September 4, 2019: Sotheby’s is all set to unveil a group of extraordinary jewels from an Important Asian American collection, coming to auction this autumn in New York and Geneva. This extensive jewellery collection was assembled by a prominent female collector, who over the course of five decades acquired important pieces from top jewellery houses – in particular
Cartier. She also greatly admired the work of Van Cleef & Arpels and owned several jewels by ‘the King of Diamonds’, Harry Winston.
On the one hand, she purchased a core of more substantial, classically styled pieces adorned with important diamonds and gemstones; and on the other, she was drawn to light-hearted jewels, which she treasured and enjoyed wearing on a regular basis.
At the heart of the collection is an extraordinary Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet created by Cartier in 1927 – during what many consider the golden era for the prestigious jewellery house. The bracelet is adorned with a sensational Burmese sapphire weighing 47.07 carats, flanked by two stunning pear-shaped white diamonds weighing 9.27 and 8.60 carats respectively (estimate: $2-3 million).
The collection will be divided between Sotheby’s sale of Fine Jewels in New York on September 25, and the flagship auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva on November 11 and 13. Highlights from the collection will go on view for the first time in New York and Los Angeles in September. This will be followed by an international tour with stops in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, London and Geneva.
Another exquisite Art Deco piece by Cartier: a sapphire and diamond brooch from 1937, is also part of the collection (estimate $150,000 – 250,000). A fine, intricate, vibrant Gem-set and Diamond suite (Cartier, France) comprising a necklace suspending a 72.70-carat pear-shaped aquamarine, a 39-carat aquamarine ring and pair of multi-colored stone earrings (estimate $70,000 – 90,000) will be available at the New York sale.
