More 'Magnificent & Noble Jewels' at Sotheby's

Lot 380 in Sotheby's Magnificent & Noble Jewels Auction. A coral, hardstone, enamel, and diamond vanity case by Mauboussin, circa 1920s. Photo courtesy Sotheby's.   Last time I wrote about Session I of Sotheby's Magnificent & Noble Jewels auction. Today I share my thoughts on Session II. Truly, this magnificent array of jewels provides an ideal opportunity for collectors to add some serious investment power. The sale takes place in Geneva on May 14th.

Sotheby's Session II (Lots 189-398)

Session II, also held at the Mandarin Oriental on May 14th, begins at 2:30pm. This middle section of Sotheby's Magnificent & Noble Jewels auction runs heavily toward Cartier and Bulgari. Overall, emeralds and diamonds prevail, with lots of gold and a smattering of blue sapphires and rubies. Lot 242 features  a gorgeous gold, diamond, and Colombian emerald by Harry Winston. Lot 244 is a STUNNING masterpiece by Benoit de Gorski. A necklace composed of five rows of tightly connected faceted sapphire beads, highlighted at the front with collet-set cabochon rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds. It comes with a matching pair of ear clips. You've got to see this one, so click here for a pic. Lot 270 features a gorgeous diamond and cabochon ruby fringe necklace by Harry Winston with maker’s mark for Jacque Timey. Following this, more jeweled watches, sapphire and diamond rings, gorgeous Chopard earrings, rings, and a matching necklace of pear- and marquise- cut blue sapphires. After that, Sotheby's offers a small selection of early, mid-, and late 19th century antique jewels, featuring either diamonds only, diamonds and pearls, or diamonds and gemstones. So many gorgeous options. Thereafter, we have the Property of a Lady. Lots 372 through 379 feature pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels, Schlumberger, Mauboussin (1920s), Bulgari, Rene Boivin, Belperron, and Cartier.  

Lupe Velez

Not surprisingly, Sotheby's chose a mid-century gem to cap this middle section. Lot 398, once belonged in the Collection of Lupe Velez, Hollywood’s “Mexican Spitfire.” This gorgeous, sweet and fiery actress captured the heart of Americans, as well as the heart of Gary Cooper. Throughout her lifetime, she collected an astonishing number of jewels, many of which reflect the style of her times. She believed wholeheartedly in investing in jewelry, as do we, of course. Indeed, her investments saved her from financial ruin during the Great Depression. Sotheby's reports that Velez especially enjoyed entertaining guests with the opportunity to look at, touch, and try on her vast jewelry collection. Evidently, she routinely spread every piece in her collection out upon a white rug, urging her friends to show her how they looked in her jewels. On May 14th, investors have the opportunity to purchase Velez's gorgeous diamond bracelet from the 1930s. Featuring an openwork design, the bracelet is set with marquise, baguette, circular-, and single-cut diamonds. Certainly, it serves as a gorgeous end cap to the array of magnificence offered in this auction. Click here to take a peek. ~Angela Magnotti Andrews