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拍品专文
Subject to the changing whims of fashion, antique jewels seldomly survive in their original form. The vast majority have been lost to time, having been disassembled, reworked and remade by those who have had the privilege of owning them. Therefore, it is a truly special occasion when a collection of antique jewelry from one owner appears at auction, particularly one of exceptional caliber. An Eye for Beauty: Rare Jewels from a Distinguished Private Collection represents one collector’s passion to acquire the finest examples of jewelry from the 18th century to the early 20th century. In addition to the rarity of the jewels themselves, the condition of each individual piece is exceptional. Furthermore, many of the jewels are also accompanied by their original or early retailer cases, making them all the more noteworthy.
A time capsule of superb examples from three centuries of jewelry design, the collection includes a remarkable diamond necklace with rose-cut diamond swags dating from the early 1800s, an all too rare survivor and one of the finest examples ever to come to market (Lot 35).
A second exquisite necklace, set with beautiful Burmese rubies and old-cut diamonds, dates from the Victorian period and may also be adapted to be worn as a tiara, a common and useful practice among the greatest jewels of the 19th century.
The sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet, formerly from the collection of Dr. Thomas W. Evans (Lot 37), is steeped in European royal history and is as wearable as when it was first gifted from Empress Eugenie over 150 years ago.
Finally, the perfect bookend to the collection is a sensational ring made by Cartier London, circa 1929, centering on a carved sapphire and ingeniously set with buff top multi-gems and old-cut diamonds decorating the surrounding gallery and shank (Lot 38). The unique setting of the accent stones recalls the Barbara Hutton-Mdivani jadeite ring from 1934, set with buff top ruby accents similar to the present example, making it very possible that the present ring was used as inspiration for the latter design.
Christie’s is honored to present this exceptional assemblage across our December Magnificent Jewels and Jewels Online sales, creating a truly rare opportunity to acquire some of the finest examples of 18th, 19th, and 20th century jewelry design.
A time capsule of superb examples from three centuries of jewelry design, the collection includes a remarkable diamond necklace with rose-cut diamond swags dating from the early 1800s, an all too rare survivor and one of the finest examples ever to come to market (Lot 35).
A second exquisite necklace, set with beautiful Burmese rubies and old-cut diamonds, dates from the Victorian period and may also be adapted to be worn as a tiara, a common and useful practice among the greatest jewels of the 19th century.
The sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet, formerly from the collection of Dr. Thomas W. Evans (Lot 37), is steeped in European royal history and is as wearable as when it was first gifted from Empress Eugenie over 150 years ago.
Finally, the perfect bookend to the collection is a sensational ring made by Cartier London, circa 1929, centering on a carved sapphire and ingeniously set with buff top multi-gems and old-cut diamonds decorating the surrounding gallery and shank (Lot 38). The unique setting of the accent stones recalls the Barbara Hutton-Mdivani jadeite ring from 1934, set with buff top ruby accents similar to the present example, making it very possible that the present ring was used as inspiration for the latter design.
Christie’s is honored to present this exceptional assemblage across our December Magnificent Jewels and Jewels Online sales, creating a truly rare opportunity to acquire some of the finest examples of 18th, 19th, and 20th century jewelry design.