MONROVIA, Calif. – John Moran Auctioneers continues to achieve strong prices realized for quality jewelry across a variety of design styles in both their Fine and Studio Jewelry Auctions, as evidenced by the company’s May 21 sessions, which proved to be resounding successes with high sell-through rates. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
One of the most popular lots leading up to the sale was a beautifully designed Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring centering an Old European-cut diamond weighing 2.99 carats, which sold to an absentee bidder after a protracted bidding war for $13,200 (est. $10,000-$15,000). The enduring popularity of classic Art Deco design proved true with lot 65, a darling diamond ring with an intricate platinum band (above), which sold within the $5,000-$7,000 estimate for $6,600, just in time for wedding season.
Starting out the Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Auction were several stunning gold fob seals consigned from a single Southern California collection, each designed with intricate gold work and many with elaborate crests and monograms. Lot 15, a stunning musical fob with delicate openwork depicting a resting stag (below), kicked off a bidding war between a determined floor bidder and an online bidder, ultimately surpassing its $1,500-$2,000 estimate to sell for $5,937.50 (all prices include Moran’s buyer’s premium).
Among the fine timepieces on offer was an American Watch Co. gold hunter’s case pocket watch dating to 1872-1874 which quickly outstripped its conservative $600-$900 estimate to sell at $2,700. A stunning 19th-century 18K gold and enamel pocket watch by LeRoy Paris, fitted with unusual Turkish hour markers, sold to an online bidder for $1,750 (est.: $800-$1,200). Among modern timepieces, a Jaeger Le Coultre Geographique gold wristwatch sold to a floor bidder for $5,100 (est.: $3,500-$4,500).
Moran’s offered several pieces by Modernist jewelry designer George Brooks, which were consigned from the estate of Warner Bros. family member Betty Warner Sheinbaum, an artist and philanthropist. Known for his fine collection of opals, it is perhaps no surprise that Brooks’ playful opal and 18K yellow gold ring sold for $2,000 at the auction (est. $800-$1,200).
Rounding out the modern items on offer was a striking Van Cleef & Arpels carved emerald and diamond ring. Consigned from a local collection, the ring was one of the most sought-after pieces in the auction inspiring a bidding war between a determined phone bidder and a floor bidder, earning the ring a fine selling price of $20,400 (est.: $5,000-$7,000).
The Studio Jewelry auction kept the fun rolling with an additional 232 lots consigned from local collections and estates. A trendy “Love” necklace from famed jeweler Cartier was one of the most highly anticipated lots in the auction, selling well above the conservative $500-$700 estimate at $1,576.80. A set of keys with gold playing card-motif toppers, also from Cartier, inspired a bidding war between the floor and phone bidders selling on the phone for $3,900 and far outshining its $300-$500 estimate (below).
For details contact contact John Moran Auctioneers via email: info@johnmoran.com or phone 626-793-1833.
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