Auction: Feb 23rd and 24th 2011 at 12:00 pm

The auction Looking Closely: A Private Collection was held on Feb 10th 2011 in London.  Click here to view the results of this 100% sold auction.

The exhibition for Swann’s February 17th auction of African-American Fine Art opens Saturday, February 12th.

DENVER, Pa. – A top-tier private collection of gold, platinum and precious-gem jewelry amassed over several decades will be featured in a single-session, no-reserve specialty auction at Morphy’s gallery on Feb. 26, 2011. The collection – whose consignors previously owned fine jewelry stores in Florida – consists primarily of superior-quality estate jewelry selected “with a sophisticated eye over a number of years,” said Dr. John Morphy, director of Acquisitions & Appraisals for Morphy’s. “This is not retail stock; this was the consignors’ own collection, which they kept in a safe. Approximately half of it is vintage, and there are some truly spectacular pieces.” Around 80% of the collection is gold, 5% platinum and 5% sterling, Morphy said.

14K white gold Art Deco diamond ring with 3.04-carat center diamond in champagne or pale yellow color, and 1.02 carats of surrounding diamonds. Estimate $15,000-$25,000. Morphy Auctions image.

Literally hundreds of diamond rings and bracelets will be offered, with many of the rings featuring large solitaires of outstanding clarity and quality. “I would say anyone who is thinking about marriage would be wise to view this collection, which includes around 30 engagement rings. They’ll be able to choose from what is essentially a jeweler’s private reserve, at prices likely to be far more competitive than those at a jewelry store,” Morphy said.

One of the top rings in the sale is a 14K white gold Art Deco design with a 3.04-carat center diamond surrounded by an additional array of diamonds weighing 1.02 carats. Because the main diamond is an unusual champagne or pale yellow color, the attendant diamonds make it “pop,” Morphy said. “It has huge eye appeal.” The ring is accompanied by its original jeweler’s papers and is estimated at $15,000-$25,000.

14K white gold ring with 4.37-carat deep blue oval sapphire and diamonds weighing 0.36 carats. Estimate $4,000-$8,000. Morphy Auctions image.

Sapphires and diamonds have always been an especially compatible jewelry duo. The collection includes a 14K white gold ring boasting a 4.37-carat deep-blue oval sapphire with 0.36 carats of diamonds, estimate $4,000-$8,000; and an elegant 14K white gold link bracelet channel-set with 14.62 carats of sapphires and 5.28 carats of diamonds, estimate $8,000-$15,000.

The names Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman add quiet prestige to the sale roster, both in gold and silver interpretations. A Tiffany 14K gold bracelet of wide, alternating fluted and smooth links is dated 1946 and estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Rolex stainless steel and 18K gold gentleman’s wristwatch, mechanical, Model No. 116233, with original box and papers. Estimate $5,000-$8,000. Morphy Auctions image.

The premier timepiece brand Rolex will be available both to men and women in the assortment of six wristwatches to be auctioned. “Some of the Rolexes are vintage, possibly from the 1960s or ’70s,” said Morphy. “We are in the process of obtaining additional information about them from Rolex.” An example from the grouping is a gentleman’s stainless steel and 18K gold mechanical Model No. 116233 with original Rolex box and paperwork. Estimate: $5,000-$8,000.

Ten exceptional pieces from an additional consignor will be included in the sale, as well. The consignment includes an exquisite double-strand Victorian 14K gold “slide” bracelet with approximately 20 hand-crafted and jeweled components, some incorporating movable characters, e.g., snake, little girl, etc. Also, the mini-collection includes a 14K gold mesh purse with original gold strap and double-sapphire clasp, total gold weight: 59.9 dwt (pennyweight). Both items date to around the turn of the 20th century and carry individual estimates of $2,000-$3,000.

Turn of the 20th century 14K gold mesh purse with original gold strap and double-sapphire clasp, total gold weight: 59.9 dwt. Estimate $2,000-$3,000. Morphy Auctions image.

The 400-lot sale also includes early 20th-century enameled-gold jewelry and a nice selection of gold charms, many of them mechanical. “These sorts of charms are quite desirable,” said Morphy. “For example, there’s a movable golfer, a typewriter, and an old woman in the shoe that opens to reveal the children inside.”

Morphy Auctions CEO Dan Morphy described the jewelry to be auctioned as “a highly select collection that we’re very proud to have been chosen to present at auction.” All items will be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of price.

All forms of bidding will be available for the Feb. 26 Fine Jewelry auction, including live in the gallery, absentee, by phone, or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place through Morphy Live or LiveAuctioneers.com. The entire auction inventory is presently available to preview at Morphy’s gallery.

For additional information, call 717-335-3435 or e-mail dan@morphyauctions.com. Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.

See Early 20th C. Design Sale Highlights and Modern Design Sale Highlights

See the sales results for some of Sotheby’s most important auctions:

– Important Old Master Paintings & Sculpture – from the Jan 27th 2011 auction

– Property from the Collection of Charles Ryskamp – from the Jan 25th 2011 auction

– Old Master Drawings – from the Jan 26th 2011 auction

– Important Old Master & 19th Century Paintings from the Collection of Jacob Elie Safra – from the Jan 26th 2011 auction

Auction: Feb 6th 2011  11:00 am

Auction: Feb 7th 2011  12:00 pm

The Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts department at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers specializes in offering an array of property guaranteed to draw both experienced and emerging collectors from around the world.  The auctions are held four times a year and feature fine selections consigned by estates, private individuals, museums and institutions from across the country.  Each encompasses centuries of craftsmanship, design, innovation, and evolution from across the world and includes American, English and Continental Furniture and Decorative Arts; Twentieth Century Decorative Arts; Asian Works of Art; and Rugs, Carpets and Textiles.

Important Watches Auction: May 15th 2011  Geneva

Sotheby’s will provide a complimentary appointment for a valuation of your watch, or collection, should you require one.

Important Jewels Auction: Feb 2nd 2011  New York

Sotheby’s New York is accepting Consignments for their April 14th of Magnificent Jewels.

Enjoy cognac and beer in honor of Dick Buckley and a private preview of property from The Dick Buckley Jazz Collection:

Wed, Feb 16th 2011, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.