Huge star sapphire, Art Deco ring front-runners in Michaan’s auction June 10
Star sapphire and diamond platinum ring. Estimate: $15,000-$20,000. Michaan’s image
ALAMEDA, Calif. – Fine jewelry is the leading attraction at Michaan’s June Estate Auction on Saturday, June 10, featuring treasures from many estates across a wide range of periods and estimated price points. Precious gemstones set in platinum and gold, jade and coral, and elegant timepieces are front and center in this sale. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
A luminous star sapphire ring (above), showcasing a massive stone of approximately 62 carats, is a rare stunner and is estimated to sell at $15,000 to $25,000.
An Art Deco ring of generous proportions and fine quality features an emerald-cut diamond of over 3 carats, accented by additional diamonds set in platinum (est. $9,000-$12,000).
Art Deco diamond, platinum ring. Estimate: $9,000/$12,000. Michaan’s image
Another stellar Art Deco piece is the diamond-encrusted bracelet, one of many lovely bracelets and bangles in this sale such as the tsavorite garnet and diamond bracelet. Diamond brooches and pendants are also offered in June. Romantic Victorian estate treasures include an intricate jewelry suite laden with precious stones, and an exceptional suite expertly crafted of carved coral (est. $1,500-$2,500). Victorian charmers also include the diamond, 14K yellow gold and rose gold pendant necklace (est. $1,500-$2,500).
Fine art lots in the June Estate Auction include two cerebral works by Venezuelan artist Jesus Rafael de Soto (below), and an exuberant painting (est. $1,500-$2,000) by self-taught Mexican artist Jesus Reyes Ferreira, aka Chucho Reyes.
Jesus Rafael De Soto (Venezuelan/French 1923-2005), ‘Multiple II, from Jai-Alai,’ Plexiglas with screen print in colors, metal rods and nylon string. Estimate $3,000-$5,000. Michaan’s image
A contemporary piece by American original Ira Yeager ($2,500-$3,500) features bunnies, a favorite motif in his work. Yeager (born 1938) studied under Richard Diebenkorn at CCA in Oakland. When he lived abroad in the early 1960s, his ex-pat social circle included Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs and Tennessee Williams. He now makes his home in Northern California.
Ira Yeager (California, b. 1938) ‘Bunny in Flowers,’ oil on five hinged canvas panels Estimate: $2,500-$3,500. Michaan’s image
Additional fine American, English, and European paintings include works by Nell Walker Warner, George Bickerstaff, Gianni Pisani (born 1935) and Paul C.F. Jobert (1863-1942).
A highlight among June’s decorative art lots is the small bronze “Nature’s Children” ($1,000-$1,500) by Joe Neil Beeler (1931-2006).
Joe Neil Beeler (1931-2006), ‘Nature’s Children,’ bronze. Estimate: $1,00-$1,500. Michaan’s image
Another is the unusual Italian mid-20th century sterling silver parrot, its head made of a nautilus shell ($400-$600), by Gabriella Binazzi of Florence.
Rosenthal’s “Magic Flute” (below$1,500-$2,000) is a top dinnerware lot, and sterling flatware includes an International Royal Danish suite ($1,500-$2,000). Collectors of fine crystal will find a large urn ($500-$700) from Saint-Louis, the old and venerated French crystal glassmaker. For the collector of ancient artifacts the sale offers a pair of Cypriot pottery jugs (circa eighth to sixth century B.C.), estimated at $1,200-$1,500.
As always, the estate auction offers a diverse selection of fascinating collectibles. June’s highlights include a pair of thigh-high Plains Indian style powwow boots ($700-$900) and the wonderfully detailed “riva” handcrafted model boat ($500-$800) by Kiade Maquettes.
The Asian Art Department offers Chinese porcelains including glazed ceramics and Famille Rose eggshell porcelain, carved cinnabar, snuff bottles and scroll paintings.
