In a press release dated November 17, 2016, Christie’s Auction House announced the holding of its New York Magnificent Jewels Sale, on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the New York, Rockefeller Plaza, featuring a total of 318 lots, with estimates ranging from USD5,000 to USD5,000,000. Among the highlights of the sale are exceptional fancy colored and colorless diamonds, colored gemstones, natural and cultured pearls and branded jewelry from top jewelry houses/designers such as Boivin Rene, Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, David Webb, Graff, Harry Winston, JAR, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. The sale will be preceded by a five-day viewing of the lots, also at the New York Rockefeller Center from December 2 to 6, 2016, viewing times on the first and the last days being from 12.00 Noon to 6.00 pm and 10.00 am to 5.00 pm respectively, and on the other 3 days, Dec. 3rd, 4th and 5th, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
The Christie’s New York December 7, 2016, Magnificent Jewels Auction is a special and unique event in the 250-year history of the auction house, not only because it includes several prestigious private collections such as Blair Family Collection, the Collection of Robert and Sylvia Olnick, Rancho Santa Fe collection, The Lichtblau Collection, and the private collection of Betsy Bloomingdale, the American socialite, philanthropist and fashion icon, but also because the date December 7, when the auction is due to be held coincides exactly with the date 250 years ago, when the first piece of jewelry was offered for auction at Christie’s. According to Tom Burstein, Senior International Director of Jewelry, at Christie’s, “2016 has been an extraordinarily exciting and proud year for all of us at Christie’s because it marks our 250th anniversary. The Magnificent Jewels auction takes place exactly 250 years to the day from when the first piece of jewelry was offered for auction at Christie’s. It’s a celebration of the jewelry, a celebration of our clients, a celebration of the time of year.”
COLORLESS DIAMOND LOTS
Highlights of colorless diamond lots include Lots 318, 293 and 269
Lot 318 is not only top among the colorless diamond lots but also the top lot of the entire sale, with a pre-sale estimate of USD5,000,000 to USD7,000,000. The lot, titled “A MAGNIFICENT DIAMOND RING,” is a size 6, platinum ring set with a rectangular emerald-cut, D-color, VVS1 clarity diamond, weighing 51.35 carats. GIA report no. 5172734522 dated 15 July 2016, states that the diamond is D-color, VVS1 clarity but potentially Internally Flawless,as indicated by a working diagram accompanying the report. Diamond Type Classification letter accompanying the report states that the diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa diamond, which confirms the D-color status of the diamond. Type IIa diamonds that are chemically pure and structurally perfect are absolutely colorless and are referred to as “Top Color” (D to F) diamonds, sometimes described in superlatives such as, whiter than white, brighter than bright, purest of the pure, diamonds of the purest water etc.
Lot 293, titled, “A RARE DIAMOND RING, BY LEVIEV,” is another colorless diamond highlight of the sale, with a pre-sale estimate of USD2,000,000 – USD3,000,000. The size 6 1/4 platinum ring, signed Leviev is set with a cushion modified brilliant-cut, D-color, Internally Flawless clarity diamond, weighing 22.72 carats, flanked on either side by tapered baguette-cut diamonds. GIA report no. 2135773312 dated 14 September 2011, states that the 22.72-carat, cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond is D-color and Internally Flawless clarity. diamond Type Classification letter accompanying the lot states that the diamond is Type IIa, which confirms the D-color status of the diamond.
Lot 269- AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND RING, BY GRAFF – the property of a Lady, has a pre-sale estimate of USD1,300,000 – USD1,800,000. The size 5 1/4 platinum ring, signed Graff, is set with a rectangular emerald-cut, D-color, VVS1 clarity diamond, weighing 16.13 carats, flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond. GIA report no. 15242735 dated 25 October 2016, states that the diamond is D-color, VVS1clarity but potentially Internally Flawless as indicated by a working diagram accompanying the report. Diamond Type Classification report accompanying the lot states that the diamond is Type IIa, which confirms the D-color status of the diamond.
COLORED DIAMONDS
Top lots among colored diamonds are lots 213, 150 and 260.
Lot 213, the top among colored diamond lots, titled,”AN EXCEPTIONAL COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING, BY HARRY WINSTON,” the Property of a Gentleman, has a pre-sale estimate of USD3,500,000 – USD4,500,000. The size 5, platinum ring signed Winston, is set with a rectangular emerald-cut, fancy intense orangy pink, VS2 clarity diamond, weighing 12.88 carats, flanked by a cluster of marquise-cut diamonds on the shoulders of the ring. GIA report no. 5151834877 dated 10 October 2016, states that the diamond is fancy intense orangy pink, natural color and VS2 clarity.
Lot 150 – A UNIQUE COLORED DIAMOND RING – with a pre-sale estimate of USD2,000,000 – USD3,000,000 is another colored diamond highlight of the sale. The size 6, 18k yellow gold ring is set with a modified pear brilliant-cut, fancy deep brownish pinkish orange, VVS2 clarity diamond, weighing 54.36 carats. GIA report no. 2175232722 dated 17 August 2015, states that the diamond is fancy deep brownish-pinkish-orange, natural color and VVS2 clarity. The lot is also accompanied by a GIA hardbound monograph and CD, featuring additional photography, data collection charts and gemological research, attesting to the rarity and provenance of this diamond.
Lot 260 is another significant colored diamond lot, titled, “A RARE COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD800,000 – 1,200,000. The size 6, platinum and 18k yellow gold ring, is set with an oval modified brilliant-cut, fancy vivid yellowish orange, SI2 clarity diamond, weighing 6.94 carats, flanked on either side by a half-moon shaped diamond, and circular-cut diamonds set on the hoop of the ring. GIA report no. 5171741406 dated 6 September 2016 , states that the diamond is fancy vivid yellowish orange, natural color, and SI2 clarity
COLORED GEMSTONE LOTS
SAPPHIRE LOTS
Significant sapphire lots include Lots 294, 97, 292.
Lot 294 – A SENSATIONAL SAPPHIRE RING – with a pre-sale estimate of USD3,000,000 – USD5,000,000 is the top highlight of the colored gemstone lots as well as the blue sapphire lots. The lot is one of the “SUPERB COLLECTION OF IMPORTANT GEMSTONES, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION.” The size 6, platinum ring incorporates a 75.41-carat, cushion-cut blue sapphire of Burma origin, with a richly saturated and homogenous royal blue color, known as the”BURMA BLUE SAPPHIRE.” Lab reports by AGL, GIA and GGL confirm that the sapphire is of Burma origin, with no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement, with an appendix letter accompanying the GGL report, which states that the gemstone displays a richly saturated and homogenous royal blue color with a finely proportioned cut and high clarity, making the gemstone practically eye-clean and also attests to the outstanding characteristics which make this sapphire very rare. The image of lot 294 depicts the unmounted blue sapphire.
Lot 97 – A SUPERB SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND CUFF BRACELET, BY DAVID MORRIS – with a pre-sale estimate of USD 2,500,000 – USD 3,000,000 is a significant sapphire lot in the sale. The 2 1/4 ins diameter, 18k white-gold bracelet, signed David Morris, is designed as as a flexible cuff, set with 11 cushion-cut blue sapphires alternating with 8 oval-cut diamonds. The sapphires range in weight from 1.90 to 7.18 carats and the diamonds from 0.70 to 1.07carats. Each blue spphire is bordered on either side by a triplet of diamonds, consisting of two pear-shaped diamonds with their narrow ends facing a circular-cut diamond in the center.
AGL report no. CS 1079215 dated 14 October 2016, states that the blue spphires are of Kashmir origin, with no evidence of heat or clarity enhancement. Eleven reports by GGL in respect of the 11 blue sapphires, dated 15 April 2015, state that the sapphires of Kashmir origin with no indications of heating. Eight reports by GIA, dated from 6 September 2012 to 14 April 2016, state that eight oval-cut diamonds, ranging from 1.07 to 0.70 carats are D to F color and VVS2 to VS2 clarity.
Lot 292 – A SUPERB SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING – the 3rd highlight of the blue sapphire lots, with a pre-sale estimate of USD700,000 – USD1,000,000, is also from the “SUPERB COLLECTION OF IMPORTANT GEMSTONES, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION. The size 6, platinum ring has as its centerpiece a 31.38-carat, cushion-cut blue sapphire, highlighted by an openwork stylized surround, gallery and bifurcated shoulders, set with circular-cut diamonds. The sapphire having a richly saturated and homogeneous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency, and a finely proportioned cut is christened, THE MANDALAY BLUE SAPPHIRE,” Lab reports by GGL and AGL certify that the origin of the blue sapphire is Burma, having a color known as “Royal Blue” in the trade, with no evidence of heat or clarity enhancement. Appendix accompanying the GGL report states that the sapphire “possesses a richly saturated and homogeneous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency, and a finely proportioned cut.”
EMERALD LOTS
Highlights of emerald lots include lots 276, 135 and 316.
Lot 276, titled “A SUPERB EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING,” with a pre-sale esimate of USD1,500,000 – USD2,500,000 is the top most among emerald lots and the 3rd colored gemstone highlight of the sale based on pre-sale estimates. The size 6, platinum ring is set with a 39.90-carat, cushion-cut emerald, flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond. Lab reports by GGL and AGL confirm that the emerald is of Colombia origin with no indications of clarity enhancement.
Lot 135 is AN IMPRESSIVE EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING, BY DAVID WEBB, with a pre-sale estimate of USD250,000 – USD350,000. The size 6, platinum and 18k gold ring, signed David Webb, is set with a 24.43-carat, rectangular step-cut emerald mounted on 18k yellow gold, with a bombé surround, set with marquise and circular-cut diamonds on platinum. AGL report no. CS 1075031 dated 18 April 2016, states that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with accepted minor clarity enhancement.
Lot 316 is a branded emerald lot by renowned jewelry house Cartier, titled “AN EMERALD, PEARL AND DIAMOND FLOWER BROOCH, BY CARTIER,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD250,000 – USD350,000. The brooch is from “THE BLAIR FAMILY COLLECTION,” and was purchased from Cartier, New York in 1946. The 3 ins. long platinum brooch signed Cartier, is designed as a flower blossom, centering upon a carved emerald, measuring 37.10 x 31.80 x 3.80 mm, within a pearl and old-cut diamond surround. The carving on the emerald also depicts a floral motif with an inner and outer whorl of 8 petals/sepals. The stalk of the flower brooch is set with circular-cut diamonds and the two leaves set with baguette-cut diamonds depicting the midrib and circular-cut diamonds on the lamina. AGL report no. CS 1078757 dated 12 October 2016 states that the emerald is of Colombia origin, with minor accepted clarity enhancement.
RUBY LOTS
Some of the significant Ruby lots include lots 78, 88 and 265
Lot 78 is the top lot among rubies, titled “AN EXCEPTIONAL RUBY AND DIAMOND RING,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD900,000 – USD1,200,000. The size 6, 18k yellow gold and white gold ring is set with a 10.10-carat, oval-cut ruby, flanked on either side by a half-moon shaped colorless diamond. AGL report no. CS 1078403, dated 6 September 2016 states that the country-of-origin of the ruby is Mozambique, with no evidence of heat enhancement. A second report by SSEF, bearing no. 60496 and dated 29 August 2011 confirms that the country-of-origin of the ruby is Mozambique, with no indications of heating. A letter accompanying the SSEF report states that this natural ruby “possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits a special mention and appreciation” and attests to the “very rare and exceptional” quality of the ruby.
Lot 88 – A RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, BY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – is the next ruby highlight of the sale. The lot has a pre-sale estimate of USD 400,000 – USD 600,000. The size 7, 18k yellow gold ring signed VCA for Van Cleef & Arpels, is set with a 7.79-carat, oval-cut ruby, flanked on either side by a triangular-cut diamond. AGL report no. CS 1079377 dated 20 October 2016 states that the ruby is of Burma origin with no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement.
Lot 265 – A RUBY AND DIAMOND RING – with a pre-sale estimate of USD150,000 – USD200,000 is another ruby lot in the sale. The size 4 3/4, platinum and gold ring, is set with a 5.07-carat, oval-cut ruby, flanked on either side by a modified triangular-cut diamond. AGL report no. CS 1079313 dated 21 October 2016, states that the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no gemological evidence of heat enhancement.
NATURAL AND CULTURED PEARL LOTS
Some of the significant pearl lots are lots 209, 314, 115 and 219.
Lot 209 – A CONVERTIBLE DIAMOND. RUBY AND CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE, BY ANDREOLI – with a pre-sale estimate of USD80,000 – USD120,000 is a significant pearl lot in the sale. The 15 ins. 18k white gold necklace, signed Andreoli, is set at the front with two interchangeable plaques, joined to the two-row circular-cut diamond neckchain, by baguette-cut diamond scrolls. The first plaque consisting of a three-row, oval-cut ruby bib with baguette-cut diamond trim is not shown in the image of the necklace. The second plaque shown in the image is designed as a line of baguette-cut diamonds, suspending clusters of circular and marquise-cut diamonds, alternating with one another. The cluster of seven marquise-cut diamonds suspends seven graduated cultured pearl drops, ranging in diameter from 11.00 to 15.25 carats. AGL report no. CS 1077545 dated 10 August 2016 states that the rubies are of Burmese origin, with heat and clarity enhancement.
Lot 314 – an item from the Blair Family Collection, is a natural pearl lot combined with colored gemstones and diamonds, titled “AN EMERALD, NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND FLOWER CLIP BROOCH, MOUNTED BY CARTIER,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD70,000 – USD100,000. The 3 5/8 ins platinum brooch designed by Cartier in 1942, is a flower brooch centering upon an emerald-cut emerald pistil, surrounded by eight petals, each set with a large spherical white natural saltwater pearl and smaller circular-cut diamonds. The stalk of the flowr is set with baguette-cut diamonds, with a pear-cut and marquise-cut diamond representing leaves. Diameter of natural pearls ranging from 6.36 to 6.74 mm. Dimensions of emerald 12.40 x 10.20 x 4.96 mm. AGL report no. CS 1078756 dated 12 October 2016 states that the emerald is of Colombia origin with insignificant accepted clarity enhancement. GIA report no. 1172958665 dated 18 October 2016, states that the randomly tested pearls are natural saltwater pearls, with no indication of treatment.
Lot 115 is another cultured pearl lot, titled “A SUITE OF CULTURED PEARL AND DIAMOND ‘MATELASSÉ’ JEWELRY, BY CHANEL,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD60,000 – USD80,000. The suite consists of a necklace, a pair of earclips and a ring. The 15 ins. choker length, 18k yellow gold necklace is designed as an openwork circular-cut diamond graduated band of lattice design, set with cultured pearls in the square-shaped spaces between the bands of the lattice.
Each of the pair of 18k yellow gold earclips, 1 1/8 ins. in length, with a matching openwork design like the necklace, is also set with circular-cut diamonds on the bands and spherical cultured pearls in the spaces between the bands of the lattice.
The size 5 3/4, 18k yellow gold ring also has a matching openwork design like the necklace, set with circular-cut diamonds on the bands and spherical cultured pearls in the spaces between the bands of the lattice.
Lot 219 – A SET OF DIAMOND AND CULTURED PEARL JEWELRY, BY CARTIER – with a pre-sale estimate of USD20,000 – USD30,000, comprises of a pair of ear clips and a brooch en suite. Each of the pair of 18k yellow gold earclips, is designed as a flower blossom motif, with curling petals set with circular-cut diamonds, around a spherical cultured pearl pistil. Diameter of pearl 7.70 mm. The brooch also has exactly the same design and size as the earclips.
JEWELS FROM PRESTIGIOUS PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Among the jewels from prestigious private collections on offer at the auctions are the Blair Family Collection, the Collection of Robert and Sylvia Olnick, Rancho Santa Fe collection, the Lichtblau Collection, and the private collection of Betsy Bloomingdale, the American socialite, philanthropist and fashion icon.
IMPORTANT RANCHO SANTA FE COLLECTION
30 lots from “AN IMPORTANT RANCHO SANTA FE COLLECTOR,” from Lots 46 to 77 consists mainly of jewels designed by the renowned New York jewelry firm Oscar Heyman & Brothers, famous for their impeccable craftsmanship and the use of colored gemstones, who also became known as the “jeweler’s jeweler,” creating jewelry for famous retailers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Marcus & Co., Tiffany & Co., and Black, Starr & Frost. The jewelry firm’s forte was the designing of invisibly set jewelry, the only jeweler in the US that was capable of executing this incredibly intricate technique, a true testament to the quality of their craftsmanship. Oscar Heyman & Brothers constructed nearly all of the American made invisibly-set jewelry for Van Cleef & Arpels. Undoubtedly, the collection of 30 jewels appearing at the Christie’ s New York Magnificent Jewels Sale is one of the finest collections of Oscar Heyman & Brothers ever to appear at an auction.
Some of the significant lots from the RANCHO SANTA FE COLLECTION are Lots 48, 55, 57, 60, 65, 70, 71, 72,73, 75
Lot 48 – A DIAMOND AND ENAMEL ‘GARDENIA’ BROOCH, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS FOR SHREVE & CO., has a pre-sale estimate of USD15,000 – USD20,000. The 2 3/8 ins. long platinum brooch is designed as a Gardenia flower, with petals set with circular-cut and baguette-cut colorless diamonds and the green enamel leaves set with single-cut diamonds along the midrib. This is a stunning example of a beautifully designed ‘gardenia’ brooch, which Oscar Heyman & Brothers originally debuted at the 1939 World’s Fair where it won Best of Show.
Lot 55 titled, “A SAPPHIRE, COLORED SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS,” has a pre-sale estimate of USD20,000 – USD30,000. The size 6 3/4, platinum ring of by pass design is set with two heart-shaped sapphires, a 7.26-carat blue sapphire and a 6.47-carat pink sapphirre. The shoulders of the ring are set with graduated baguette-cut colorless diamonds. AGL report no. CS 1077544 dated 10 August 2016 states that the blue and pink sapphires are of Madagascar origin, with evidence of standard heat treatment.
Lot 57 – A PAIR OF SAPPHIRE AND COLORED SAPPHIRE EAR CLIPS, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS, has a pre-sale estimate of USD 15,000 – USD 20,000. The platinum and 18k yellow gold earclips, one inch in length, is each set with a heart-shaped blue or yellow sapphire, with approximate dimensions of 14.50 x 16.17 x 6.26 mm and 15.00 x 17.03 x 8.16 mm respectively. The yellow gold X-motif surmount of each earclip is set with 3 circular-cut diamonds. AGL report no. CS 1077543 A and B dated 10 August 2016, states that the blue and yellow sapphires are of Burma origin, with no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement.
Lot 60 is “A DIAMOND RING, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD550,000 – USD750,000. The size 6 1/4, platinum ring is set with a rectangular-cut diamond, weighing 26.16 carats, with the shoulders set with graduated baguette-cut diamonds. GIA report no. 5172769656 dated 28 July 2016, states that the 26.16 carat diamond is J-color and VS2-clarity.
Lot 65 – A COLORED SAPPHIRE, COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS has a pre-sale estimate of USD35,000 – USD55,000. The size 7, platinum and yellow gold ring has as its centerpiece a cushion-cut, Ceylon orange sapphire, with dimensions of 19.26 x 16.09 x 10.38 mm, highlighted by an oval-cut, colorless diamond and circular-cut yellow diamond surround. AGL report no. CS 1077540 dated 10 August 2016, states that the orange sapphire is of Ceylon origin, with standard heat enhancement.
Lot 70 is “A MULTI-GEM AND DIAMOND NECKLACE, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS,” with a pre-sale estimate of USD 40,000 – USD 60,000. The 16 ins. platinum and 18k gold necklace is designed as a decorative bib necklace, consisting of circular-cut, cushion-cut and oval-cut peridots, rubies, amethysts, tsavorites, sapphires, purple and yellow sapphires and spinels, interspersed with smaller circular-cut colorless diamonds.
LOT 71 – A RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS – with a pre-sale estimate of USD15,000 – USD20,000, is one of the lots with invisible settings. The size 6 1/2 platinum ring of bombé design is invisibly-set with rectangular-cut rubies and the trim set with circular-cut diamonds.
LOT 73 – A RUBY AND DIAMOND FLOWER BROOCH, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS – is another lot with invisible settings, with a pre-sale estimate of USD130,000 – USD230,000. The 3 3/8 ins. long platinum brooch is designed as a flower with a circular-cut diamond cluster pistil, surrounded by petals invisibly-set with rectangular-cut rubies. The detachable flower stalk is set with baguette-cut diamonds and the leaves with marquise-cut diamonds. This is the largest invisibly-set ruby flower brooch of this design ever made by Oscar Heyman & Brothers.
THE LICHTBLAU COLLECTION
Eight jewels from “THE LICHTBLAU COLLECTION,” from Lots 277 to 284 also feature at this auction. Anne Rahiser Lichtblau (1939-2016) wife of George Jay Lichtblau was a philanthropist, socialite and lover of animals, who was well knon for her charming prsonality and sophisticated sense of fashion and jewelry. Her jewelry collection included colored and colorless diamonds as well as colored gemstone jewels.
Lot 277 is AN ART DECO EMERALD, RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET, BY OSCAR HEYMAN & BROTHERS, with a pre-sale estimate of USD40,000 – USD60,000. The 7 5/8 ins. platinum bracelet, designed around year 1920, has as its centerpiece a carved cabochon emerald and an old-cut and baguette-cut diamond plaque, with a flexible three-row ruby-bead band on either side, spaced by collet-set, baguette-cut diamonds and ending in old-cut and baguette-cut dimond clasps.
Lot 278 is a blue sapphire lot from the “Lichtblau Collecion.” titled, “A SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, BY HARRY WINSTON,” with an estimate of USD60,000 – USD80,000. The size 6, platinum and 18k white gold ring signed Winston, is set with a 7.08-carat, cushion-cut, Burma blue sapphire flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond. AGL report no. CS 1078036 dated 29 August 2016 states that the sapphire is of Burma origin, with no evidence of heat or clarity enhancement.
Lot 283 – AN IMPRESSIVE COLORED DIAMOND RING – with an estimate of USD700,000 – USD1,000,000 is the second highest lot by value in the “Lichtblau Collection.” The size 4 3/4, platinum and 18k gold ring is set with a 34.56-carat, cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut, VS1 clarity, fancy intense yellow diamond. GIA report no. 2175816084 dated 18 August 2016 states that the 34.56-carat, cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut diamond is fancy intense yellow, natural color and VS1 claarity.
Lot 284, the highest lot by value in the “Lichtblau Collection,” with an estimate of USD1,000,000 – USD2,000,000, is titled, “AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND RING, BY SABBADINI.” The size 4 1/2, platinum ring, signed Sabbadini, is set with an 18.37-carat, cut-cornered rectangular step-cut, F-color, VVS2 clarity diamond, flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond. GIA report no. 6177816064 dated 18 August 2016, states that the 18.37-carat, cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond is F-color and VVS2-clarity. A working diagram accompanying the report indicates that the clarity of the diamond is potentially Internally Flawless.
BETSY BLOOMINGDALE COLLECTION
Betsy Bloomingdale (1922-2016), wife of department store heir Alfred S. Bloomingdale, was an American socialite, philanthropist and fashion icon, who was named to the International Best Dressed List in 1970 and its Hall of Fame in 2009. A patron of haute couture, over the years she amassed a vast collection of gowns and outfits, purchased mainly in Paris. In 2009 an exhibition called “High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture” displaying 60 of her haute couture gowns, was held at the “Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising,” in Los Angeles, California. To match her array of haute couture dresses, she also put together a collection of fine jewelry from designers such as David Webb, Jean Schlumberger, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston. Auction house Christie’s has been entrusted with the sale of the Private Collection of “Betsy Bloomingdale : A Life in Style.” The collection will be offered at two Christie’s sales, beginning with iconic pieces of her personal jewelry collection in December 2016, with another dedicated auction to follow in Spring 2017 at Christie’s New York.
Lots 155 to 166, featuring at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels Sale on December 7, 2016 are some of the iconic pieces from her jewelry collection. This consists of 4 pieces by David Webb, 3 pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1 piece by Jean schlumberger, and 4 pieces by Harry Winston.
Lot 156 is AN EMERALD, DIAMOND AND GOLD BANGLE BRACELET, BY DAVID WEBB, with an estimate of USD20,000 – USD30,000. The 2 1/4 ins. platinum and 18k yellow gold bracelet, signed David Webb is of bypass design with a ribbed yellow gold cuff, with pear-shaped emerald terminals, highlighted by circular-cut and marquise-cut diamond surrounds.
Lot 160 is a piece designed by Jean Schlumberger, the chief jewelry designer for Tiffany & Co. The piece is based on Tiffany’s famous “Bird on a Rock Brooch,” incorporating the famous 128.54-carat, cushion-shaped, stellar brilliant cut, golden yellow or canary yellow, Tiffany Yellow Diamond. The lot titled “A DIAMOND, CITRINE AND RUBY ‘BIRD ON A ROCK’ BROOCH, BY JEAN SCHLUMBERGER, TIFFANY & CO,” has an estimate of USD 10,000 – USD 15,000. The 2 1/2 ins., platinum and 18k yellow-gold brooch consists of a cushion-cut citrine, representing the rock, on which is perched a bird set with circular-cut colorless diamonds mounted on platinum, with circular-cut ruby eyes, and 18k yellow-gold beak, crest and legs. The brooch is signed Tiffany, Schlumberger.
Lot 163 is a diamond lot by Harry Winston, titled, “A PAIR OF DIAMOND CLUSTER EAR PENDANTS, BY HARRY WINSTON AND A PHOTOGRAPH, BY CECIL BEATON,” with an estimate of USD 300,000 – USD 400,000. Each of the diamond and platinum pendants, suspends a cluster marquise and pear-shaped diamonds from a circular-cut and pear-shaped diamond surmount. The lot is accompanied by a signed gelatin silver print by Cecil Beaton of Betsy Bloomingdale wearing the ear pendants. GIA report nos. 1172852267 and 2173852257 dated 12 September 2016, state that two of the pear brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 2.87 carats and 2.36 carats are respectively G and F color, and VS2 and VS1 clarity. GIA report nos. 5171849875 and 5172852240 dated 7 September 2016, state that two of the marquise brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 4.06 carats and 3.64 carats, are both E color and VS1 and VS2 clarity respectively.
Lot 166 – A DIAMOND RING, BY HARRY WINSTON – is the top lot of the collection by value with an estimate of USD1,300,000 – USD1,800,000. The size 7 1/4 platinum ring is set with a 29.01-carat, F-color, VVS2 clarity, pear brilliant-cut diamond, flanked on either side by three tapered baguette-cut diamonds. GIA report no. 1172850159 dated 7 September 2016, states that the 29.01-carat, pear brilliant-cut diamond is F color and VVS2 clarity.
