MONROVIA, Calif. – John Moran Auctioneers‘ December 15 Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction was their biggest and brightest of the year, boasting high prices and bolstered by a roster of signed pieces and impressive gemstones. Vintage jewels from quality makers performed particularly well throughout the day, and Moran’s fielded strong bids both online and over the phone. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.
Art Deco gems proved their enduring appeal during the Tuesday session. The top lot of the day (shown at top of page) was an incredible Art Deco natural Ceylon sapphire pendant that cast a spell on bidders when it hit the block, selling to a determined phone bidder for $53,125. All prices quoted in this report include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium.
An Oscar Heyman Bros. for Tiffany & Co., sapphire and diamond bracelet in Art Deco style captured attention before the sale, bringing $6,250. One of the hottest items in the auction was a stunning Art Deco rock crystal perfume bottle from famed Cartier Paris, which soared past its high bid and sold to an enthusiastic phone bidder for $21,250. A delightful double-clip brooch from J.E. Caldwell shone in the catalogue and brought $3,750.
Jewels from Tiffany & Co., appealed to collectors throughout the sale. A stunning and beautifully balanced Tiffany & Co. 2.41-carat pear-shaped diamond ring ignited a bidding war when it hit the block, bringing $28,125.
A natural Burmese ruby was the focal point of a stunning ring surrounded by diamonds. It was bought by an unwavering phone bidder for $15,000. A Tiffany & Co., diamond and ruby necklace will make a festive accompaniment to some lucky lady’s holiday outfit. It brought $23,750. A sweet “Amapola” brooch designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., was one of Moran’s favorite lots heading into the sale and sold for $1,250.
Watches as well as gent’s accessories are were some of the most popular lots of the day. A delightful floral cuff with Cartier watch created a sensation when it hit the block, selling well over the high estimate for $10,000.
A gent’s pocket watch from famed maker James Picard went home with a lucky phone bidder for $6,875. Red seemed to be the preferred color of the sale, which may make it unsurprising that a wonderful two-tone Rolex oyster perpetual wristwatch with red dial brought $4,687. A wonderfully made pair of Russian silver-topped gold and enamel cufflinks caused a bidding war when they hit the block, bringing $1,750.
December 14th’s Studio Jewelry auction brought a plethora of quality jewels into reach for many buyers. A collection of Indian jewelry achieved some of the highest prices of the day, chief among them was a lush emerald and gem-set necklace which realized $6,250. Lovers of Tiffany & Co., did not have to wait for Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, there were plenty of tempting options in the Studio auction. A gorgeous pair of Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. diamond ear clips brought $2,125 following a protracted bidding war. A penguin brooch made of carved black jade and mother-of-pearl charmed bidders ahead of the sale and sold for a cool $2,000.
John Moran Auctioneers is currently accepting consignments for a planned Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepiece Auction. Visit their website for contact information.
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