$5 Million Dollar Ring, Lauren Bacall Auction, French Monarch Jewels

 Pink diamonds  have always held a long and interesting history~ Sothebys had an auction on  October 7th 2014 in Hong Kong titled "Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite". A 8.74cts pear shaped fancy intense pink diamond had garnered alot of attention and was estimated to sell $12.8 Million - $15.4Million.  So notably it was a possibility that this unnamed pink IF diamond could sell for more than the estimate (as it happen often). And it did! This magnificent diamond sold for an incredible jaw dropping price of  $17.7 Million dollars! It actually went over the original pre auction estimate by $2 Million dollars. The diamond was cut from the rough that weighed 19.54cts.

To give you a little history about another notable pink diamond that created a stir at auction was the 24.76cts Pink Graff, a fancy intense pink pear shaped diamond sold to Lawrence Graff, in Geneva in November 2010 for more than $46.1 million. The record price per carat for a fancy vivid pink diamond is more than $2.1 million per carat set by a 5-carat diamond sold in Hong Kong in January 2009 for more than $10.7 million.

The jeweler putting the finishing touches on the fancy pink purple diamond

Fancy pink Purple Diamond IF , only $17.7 Million dollars

This is what a $4.3 Million dollar ring looks like~

Jadeite has always been considered an important gem/mineral for people of Chinese culture have coveted.  the color and quality of these interesting stones is a difficult one to understand, kind of like Colombian Emeralds. Here is what the EGL says about Jade and the importance of the stone~

"The importance of Jade stone in Chinese culture is reflected in its status as a symbol of goodness, preciousness and beauty. To the Chinese, jade stone is also the embodiment of the Confucian virtues of courage, wisdom, modesty, justice and compassion. The polish and brilliance of jade stone is considered by the Chinese to be representative of purity while its compactness and hardness reflect intelligence. Justice is represented by its angles and the sound produced by it when it is struck is a symbol of music. The color of jade stone depicts loyalty while its flaws reflect sincerity. The Chinese also value jade stone because of its brightness; representing heaven, while its substance is representative of the earth."

The Sothebys Magnificent Jadeite and Gems Auction had amazing pieces of jadeite carvings and many items of jewelry. The most expensive item of jadeite that sold was a pair of jadeite and diamond earrings , called "Jadeite Peapod "for $933,056. ( Jadeite and Jade are the same thing~)

Jadeite Peapod earrings sold for $933,056

51.24cts Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Necklace Lot# 1940, did not sell pre auction estimate $1.5 Million - $1.8 Million

An excellent sapphire and diamond ring sold for an unprecedented $4.0 Million dollars.  It was one of two sapphire rings that actually broke world records for winning auction price per carat at $236,404.

An  exceptional and very rare sapphire and diamond ring pre auction estimate $2.8 Million - $3.6 Million 17.16-carat Kashmir sapphire & 6.0tcw diamond ring sold for $4.06 million ($236,404 per carat)

 Lot # 1936, a 5.32tcw fine fancy vivid blue diamond ring sold for an incredible $5.3 Million dollars. The color of the diamond is gorgeous, and one not always seen. The blue diamond itself is IF (internally flawless) and weighs 2.32cts and the two trillions weigh 2.0tcw.

Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond and Diamond Ring sold for $5.3 Million dollars, pre auction estimate was $3.3 Million - $4.3 Million

 Of 339 items listed for Auction only 239 found buyers. For this type of auction the percentage of not sold items seems a little high.

When historic sized or colored gems or piece of jewelry are on the agenda for an auction, auction lovers get excited.  The Feuilles de Groseillier brooch is historical piece of jewelry that has a long line of history will be auction at Christies in Geneva on November 11th 2014. It was commissioned by the French jewelers Bapst in 1855. Of the French monarch jewelry, very little is left to this date.

Feuilles de Groseillier brooch

This brooch hasn't been seen at an auction for 125 years. the historic jewel is estimated to sell at $2 Million - 3 Million dollars.




The French Royal jewels that were auctioned in 1887 after Napoloen III was over thrown. The brooch was one part pf the parure.Jewelry houses  Tiffanys, Garrard and Bapst purchased a majority of the lots.
















The French jewels that were auctioned in 1887, and an explanation to what happened to them after the auction is unknown.  Usually when jewelry is handed down for generations the prices are kept in tact. Or a sad possibility is that they could of been dismantled and then sold.

While on the topic of  auctions Laureen Bacall, a screen actress that made countless classic movies with Humphrey Bogart ( who eventually became her husband, their screen chemistry was sizzling) had passed away in august 12th at the age of 89, it was a question as to when her personal items would come to an auction house. Bonhams auction house that is headquartered in London is auction her impressive 700 item art collection in March of 2015. She began purchasing Henry Moores items in 1950 and owned 8 of his sculptures. There are only a few pieces of jewelry that will be in this auction.  the pre sale estimate if $3.0 Million Dollars.  She did have a clause in her will ( she left money for her 3 adult children and her little dog, Sophie) that stated, 'I request that my children respect my wish to keep private certain personal letters, writings, diaries and other papers or memorabilia,' she wrote in her will.  Which is refreshing, who wants to know every detail about a movie stars life?

A true stunner, at 19!

 But with the extent of her art, its possible that the pre auction estimate price could go higher.  I think its always interesting how celebrities decorate their homes and what art they like to collect. She was such an intensely private person, it'll be a treat to get a glimpse into this part of her life. Here's the link to the auction house, https://www.bonhams.com/press_release/17636/

Lauren Bacall & Henry Moore in front of Two Piece Reclining Figure No. 3 (1961), in 1977

 Henry Moore's Maquette for Mother and Child: Arms- pre auction estimate between $150,000 and $200,000

On a side note, she had donated more than 700 garments ( from the 50's and 60's) to the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology  (in new York) before her death.  They are planning an exhibit in 2015, spring.  No actual date has been set yet. id be interested to see her clothes. She was always so elegant and is still to this day a source of inspiration to designers.  Here is a link to their website (looks like some great exhibits!) http://www.fitnyc.edu/museum.asp


                                                  Until next time, keep sparkling!!

Bunny Mellon $300 Million Auction~Philanthropist, Heriess, Horticulturist

Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon was a well known name in the world of philanthropy and art, and horticulture. She had passed away in March 12, 2014 at the age of 103.   She came from great wealth and her husbands came from equally wealthy and aristocratic families. Her husbands net worth was in the billions. Art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world are getting ready for a large scale, 6 separate auctions happening at Sothebys in New York in November.  The items in the auction are in the 4,000 item mark, yes 4,000 items.  The sale will consist of jewelry by great designers of the 20th century, among them Cartier and Verdura; antique French, English and American furniture; and examples of rare porcelains.

She had kept all of her correspondence and didnt throw anything away, so that can explain so many treasured items that will be featured. The pre auction estimates are around $100 Million dollars. ( two of her Rothko paintings have already sold to private buyers for $250 Million dollars) Mark Rothko was an American painter of Russian descent that was an abstract expressionist painter. Bunny had come across his loft in New York and immediately purchased 13 of his paintings.

Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon

  "Bunny" got her affectionate from her her Mother when she was a child. Her father was the oldest child of Gerard Barnes Lambert, president of the Gillette Safety Razor Company, and his father founded Lambert pharmaceuticals and invented Listerine, her grandfather. Her husband Paul Mellon who's father was Andrew Mellon who was one of the richest financiers and was a US Treasurer from 1921 -1932.  Her friends were socialites, heads of state and celebrities. Jacqueline  Kennedy was also one of  her close friends. Bunny was a well known and self taught horticulturist and had redesigned the rose gardens (at the request of Jackie) at the White House when Kennedy was in office and also sadly the flowers that draped on JFK's coffin.

Her husband  Paul was a primary benefactor of the Washington's National Gallery of Art. During Pauls lifetime they had donated or loaned over 900 pieces of art to the national museum. Some of the works included Cézanne’s “Boy in a Red Waistcoat”; paintings by Rothko; animal sculptures by Alexander Calder; Winslow Homer’s “Dad’s Coming”; Picassos, Gauguins, Bonnards and Vuillards; a Manet; the original wax version of Degas’s “Little 14-Year-Old Dancer”; and postcards that had been written by Van Gogh and Matisse. Over the years, he served as its president, chairman and honorary trustee.

At the time in 1948 they were one of the country's wealthiest couples that devoted their time to philanthropy and supporting the arts. Another of his passions was thoroughbreds and had stables for 40 horses on their Virgina estate.

Paul and Bunny Mellon at the 1993 Kentucky Derby, his horse Sea Hero won

 She was an extremely private person, who was very polite and gave few interviews.  The interviews she did give, the last one when she was 99.  The interviewer was always treated to warm and very hospitable visit. She would often invite the interviewers to her estate for lunch and a tour of the grounds. She had very few visitors to her beloved Oak Spring estate in Upperville, Virginia. 

Front view of Oak Spring Estate (main building on the property)

Gorgeous picture of the Oak Spring Library that contains 10,000 manuscripts and books

Her infamous greenhouse in Virginia

Aerial view of the 4,000 acres at Upperville, Va including an air strip

  The Oak Spring estate consist of over 20 residential buildings a Georgian style mansion which housed the Mellons art. They had lived in another building next to the main house, they felt it was to grand. With a staff of 120 people, a majority of them lived on the 2,000 acre property. On a side note the Oak Spring estate is listed for sale at $70 Million dollars. Here is a link for pictures of her  beautiful Oak Spring Estate http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2014-06/bunny-mellon-garden-interior-design-slideshow

 

Aerial view of their estate in Antigua

Bunny Mellon with Jackie Kennedy in 1961 in Boston

She was a collector of many things,.. But she didnt amass her items with the hope of financial gain, she bought everything from jewels that were made for her by Jean Schlumager ( pre Tiffanys) to generic gardening baskets. She had an amazing eye and had accumulated a large collection of art by some of the world best artistsand a blue diamond estimated to sell for $10- $15 Million dollars. The diamond is going up for Auction on November 20th while the household furnishing will be auction on November 21- 23rd. 

Great picture of Bunny doing what she loved, gardening~

Bunny and her husband Paul with Lady Bird Johnson

An 18 Karat Gold, Peridot and Turquoise Compact, Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.Pre auction estimate $15,000- 20,000, An 18 Karat Gold, Amethyst and Turquoise Compact, Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Pre auction estimate $15,000 -$20,000. A round compact? Never seen one before~

 

A Pair of 18 Karat Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Brooches, Van Cleef & Arpels that resemble  two flowerheads, the petals composed of round, oval and cushion-cut sapphires weighing approximately 20.00cts with numerous round and cushion-cut diamonds weighing approximately 9.80cts  Pre auction estimate $25,000- $35,000

A rare Fancy Vivid Blue diamond pendant weighing 9.75 carats, of VVS2 clarity and potentially internally flawless (est. $10 – $15 million). The sale will also offer another blue diamond, an important 9.15-carat Fancy Blue diamond pendant of VS1 clarity. Pre Auction estimate $1.0 – $1.5Million

A fabulous Gold and Diamond Rivière, Cartier Late 1940’s  graduated design, set with 29 old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 111.00tcw, the clasp set with a round Fancy Deep Yellow diamond weighing 4.20 carats pre

No one was aware of the amount of items that she had owned. She had few guests and it took Sothebys a substantial amount of time to categorize the items that were to go to auction. Her personal library (featuring one of the Rothkos paintings) holds more than 10,000 manuscripts about books about plants and gardening.  The main brick house were a majority of the Mellons art was showcased will not be part of the estates sale.

Mark Rothko "Yellow Expanse" painting, sold for undisclosed amount, possible $150 Million

 

1957 8 foot tall blue canvas called No. 14 originally owned by Nelson Rockefeller

Artist Mark Rothkos with one of his abstract canvases

The Mellon sale is expected to provide a similarly rich visual history and a peek into the world of one of this country’s most private couples. Bunny designed the gatehouse to the couple’s property in Virginia and was known to have her own carpenter to build furniture of her own designs. Always loyal, Mrs. Mellon was dressed exclusively by Balenciaga until his retirement in 1968 and later only by Hubert de Givenchy.

             I'll follow up with the auction results next month, until then keep sparkling!

$2 Million Dollar SHOES, Wallis Simpson & Roman Hoard Discovered!

 After the discovery of the "Cheapside Hoard" jewels locating anything like jewelry that can be hundreds of years old is a fabulous and an obvious newsworthy find.

The Roman finds~

Being a jeweler and a jewelry designer it gives us insight as to the style and techniques that the jewelers from hundreds of years ago had used. Techniques that we still use to this day!

 The newest discover occurred on September 8th at a location of a Williams & Griffin department store in the UK. An area planned for redevelopment was being excavated when a jewelry box (even in the 1st century women used them). Inside the box were “three gold armlets, a silver chain necklace, two silver bracelets, a substantial silver armlet, a small bag of coins, and a small jewellery box containing two sets of gold earrings and four gold finger-rings,” according to the Colchester Archaeological Trust, which discovered the hoard". It is the finest collection of jewelry ever excavated in the UK. The items are going to be donated to the Colchester & Ipswitch museum services.

  The grim news about the find is that there was wheat, peas, figs part of a human jawbone and a shin bone that could of been cut by a sword.The actual structure was a house that had burnt down and they had figured that the jewelry box was on a shelf when chaos happened.  These archaeologist are like an early version of CSI...

 I had written a little while back about Pablo Picasso and how Doyles of London was going to be auctioning off some items that had been found in his ex lovers Doras house in France in a box under her bed. ( can you imagine?) Dora became famous for the blue series that he painted of her. Picasso's simple yet reflective of his paintings. Simple, not to ornate. They sold for much higher than was originally anticipated.  Now there is a well known abstract painter, Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky who's jewelry is going to be auctioned by Lucas Rarities in London. A selection of 14 pieces are making their debut since the first time they were created~ Quite historic in itself as no word as to how many pieces he might have created.

Kandisnky himself, dapper!

One of his notable paintings

The tiny gold balls called granulation are soldered on, incredible detail~

The only piece in the collection that features diamonds and emeralds

Interesting structure, gold discs and sterling and silver

Bezel set colored diamonds maybe? Interesting~

 He was known for his abstract art pieces.  As you can see from his jewelry his painting style can be recognized. From the looks of the jewelry it looks as if he had them created with a jeweler, not unless he had the ability to do that as well. Picasso's pieces were very simple, while Kandinsky jewelry is truly a reflection of his abstract painting style.

  Blue is one of the most beautiful of colors when it comes to diamonds.  A stunning blue internally flawless diamond is currently on loan and display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. It originally was cut from a piece of rough that was 29.60 carats. The blue diamond affectionately called "The Blue Moon" was purchased for $25.6 Million dollars earlier this year or $864,865 per carat. The stone is on display from September 13 through January 6, 2015.

12.60carats Blue Moon Diamond

The 29.60cts rough blue diamond

Women have always had a love affair with shoes (don' judge us, that's just the way it is!) . But there is someone who might be taking over. Nick cannon currently the husband of Mariah Carey and the host of the show "Americas Got Talent" show that showcases unusual talents of people from across the nation.  On the hows finale on September 17th. He is known for having great personal style with his unusual color combinations and his fetish for great mens shoes.  What is being touted as the worlds most expensive pair of shoes at the staggering cost of $2 Million dollars , that's $1 Million per shoe! I think Carrie Bradshaw would be envious~

Nick Cannon had collaborated with Tom Ford ( his last collection was fabulous) and was created by jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills. Jason is a jeweler to the stars that has created numerous pieces of jewelery for Mariah Carey, Rhianna, P Diddy, Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne Wade. The list is quite extensive. You can see some of his work here, http://jasonofbh.com/

 These shoes took one full year to create, over 3,000 man hours and contain 14,000 full cut round diamonds that weigh 344 carats. And are set into white gold. The shoes are going on tour and will be auctioned of to raise money for a charity.  The next day on the "Today" show Host/Anchorman Matt Lauer was modeling hem and had said they were very heavy. Being crafted in white gold I could only imagine.

Nick Cannon on the set of the finale of "America's Got Talent"

 Lions tigers and bears oh my! At least tigers anyways... The Duchess of Windsor had one of the most famous of all jewelry collections.  And an even better life long world wind history changing romance that went along with it. Even Dame Elizabeth Taylor is a close second.  Two pieces that the Duke had purchased for her was a tiger bracelet adorned with emeralds , onyx and diamonds. Cartier created the Tiger Collection in 1928.The Duke had purchased the brooch and bracelet in 1958. After the Duchess had passed away in 1986 Christies held an auction of her jewelry in 1987. They had estimated lots, 306 of them were expected to fetch around $10 Million dollars.  They were surprised when all the items sold for $120 Million dollars. Elizabeth Taylor had purchased a feather  brooch that she was particularly fond of that Wallis would wear.  The two of them were friends and Elizabeth would often comment on how much she adored that piece.  She purchased the brooch for $800,000 and had said it was the first significant piece of jewelry she had purchased for herself. She said she felt obligated to purchase it.  The proceeds from the auction went to the Pasteur Institute for medical research. they are a French non profit foundation dedicated to the study of biology, microorganisms, diseases and vaccines. It was started by Louis Pasteur, who also introduced te world to pasteurization.

The Tiger bracelet on left and brooch on right

Wallis wearing the tiger bracelet, and that incredible emerald engagement ring~

The composer Andre Lloyd Wright , writer of "Phantom of the Opera had purchased both pieces for his then wife Sarah Brightman to congratulate the success of Phantom in New York. The auction will be held on 11 November, at Christies magnificent Jewels Auction in Geneva. with a combined pre-sale estimate of US $1.8-2.5 million. Sarah Brightman plans to donate a portion of the sale to "The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation".  The foundation was started in 1992 to support the arts, culture and heritage in the public sector. It also awards 30 performing arts scholarships every year to talented students with financial needs.

Sarah Brightman wearing the tiger brooch and bracelet

                                                       
                                                   Keep sparkling until next time~

Pink & Red Diamonds & World Record Breakers!

 In the world of diamonds red and pink are the rarest of the colors that occur naturally. A much buzzed about fancy intense pink pear shaped diamond weighing 8.41ct is ready to be auctioned by Sothebys on October 7th in Hong Kong. This diamond auction will be part of the "Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite" auction.

The 8.41cts pink pear shaped diamond is one of the largest to be seen at auction. An oval pink diamond weighing 5.50cts was sold at Christies for $9.5 Million dollars. The absolute largest pink diamond to be auctioned was in 2010 when the fancy intense pink diamond aka "Graff Pink" diamond weighing 24.76cts was sold to Laurence Graff (of Graff Diamonds) for $46.1 Million dollars or roughly $2 Million per carat.

 With great stones come good stories. In November of 2013 the largest pink diamond weighing 59.60cts was set to be the record holder in the terms of stone color and sale. The stone was auctioned by Sothebys in Hong Kong. The diamond was originally mined in South Africa in 1999 as a 132.5-carat rough by De Beers. It was cut by the Steinmetz Diamond Company over a two-year period and was formerly known as the “Steinmetz Pink.” In 2003, it was shown publicly in Monaco and was displayed at the Smithsonian Institute as part of its “Splendor of Diamonds” exhibit. The Pink Star was sold privately in 2007,There was quite an interest in this stone for the simple fact of the large size and the intensity of the color. Stone cutter Isaac Wolf beat out two other bidders in a quick bid for the pricey pink diamond.  Isaac won the bid after 5 minutes, with the winning price being $83.2 Million dollars. A record for any stone sold at Auction, ever! But here's the interesting part, he defaulted on the sale! He did everything by the book, but pay for the stone. He had stated that he was purchasing this stone for a group of investors that were putting up the money for the sale.

  Since Sothebys had guaranteed the price of the diamond at $60 Million, Sothebys had to buy back the diamond from the seller! Ouch~ After the stone was valued at $72 Million they are still in talks with Issac regarding the stones future. My only question is is there some sort of trouble or something that Isaac Wolf and the investors will face because of the default?  Its crazy to think about~

I can only imagine the shade of pink in person

  

So when recently mined red/ orange diamonds were located at the Lesotho mines, jewelry buys and lovers the world over have been anxiously awaiting the day when they will make it to the market. 
Rio Tinto is an Austrailain mine that is holding an auction titled the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection which is going under the hammer which consists of 55 diamonds, including 51 pink and purplish red diamonds and four Fancy Red diamonds.

Only 13 Fancy Red diamonds have been included in the tender in the last 30 years.Who knew that Australia is the leader when it comes to producing red pink diamonds? Rio Tinto controls the market for pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia. Around 65pc of the world's diamond supplies come from the Cullinan mine in South Africa.  Jean-Marc Lieberherr, Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director said: "Decades ago, no one would have believed that Australia held the secret of diamonds, let alone the world's entire source of rare pink and red diamonds.

"The pinnacle of the production from Rio Tinto's Argyle mine, the annual pink tender diamonds are now celebrated internationally as amongst the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. We have seen and continue to see sustained demand and price growth for Argyle pink diamonds." Red diamonds were actually discovered in 1979 by a group of gemologists in a an ant hill no less~  What a lovely sight that must of been..

a portion of the red diamonds mined by Rio Tinto, Australia  largest diamond mine

 With red diamonds being one of the rares in colors, its going to get gem lovers alike waiting for the sale.  Its a shame that in the US we dont hear to much about the colored diamond market that stretches past Europe. I'll be anxious to see the results~

   Large mined diamonds are in the news more so now with the recent find in the Lesotho and South African mines. But to see large record holding gems is another story. Called the "Ophir Collection" they have an astounding 9 record holding stones in their collection. Here are the nine world records in the collection~

the largest Faceted Sapphire

the largest Cut Brown Sapphire

the largest Cut Musgravite

the largest Cut Tanzanite

the largest cut Hibonite, the largest cut Neptunite, the largest Cut Painite, the largest Cut Serendibite, and finally the largest Cut Grandidierite. Pictures were not available for thoses tones

The largest, the blue sapphire weighing 31,308cts is the largest cut sapphire.  The real difference between the larger sized diamonds is that the quality of the diamonds is always uniform while the color and saturation of these stones is of different quality. I can only imagine how large the rough sapphire was prior to cutting, what a task that mist of been for the cutter!

                                                            Keep Sparkling until next time~