In The News

Luxury and quality form a partnership for Quinn’s Dec. 7 Estate Jewelry Auction

November 27th, 2011 by

4.3-carat diamond ring known as ‘The Headlight’ could make $35,000-$45,000

 

4.3-carat European-cut diamond and platinum ring, VVS2 clarity, I-J color, 1930s, est. $35,000-$45,000. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Sparkling diamonds, lustrous pearls and spectacular Victorian cameos join a select array of Swiss watches and other high-quality estate jewelry in a 300-lot sale to be held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Quinn’s. The family-owned auction house that serves the Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic region has built a strong following for its annual pre-Christmas Estate Jewelry Auction, which perennially includes the types of glittering stocking stuffers that never go out of style.

 

An impressive offering of diamond rings is led by a 1930s example featuring a 4.3-carat old European-cut diamond in platinum setting. The stone is graded VVS2 for clarity and I-J color. “The last woman who wore the ring referred to it as ‘The Headlight,” said Quinn’s Jewelry specialist Lynnae Henderson, who has cataloged the auction headliner with a $35,000-$45,000 estimate. Another beautiful ring is the Hearts on Fire succession band with six graduated diamonds of 1.85 carats total weight set in 18K white gold. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000.

 

In addition to rings, the diamond section includes a pair of 3-carat (total weight) diamond stud earrings, est. $2,000-$3,000; a 7- to 8-carat diamond tennis bracelet in 14K gold, $1,000-$1,500; and a platinum and diamond brooch of Art Deco design, $4,000-$4,500.

 

Four examples from a large selection of rare antique cameos. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

The auction also features a collection of exquisite cameos, some exhibiting rare subjects in their design. A Victorian brooch finely carved with the image of Britannia retains its original box from a jeweler in Edinburgh. Other cameos in the auction depict the goddess Diana, the dance muse Terpsichore, and a Classical Roman woman carved in high relief with her hair swept back. The subject of the latter piece, which is a lava cameo with greenish tinge, is one that Henderson said she has never seen before.

 

Pearls are a flawless choice as a holiday gift, whether the recipient is a wife, mother, daughter or grandmother. Options available to holiday shoppers include a double strand of baroque pearls in white-to-gold color with 14K gold clasp and matching mabe pearl earrings, est. $300-$400; and a diamond-clasped opera-length strand of graduated pearls ranging from 5½ to 9mm in diameter. Additionally, the sale includes several multi-strand freshwater pearls.

18K gold men’s Patek Philippe wristwatch with ellipse blue dial, est. $8,000-$9,000. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

 

Among the timepieces to be auctioned are a ladies’ Rolex and two men’s Rolex watches – an 18K gold President model, est. $8,000-$12,000; and a stainless steel with 14K gold Datejust. An 18K gold men’s Patek Philippe watch with ellipse blue dial could bring $8,000-$9,000.

 

Circa-1953 Antonio Pineda (Mexico, 1919-2009) sterling silver pendant with sizable amethyst and accent pearl on handmade silver-link necklace, est. $900-$1,000. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

Mexican silver jewelry is known for its purity and craftsmanship. A collection of mid-century pieces is led by a circa-1953 Antonio Pineda pendant with sizable amethyst and pearl on a handmade silver-link necklace. It is estimated at $900-$1,000. A Parure 3-piece mid-century sterling set comprised of necklace, bracelet and earrings features rhomboid-shape silver elements adorned with finely worked green cabochon stone bezels, rendering what Henderson describes as “a spectacular effect.” Estimate: $350-$400. Those who appreciate fire opals will find many tempting items in the sale, including a 1940s-50s ring whose stone is green with orange fire, with small diamonds surrounding the bezel.

 

The sale features an extensive selection of approximately 100 14K gold rings with semiprecious stones, including garnets, aquamarines, a London blue topaz and an outstanding Tanzanite. Additional highlights include two Art Deco rings – a clear aquamarine in white gold, and a flat white gold ring with four sapphires and diamonds cut in unusual geometric shapes – and an Art Nouveau pendant with a hand-painted picture of a woman detailed with rhinestones.

 

A special group lot consists of two 14K yellow gold Masonic pieces – a signet ring and a pendant. The ring has Masonic designs and engraving, and a central diamond within the familiar fraternal motif of architectural instruments. The hexagonal pendant is enameled gold and opens on two sides to reveal symbols inside. A diamond and double-head eagle further adorn the pendant, which is in pristine condition. “A jeweler’s assessment was that the pendant is old but has been well preserved,” said Henderson.

 

Exquisite jeweled bird pin from a selection of 14K and 18K mid-century animal-form pins. Quinn’s Auction Galleries image.

Many mid-century animal pins in 14K and 18K gold will be offered, with forms including birds in nests, turtles, bees, a bull and a hummingbird. Also, Quinn’s will auction several vintage charm bracelets, several 14K and 18K gold necklaces in various weaves, a David Yurman choker, and two Tiffany designs – a mesh cuff bracelet and graduated silver-bead necklace. “There’s a huge selection that ranges from the affordable to the very high end. All of it is realistically estimated.” said Henderson.

 

Quinn’s Estate Jewelry, Gold & Precious Gems auction will commence at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. The gallery is located at 431 N. Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046. All forms of bidding will be available. For additional information, call Lynnae Henderson at 703-532-5632 or e-mail info@quinnsauction.com. Visit Quinn’s online at www.quinnsauction.com.

Sotheby’s New York – Egyptian, Classical, and Western Asiatic Antiquities

November 27th, 2011 by

The December sale of Egyptian, Classical, and Western Asiatic Antiquities will include a selection of bronze, marble, other stone, and terracotta pieces representative of these cultures. We will offer these items in an evening session following the sale of the Collection of Dodie Rosekrans which will also feature some antiquities.

Our highlights include a marble figure of Leda and the Swan made around the 2nd century A.D. with provenance going back to the late 18th century and coming to us from Aske Hall and the collection of the Marquess of Zetland.

We are also pleased to be offering a Roman Imperial marble head of Zeus Ammon, made in Alexandria circa 120-160 A.D. from the collection of Dodie Rosekrans. This head, inspired by a type originating with the 5th century Greek artist Phidias, would have been inserted in a cult statue of the Greco-Egyptian god but remains imposing on its own.

Sotheby’s London – English Literature, History, Private Press, Children’s Books & Illustrations

November 27th, 2011 by

This sale features first editions, presentation copies, letters and manuscripts, from the mid-sixteenth century to the present day.

An exceptional highlight is an unpublished manuscript by Charlotte Brontë, written in miniature script when she was aged just fourteen.

The sale also includes, from a separate source, a series of presentation copies of the works of the Brontë sisters, given to their close friend Ellen Nussey.

Also in the sale are the second folio edition (1632) of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies, first and inscribed editions of the works of Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde and Graham Greene, a very rare item of seventeenth-century postal history, family copies of works by Darwin, manuscripts of Karl Popper, and an E.H. Shepard original illustration of Piglet.

The sale also includes manuscripts of the Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz.

Sotheby’s New York – Important 20th Century Design

November 27th, 2011 by

This December, Sotheby’s Important 20th Century Design auction will present a curated selection of decorative arts and design from the last 100 years. Commencing with masterworks of prewar design, the sale includes many rare offerings from the American Arts & Crafts and French Art Deco periods. The magnificent Coiffeuse and Chair shown here is just one of several masterworks on offer by designer Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. The sale also presents collectors with a broad exploration of modern and contemporary design, highlighted by this exceedingly rare monumental sculpture of a Centaur by Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne.

Sotheby’s New York – American Paintings, Drawings & Sculpture

November 27th, 2011 by

Please join us in our New York galleries for the opening of the American Paintings, Drawings & Sculpture exhibition on 26 November. The auction will be held in New York on 1 December.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers – December Auctions

November 27th, 2011 by

Catalogues are now online for Leslie Hindman’s December Auctions. Visit www.lesliehindman.com for more info.

Rago Art and Auction Center – Art Glass

November 27th, 2011 by

Rago’s Great estates Auction on December 3rd features a selection of art glass from Tiffany, Durand, Stueban, and many more. Visit www.ragoarts.com for more info.

Sotheby’s New York – Important Tiffany

November 27th, 2011 by

This December, Sotheby’s is honored to present a highly important Three-Panel window executed by Tiffany Studios depicting a lush field of magnolia blossoms in the Important Tiffany auction.  This exquisite window was included in the landmark museum exhibition, “Masterwork of Louis Comfort Tiffany,” which debuted at the Renwick Gallery in Washington, DC in 1989, and traveled to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and four different venues in Japan.  The “Masterworks” exhibition was the first major retrospective to examine the top achievements in the various artistic disciplines of the Tiffany firm.  To this day, the items that were selected for inclusion are revered by collectors representing the firm’s best work.  This Magnolia window, formerly in the early collection of Bruce and Adele Randall, demonstrates Tiffany unparalleled artistic ability to portray the beauty seen in nature in the medium of glass.

Also in this auction, Sotheby has on offer a carefully curated selection of leaded glass lamps, favrile glass and patinated bronze works.  Highlights include a superb “Wisteria” Table lamp and a magnificent “Trumpet Creeper” Chandelier.

Sotheby’s New York – Isreali and International Art

November 27th, 2011 by

Sotheby’s is pleased to present our annual auction of Israeli & International Art on December 14th. This year we are honored to present Property from the Collection of Lillian and Jack Cottin, New York, a collection that notably includes three large, rare synagogue interiors by Marc Chagall from 1931 and 1935, which have been in the collection since 1945. Other highlights include important works by Mordecai Ardon, Reuven Rubin and Nahum Gutman.

We look forward to welcoming you to our galleries this December.

Rago Arts and Auction Center – Siver and Jewelry Auction

November 27th, 2011 by

Additional lots have been added to Rago’s Siver and Jewelry Auctions on December 2nd and 4th. Visit www.ragoarts.com for more info.