Three-strand natural and cultured pearl necklace composed of strands with 69, 73 and 69 pearls, attached to a scrolled foliate diamond clasp centered with an oval cut ruby and diamond flower head cluster. Estimate: £5,000–£7,000. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury image.
LONDON – Stunning jewelry made by Italian society jeweler Stefano Scortecci for a prominent family of European diplomats during the 1960s will be sold by Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions on Wednesday, Nov. 27. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding. The auction will begin at 10:30 a.m. UK time (2:30 a.m. Pacific).
Stefano Scortecci opened his workshop in Rome in 1920. He became one of Rome’s leading society jewelers during the second half of the 20th century with a client list that included presidents of the Italian Republic. His son Marcello joined the business in 1945 and was followed by his son Stefano Scortecci Jr. in 1970. Scortecci Jr. brought new creative ideas to the business and later became Chamberlain of Università E Nobil Collegio Degli Orefici Gioiellieri Argentieri Dell’ Alma Citta Di Roma (The Roman University of Jewelers and Goldsmiths). He held the position at the university founded by Pope Julius II in 1508 from 2002 to 2011.
One of the most expensive pieces in the collection is a pendant and matching earrings made of Martha Rocha aquamarine to designs by the current owner that were mounted by Scortecci. The gems were purchased in the early 1960s by the owner whose husband was part of the Italian diplomatic misson to Brazil. The stone takes its name from the beauty queen Martha Rocha, who became the first Miss Brazil in 1954. The original aquamarine weighed 35 kilograms and was carved in to 300,000 carats of cut gemstones. Similar stones are now named Martha Rocha due to their deep blue color. This lovely set is estimated to sell for £7,000–£10,000.
A tiara and necklace, made as a special commission by Scortecchi, was worn by the current owner at the 1961 state banquet in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their state visit to Italy in May 1961. The banquet was hosted by the Italian President Giovanni Gronchi at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, and was attended by 3,000 members of Italian high society. This unique piece is estimated at £8,000– £12,000.
From other owners are six beautiful items from a collection of Bulgari jewelry purchased in the 1970s and 1980s, includes a stunning solitaire diamond ring, Weighing 4.48 carats the gem is estimated at £12,000–£18,000
Other highlights include a 1950s diamond bracelet consisting of 34 rectangular step-cut diamonds, approximately 28.80 carats total, estimated at £15,000–£20,000, and a late Victorian diamond whorl brooch, circa 1880, mounted in gold backed silver, weighing approximately 8 carats and estimated at £3,000–£4,000.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Three-strand natural and cultured pearl necklace composed of strands with 69, 73 and 69 pearls, attached to a scrolled foliate diamond clasp centered with an oval cut ruby and diamond flower head cluster. Estimate: £5,000–£7,000. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury image. Late 19th century Renaissance Revival enamel crucifix pendant by Carlo Giuliano, circa 1880, the black enameled cross with rope-twist and bead detail and suspending baroque pearls, 6.6cm long. Estimate: £3,000–£5,000. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury image. Pair of antique Roman gold and natural pearl ear pendents , circa first century , baroque pearl drops suspended by shaped hollow gold columns and gold hooks fittings. Estimate: £1,000– £1,500. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury image. Aquamarine pendant and en suite ear clips by Scortecci, the detachable pendant set with a pear-cut aquamarine, estimated to weigh 61 carats. Estimate: £7,000-£10,000. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury image. Ruby, diamond and emerald tiara-necklace by Scortecci, circa 1961. Estimate: £8,000-£12,000. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury image.
