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Lot Essay
Antique jewels in their unique and original form are exceedingly rare and sought after. A majority of the antique creations of the 19th and 20th centuries have been reworked, modified and even dismantled to keep up with ever changing trends and movements in fashion. With many of these jewels lost to the passage time, it is exciting when a collection of fantastic antique jewels makes their auction debut. From a single collector who has a passion for the endearing characteristics that make antique jewels so special, Christie’s is delighted to offer An Important Private Collection of Antique Jewelry.
Featuring some of the finest examples, this collection showcases a time capsule of magnificent jewels from past eras. The collection begins with an Antique Turquoise, Diamond and Ruby Bird Necklace, circa 1840 (Lot 108). The use of a long flexible gold chain accented by turquoise cabochons, rubies and diamonds is frequently seen in jewels of the time, often depicting a slithering snake or bird.
Several lots including, the showstopping Antique Diamond Necklaces (Lots 112 and 114), the Antique Diamond Ring (Lot 111), and the Antique Diamond Earrings (Lot 113) showcase antique diamonds in all of their glory. Full of charm and character, these diamonds were fashioned before modern brilliant cutting styles. Without the aid of technology and machinery, each antique diamond was cut by hand, often in low lighting conditions, leaving room for irregularities. These characteristics are now celebrated amongst diamond enthusiasts.
A collection of beautiful relics, the jewel which bookends the collection is a captivating Antique Sapphire and Diamond Necklace (Lot 115). Combining a floral like motif along with a Greek key pattern presents an intriguing visual. The scale, weight of the diamonds and sapphires, along with the construction of the jewel suggests that perhaps it was once a tiara and adorned the head of a prominent 19th century lady.
This unique collection represents assemblage of some of the finest antique creations of eras gone by, and a chance to acquire a jewel from fascinating periods in jewelry history.
Featuring some of the finest examples, this collection showcases a time capsule of magnificent jewels from past eras. The collection begins with an Antique Turquoise, Diamond and Ruby Bird Necklace, circa 1840 (Lot 108). The use of a long flexible gold chain accented by turquoise cabochons, rubies and diamonds is frequently seen in jewels of the time, often depicting a slithering snake or bird.
Several lots including, the showstopping Antique Diamond Necklaces (Lots 112 and 114), the Antique Diamond Ring (Lot 111), and the Antique Diamond Earrings (Lot 113) showcase antique diamonds in all of their glory. Full of charm and character, these diamonds were fashioned before modern brilliant cutting styles. Without the aid of technology and machinery, each antique diamond was cut by hand, often in low lighting conditions, leaving room for irregularities. These characteristics are now celebrated amongst diamond enthusiasts.
A collection of beautiful relics, the jewel which bookends the collection is a captivating Antique Sapphire and Diamond Necklace (Lot 115). Combining a floral like motif along with a Greek key pattern presents an intriguing visual. The scale, weight of the diamonds and sapphires, along with the construction of the jewel suggests that perhaps it was once a tiara and adorned the head of a prominent 19th century lady.
This unique collection represents assemblage of some of the finest antique creations of eras gone by, and a chance to acquire a jewel from fascinating periods in jewelry history.