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One of a number of striking bangles offered, this 18K gold bangle by Demner, set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds, realized $7,200 (estimate: $3,500-$4,500). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.

Timepieces, bangles shine brightest at John Moran auction

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
One of a number of striking bangles offered, this 18K gold bangle by Demner, set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds, realized $7,200 (estimate: $3,500-$4,500). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
One of a number of striking bangles offered, this 18K gold bangle by Demner, set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds, realized $7,200 (estimate: $3,500-$4,500). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.

PASADENA, Calf. – One of Moran’s most anticipated events, the semiannual HQ Jewelry Auction, delivered results beyond expectations. The Dec.10 sale was stuffed to the brim with nearly 500 lots, ensuring that there really was something for everyone looking to glitz up their holiday shopping list. LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.

Timepieces sold for especially strong prices, while bracelets and bangles also made a healthy showing across the board.

Early in the sale, a stunning Italian floral micromosaic bracelet with matching brooch blew away its $600 to $800 estimate and realized a hefty $6,000. Shortly after, an Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet set in platinum sold for a healthy $8,400 (estimate: $5,000-$7,000), only to be outshone by another Art Deco stunner, a French-cut diamond bracelet featuring approximately 15.00 carats of total diamond weight. This piece quickly and decisively surpassed its estimate, selling for a stellar $45,000 (estimate: $7,000-$9,000). A retro gold link bracelet set with faceted black onyx center sectionals realized $6,000, well over the initial estimate of $2,500-$3,500.

A number of boldly designed bangles were offered, including a coral, emerald, diamond and gold bypass bangle in 18K textured gold. Estimated to find a new home for $4,000-$6,000, the bangle ultimately realized $7,800. A wide bangle, one of several signed pieces by the perennially popular designer Lola Demner, in 18K gold and set with ruby, sapphire, and emerald cabochons and four full-cut diamonds, was expected to earn between $3,500 and $4,500 at the block. However, bidding did not top out until it hit the $7,200 mark, when a floor bidder emerged victorious. Also selling to a floor bidder, an intriguing coiled serpent-form bangle with ruby eyes, expected to earn $1,500-$2,000, sold just over the high estimate ($2,160). A striking silver bangle by Torun for Georg Jensen, featuring an interchangeable center with an oval moss agate, also realized a price far above its estimate, going for $2,048, and further illustrating the timelessness of the Jensen brand.

Mexican silver pieces were in high demand, commanding excellent prices. A Felipe Martinez sterling silver and obsidian collar earned $3,075, thanks to a determined online bidder, and shortly after a Matl silver and stone necklace and earrings, set with amethyst, turquoise, and coral, flew to $3,675 (estimates: $400-$600 and $800-$1,200 respectively). An amethyst and vermeil bib necklace by Hector Aquilar, estimated at $800-$1,200, found a new home for $3,690.

Watches hit the mark as well. Among the dozens offered, high points were a pocket watch by Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co., hailing from the estate of Ernest A. Bryant III and estimated at $8,000-$12,000, that sold to an international collector for $22,895. Another Patek Philippe, a pave diamond and gold wristwatch, sold to an online buyer for $6,748 (estimate: $3,000-$5,000), making an exciting stocking stuffer for a lucky recipient. An impressive Breguet platinum tourbillon wristwatch enamored buyers and encouraged a frenzy of bids, and was finally whisked home by a floor bidder for $57,000 (estimate: $40,000-$60,000).

Additional sale highlights include:

  • A platinum ring with a central 3.06-carat diamond surrounded by 26 full-cut round diamonds and two baguette-cut diamonds (totaling 1.20 additional carats), realized $36,000 (estimate: $30,000-$40,000).
  • A group of late Victorian gem-set and gold jewelry featuring turquoise and carved coral found a new home with a telephone bidder for $2,400 (estimate: $1,200-$1,800).
  • Costume jewelry devotees were delighted with a collection of Chanel costume jewelry offered late in the sale, scooping up the group lot for $1,599 (estimate: $500 to $800).

John Moran’s next HQ Jewelry Auction is scheduled for early May, and consignments are invited. Interested sellers should contact Moran’s jewelry department at info@johnmoran.com, or phone: 626-798-1833.

Click here to view the fully illustrate catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

One of a number of striking bangles offered, this 18K gold bangle by Demner, set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds, realized $7,200 (estimate: $3,500-$4,500). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
One of a number of striking bangles offered, this 18K gold bangle by Demner, set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds, realized $7,200 (estimate: $3,500-$4,500). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
Art Deco diamond bracelets are always good sellers, but this example, featuring a total of 15.00 carats in diamonds, inspired a particularly heated bidding war that ended only when price reached $45,000 (estimate: $7,000-$9,000). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
Art Deco diamond bracelets are always good sellers, but this example, featuring a total of 15.00 carats in diamonds, inspired a particularly heated bidding war that ended only when price reached $45,000 (estimate: $7,000-$9,000). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
This signed Matl sectional necklace, set throughout with amethysts and turquoise and offered together with matching earrings, earned  $3,675 (estimate: $800-$1,200). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
This signed Matl sectional necklace, set throughout with amethysts and turquoise and offered together with matching earrings, earned  $3,675 (estimate: $800-$1,200). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
Earning an impressive $57,000 was this Breguet tourbillon wristwatch (estimate: $40,000-$60,000). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
Earning an impressive $57,000 was this Breguet tourbillon wristwatch (estimate: $40,000-$60,000). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
This elegant group of Chanel costume jewelry appealed to a number of competitive collectors, finally selling for $1,599 (estimate: $500-$800). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.
This elegant group of Chanel costume jewelry appealed to a number of competitive collectors, finally selling for $1,599 (estimate: $500-$800). John Moran Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers image.