Posted in: Exhibitions, Auctions/Results
The Princie Diamond for Sale at Christie's "New York Magnificent Jewels" sale on April 16, 2013. Copyright 2013 Christie's.
Browsing the e-catalog for Christie's April 16, 2013, "New York Magnificent Jewels" sale is like viewing a pamphlet for a museum exhibition dedicated to famous jewelers and their jewels. Tantalizing creations by the whimsical and masterful Jean Schlumberger {Lots 19, 87, 93*} share the page with pieces of classical elegance crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels {21} and Cartier {Lot 90}, as well as with an unsigned yellow diamond ring which may prove itself to be completely flawless {Lot 89}.
Not only that, but the catalog also provides subtle insights into the collectors who have decided to sell. Some have passed on, leaving a legacy usually far richer than the jewels sold from their estates. Case in point: Katharine Dupont Weymouth {Lot 74}, widow to two very powerful and important men, Reynolds du Pont and George Weymouth. Mrs. Weymouth's lasting impact continues to benefit her communities in Wilmington, Boca Grande, and Fishers Island, NY. Her notice of passing in the New York Times made note of her "generosity and grace, engaging smile and love," which "won her the love and respect of people of many generations" {cited}.
Far more of these important jewels belonged to anonymous collectors, whose names are likely withheld to protect their privacy. As I read such descriptions as "Property From an Important American Collection" {Lot 57}, "Property of a Lady" {Lot 39}, and "Property from an Important Private Collector" {Lot 139}, my curiosity is piqued with very little hope of satisfaction. Did this important American collector fall on hard times? Is this lady a famous actress whose name we read every day in the tabloids? Is this important private collector heir to an American millionaire who made his millions at the turn of the century, spending them on beautiful jewels which maintained their value through the Great Depression?
A dazzling diamond and platinum ring featuring circular-cut diamond shoulders and old European-cut diamonds weighing 4.67 carats is estimated to realize $20,000-30,000 {Lot 47}, which will benefit The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, a international congregation of Catholic women "who are dedicated to the full dveleopment of the human person through education, social justice, contemplation, and the arts" {cited}. And what of the hundreds of other jeweled wonders who appear to be unattached to anyone important enough to mention, even anonymously?
Each jewel has a story to tell, and this catalog is full of individual stories of greatness, some which may never make it to public attention, others that rest nestled between the pages of old books that very few people ever read. All of these jeweled works of art symbolize excellence in the jewelry industry. Some have been worn to celebrity galas, to important luncheons, and on official government business. They represent luxury, wealth, status, fame, and beauty. These are truly magnificent gems.
The morning session will be dominated by the works of Jean Schlumberger, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany, while it is Harry Wintson and "An Elegant Lady" who take center stage in the afternoon session. Stunning pieces made by the "King of Diamonds," feature diamonds and emeralds in all their brilliance from the collections of at least one distinguished American collector. The Elegant Lady provides exquisite pieces ranging from a delectable jeweled orchid brooch; to a stunning Art Deco brooch set with carved cabochon sapphires, rubies, and emeralds; to an astonishing diamond necklace by William Goldberg which features over 120 pear- and oval-cut diamonds set in a graduated cluster. Twenty of these diamonds have been certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as internally flawless.
It is the "Princie" diamond, however, that is expected to steal the show. As noted in Christie's catalog, "the Princie diamond is recorded as one of the four most celebrated and historical pink diamonds in the world." Listed on the last page of the catalog as "an historic cushion-cut fancy intense pink diamond, weighing approximately 34.65 carats," the Princie diamond's expected gross is unlisted at this time.
*Links will take you to actual sales results with images for these particular lots 11 years ago
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