputed jewelry houses such Bulgari and Tiffany & Co and also reputed designers such as Schlumberger, Ruser, David Webb and Aldo Cipullo.
Diamond And Colored Gemstone Lots
Some of the diamond and colored gemstone lots, either alone or in combination, include Lots 659, 660, 661, 667, 670, 680, 683, 684, 686, 690, 691 and 696.
Lot 659 is a signed piece by Bulgari titled “Bulgari Tubogas Diamond And Multi-gemstone Choker Necklace” with a presale estimate of USD2,500-3,500. The 14 ins. 18k yellow gold necklace is designed as a “tubogas” choker with round 10mm terminals set with diamonds, citrine, red and green tourmaline. There are 12 round diamonds varying in weight from 0.25 carats to 0.50 carats. The number of colored stones are 2 orange citrines, 2 yellow citrines, 2 red tourmalines and 2 green tourmalines.
Lot 660 is another signed Bulgari colored gemstone piece, titled “Bulgari Iolite And Tourmaline Bypass Ring,” with a presale estimate of USD 1,500-2,500. The ring is designed as an 18k yellow gold sculpted bypass ring, set with a cabochon cut grey-blue Iolite and a matching cabochon cut purplish-pink tourmaline. The ring size (US) is 3 and the dimension of the ring at the widest point is 3/4 inch.
Lot 661 is another Bulgari piece that matches lot 660, and set with the same colored gemstones blue iolite and pink tourmaline. The lot with a pre-sale estimate of USD 2,000-3,000 is titled “Bulgari Tourmaline And Iolite Earrings.” The matching pair of earrings/earclips is designed as horizontal-set faceted hearts, the heart-shaped pink tourmaline and blue iolite set on 18k yellow gold. The dimensions of the earrings/earclips are 3/4 x 7/8 inches. Clip on the reverse used to clip the earclip to the ear lobe.
Lot 667 – Citrine And Gold Earrings/Earclips. Each of the 18k yellow reeded gold pair of earrings/earclips is set with an oval shaped, pale-yellow, cabochon-cut citrine. Clip provided on reverse for fixing to the lower lobe of the ear. Dimensions of earclips 3/4 x 3/8 inches. A moderate presale etimate of USD 400-600 is placed on this pair of earclips.
Lot 670 with a presale estimate of USD 1,000-2,000 is an intricately sculpted, 14k yellow gold, “Gold And Diamond Eagle Brooch.” The dimensions of the brooch are 2 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches. The brooch is designed as a sculpted gold eagle in flight, with a pear-shaped, bright and lively diamond suspended from its beak, reminiscent of an eagle carrying its prey. Approximate weight of the diamond 0.25 – 0.50 carats.
lot 680 is a diamond and platinum animal motif brooch designed as a dragonfly by Tiffany & Co. 49 round diamonds with a total weight of 0.50 to 0.75 carats are set on the thorax, abdomen and wings of the dragonfly designed in platinum. Two small and round blue sapphires are set on the eyes of the dragon fly. Dimensions of the dragonfly are 1 1/8 x 1 1/8 inches. The reverse of the dragonfly has a bail/clip to secure it to the dress of the wearer. A presale estimate of USD2,000-3000 is placed on this lot.
Lot 684 is another diamond and colored gemstone lot, titled “Amethyst And Diamond Ring” with a presale estimate of USD 1,000-2,000. The centerpiece of the 18k yellow gold ring is an oval-shaped amethyst surrounded by a layer of claw set round diamonds. Total weight of the 22 round diamonds is between 0.75 and 1.00 carats. Dimensions of the oval shaped Amethyst are 20.2 x 15.2 x 9.9 mm. Diameter of ring at widest point is 1.00 inch, and the Ring size 5 1/2 (US).
Lot 686 is another significant lot combining diamonds, enamel and 14k gold, with a presale estimate of USD 800-1,200. The lot titled “Enamel And Diamond Camel Brooch, ” is designed as a black enamel camel, with a white enamel saddle set with 72 round diamonds weighing between 0.50 to 0.75 carats.The reins and edges of the saddle made of 14k gold. The camels feather headdress appears to be made of colored enameled gold.
Pearl Lots – Either Alone or in Combination with Diamonds and/or Colored Gemstones
The First Lady’s comprehensive and sophisticated jewelry collection also included several pearl lots either alone or in combination with diamonds or colored gemstones such as Lots 676, 677, 678, 697, 698 and 699.
Lot 676 combines cultured pearls with jade and diamonds, creating a spectacular pair of ear pendants, titled “Jade, Diamond And Cultured Pearl Earrings.” The top of the ear pendant is set with a spherical cultured pearl and square shaped old-cut diamond mounted on 14k white gold, with a U-shaped white gold clip having a screw that can be tightened to hold the lower ear lobe. The movable pendant is made of an oval shaped white gold frame on which an oval shaped carved jade plaque is set with claws. Diameter of spherical cultured pearls approximately 9.5 mm. Approximate total weight of the two old-cut diamonds 0.30 carats. Length of Oval shaped jade plaque 1 3/8 inch each. Presale etimate of this lot is USD 500-700.
Lot 677 combines a cultured baroque pearl and diamonds, producing a stunning, 18k white gold, size 3 (US) ring. A single white, baroque/semi-baroque pearl with excellent luster is mounted as the center piece of the ring, with 50 round melee diamonds with a total weight of between 0.75 – 1.00 carats, being set on the shoulders and part of the hoop of the ring. The dimensions of the baroque pearl are 15.0 mm x 12.2 mm. The lot is titled “Cultured Baroque Pearl And Diamond Ring,” and has a presale estimate of USD 800-1,200 placed on it.
Lot 697 is “A Cultured Pearl Torsade Necklace,” with a presale estimate of USD 800-1,200. The 15 inch torsade necklace is made up of ten strands of cultured seed pearls, with an 18k gold pushbutton clasp. The pearls numbering over 1,000 has a average diameter of 3.3 mm and has very good luster and rose overtones.Lot 698 is a pair of “Cultured Pearl And Diamond Floral Earrings” with a presale estimate of USD 1,500-2,500. Each earring/earclip is designed as a floral motif, with a spherical, golden cultured pearl of approximately 12 mm diameter, set as its centerpiece. The 18k yellow gold petals surrounding the golden pearl, are set with round diamonds giving a spectacular effect. The total weight of the 215 round diamonds mounted on the petals is between 2.75 and 3.25 carats. Each ring has a diameter of 1 inch. The diamonds used have H – I color and are SI clarity. Back clips provided for clipping on to the ear lobes.
Lot 699 with a presale estimate of USD 1,500-2,000 is a “Double Strand Cutured Pearl Necklace.” The double strand, 15 1/2 inch necklace consists of spherical and near-spherical cultured pearls, varying in size between 3 mm to 7 mm, with low luster, and the clasp behind is a 14k hidden pushbutton clasp, covered by an arrangement of seven pearls of varying sizes and six single-cut diamonds of total weight 0.12 carats.
Lot Containing Gold Only, Gold and Steel and Gold and Enamel Without Any Set Gemstones
Gold Only Lots
Some gold only lots include lots 668, 694, 703, 704 and 705.
Lot 668 is a gold only “Tiffany & Co. Gold Chain Necklace,” with a presale estimate of USD 2,500-3,500. The 18 inches, 18k yellow gold link necklace is designed as rope work oval links, with a weight of 59.6 grams.
Lot 694 is another gold only lot, titled “Sculpted Gold Earrings,” with a presale estimate of USD 400-600. The pair of 14k sculpted gold earrings/earclips are of reeded gold design., with a total weiight of 7.3 grams and dimensions of 1/2 x 3/8 inches. The earrings are provided with backclips for clipping on to the lower lobe of the ear.
Lot 703 is a David Webb gold only piece, titled “David Webb Gold Hoop Earrings,” with a presale estimate of USD 2,000-3,000. The 18k yellow gold ring is designed as hammered gold hoop earrings, with dimensions of 1 1/4 inch drop, and 1/2 inch at widest point. The 35 grams earrings are provided with clip backs for non-pierced ears.
Lot 704 is another gold only piece by David Webb, titled “David Webb Gold Bangle,” with a presale estimate of USD 3,000-5,000. The 18k yellow gold bangle weighing 38.7 grams, is designed as a hammered gold hinged bangle, with a push button clasp.
Lot 705 is another signed gold only piece by Aldo Cipullo, titled “Aldo Cipullo Knot Hoop Earrings,” with a presale estimate of USD 1,000-2,000. The pair of 18k yellow gold earings are designed as gold hoops accented with a stylized knot.The dimension of each earring is 1 1/4 inch drop and total weight of both rings is 19.9 grams. The earrings are provided with clip backs for holding on to the ear lobes.
Gold And Steel Lots
Examples of gold and steel lots are lot 663 and lot 664
Lot 663 is a pair of “Gold And Steel Half Hoop Earrings,” with a presale estimate of USD 500-700, and designed as half hoop earrings of 18k gold and steel beads on a steel wire. Back clip provided for non-pierced ears. Dimensions of the ear clip are 3/4 x 1/4 inch.
Lot 664 is another gold and steel lot titled “Gold And Steel Bangle,” with a presale estimate of USD 750-950, and designed as an open bangle of alternating 18k yellow gold and steel beads. Size 6 1/2 inch bangle is 8 mm wide.
Gold And Enamel Lots
Examples of gold and enamel lots are lot 672, 673, 674, and 687.
Lot 672 is an “Enamel And Gold Ring,” with a presale estimate of USD 500-700. The ring is desogned as a domed 14k yellow gold ring, coated with black and white enamel. The widest diameter of the ring is 18.4 mm and the ring size (US) 5 3/4. Total weight of ring 16.1 grams.
Lot 673 – An “Enamel And Gold Bangle,” has a presale estimate of USD 2,000-3,000. The 18k yellow gold hinged bangle is coated with alternating bands of black and white enamel, separated by gold bands in a wave pattern all round. The bangle size is 7 inches and bangle width 12.5 mm. Total weight of bangle 73.9 grams. The hinged bangle has a push button clasp.
Lot 674 is another enamel and gold lot, with a presale estimate of USD 1,000-2,000 and titled “Tiffany & Co. Enamel And Gold Earrings.” Each of the pair of gold earrings is designed as a round 18k sculpted yellow gold dome and coated with vertical black and horizontal white enamel bands. Diameter of dome 1 inch. Total weight 28.8 grams. Back clips provided for non-pierced years.
Lot 687 is another enamel and gold lot titled “Enamel And Gold Earrings,” with a presale estimate of USD 400 – 600. The pair of 18k yellow gold earrings are designed as five rows of sculpted gold , accented with blue and green enamel. Dimensions of each ring 3/4 x 3/4. Total weight 24.5 grams. Back clips provided for holding on to the lower lobes of the ears.
