Luxe Santa Barbara jewelry collection stars at John Moran, Mar. 29

Three-piece set of Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow and white gold, cabochon sapphire and diamond jewelry, estimated at $12,000-$15,000

Three-piece set of Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow and white gold, cabochon sapphire and diamond jewelry, estimated at $12,000-$15,000

LOS ANGELES — John Moran Auctioneers will present the jewelry collection of one of Santa Barbara’s most prolific and best-known philanthropists, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, on Wednesday, March 29 at 10 am Pacific time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers. Jewelry from the Estate of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree will offer 85 lots including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches and rings, featuring gemstones including large diamonds, sapphires, rubies, pearls and emeralds — and some pieces from prominent jewelry designers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Tiffany & Co., Henry Dunay and Boucheron.

Along with being recognized as a philanthropist, the woman dubbed “Lady Leslie” was highly successful in business and was a well-known art connoisseur. Early in her career, she was the director of a community center on New York City’s West Side and is credited with establishing the first Head Start center. Later, she became President of Pacific Air Industries and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. In an advisory capacity, she was involved with the University of Santa Barbara as well as homeless organizations such as Casa Esperanza, and her church, All Saint’s by the Sea.

One of Santa Barbara’s most prolific and best-known philanthropists, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree. Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers

Portrait photograph of one of Santa Barbara’s most prolific and best-known philanthropists, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree. Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers

Leslie Ridley-Tree, widow of Lord Paul Ridley-Tree, was a collector of fine art from Monet and Durer through Picasso, Matisse and Morisot. Influenced by her humble beginnings, world travel and religious faith, Lady Leslie was passionate about bringing financial support to both individual and public needs. She and her husband regularly gave back to their community and generously supported dozens of nonprofit organizations and causes in the Santa Barbara area, many of which bear their name in recognition. During her lifetime, Ridley-Tree established more than 120 scholarships at different educational institutions along with leaving a legacy of huge generosity to local Santa Barbara institutions such as SB Cottage Hospital and the SB Cancer Foundation. She shared her joy of life with her friends and “friends she hadn’t met yet” and felt that “For most of us, we have so much. How can we not give something back? Give something somewhere and give of ourselves; it’s not just money.” She will be most remembered, however, for brilliant red hair, a resilient spirit, and her impish good humor.

“Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree touched the lives of so many people through her generous gifts to dozens of charitable organizations and institutions,” said President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation Jackie Carrera, which named Ridley-Tree woman of the year in 2003. “She shared not only her resources but her heart, leaving a legacy of compassion for which Santa Barbara and the Central Coast will always be grateful.”

A 25.80-carat pear-shape diamond ring, estimated at $400,000-$500,000; and a pair of diamond stud earrings, 10.07 carats and 10.22 carats, estimated at $200,000-$300,000

A 25.80-carat pear-shape diamond ring, estimated at $400,000-$500,000; and a pair of diamond stud earrings, 10.07 carats and 10.22 carats, estimated at $200,000-$300,000

The main highlights of the sale are some of her most treasured pieces — A large pear-shape diamond ring and a pair of diamond earrings. The diamond ring was designed with a 25.80-carat pear brilliant-cut diamond in a platinum setting that is estimated at $400,000-$500,000. The GIA report on the ring states the stone has G color and SI2 clarity and is flanked by two pear-shape diamonds totaling approximately 1.25 carats in weight and graded G-H color and VS clarity. The pair of diamond stud earrings is set with two diamonds in 14K white gold, and GIA reports state that the round brilliant-cut diamond weighs 10.07 carats and is graded H color and VS2 clarity, and the other is a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 10.22 carats and graded I color and SI1 clarity. These earrings are valued at $200,000-$300,000.

One of the designers featured in the sale is Van Cleef & Arpels, highlighted by a set of Van Cleef & Arpels cabochon sapphire and diamond jewelry including a three flat link necklace featuring a slide pendant centering a bezel set oval cabochon-cut sapphire gauged at 10.5mm by 8mm. The necklace is flanked on both sides by 12 baguette-cut diamonds and 52 round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 4.30 carats and graded F-G color and VS clarity. The pair of matching ear clips is centered with two oval cabochon-cut sapphires each gauged at 9mm by 7mm, surrounded by a total of 12 baguette-cut and 42 round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.75 carats and graded F-G color and VS clarity. This three-piece set has an estimate of $12,000-$15,000.

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow and white gold and diamond bracelet, estimated at $15,000-$20,000

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K yellow and white gold and diamond bracelet, estimated at $15,000-$20,000

The other Van Cleef piece is lot 20, a Van Cleef diamond bracelet estimated at $15,000-$20,000. Having 18K yellow and white gold and set with 69 round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 7.50 carats in weight and graded F-G color and VS clarity, this bracelet is sure to be a favorite with collectors.

Tiffany & Co. mother-of-pearl, diamond, yellow sapphire, and onyx bird brooch, estimated at $7,000-$9,000

Tiffany & Co. mother-of-pearl, diamond, yellow sapphire and onyx bird brooch, estimated at $7,000-$9,000

In addition to precious stones, Ridley-Tree enjoyed jewelry made with mother-of-pearl. A Tiffany & Co. mother-of-pearl, diamond, yellow sapphire and onyx bird brooch is estimated at $7,000-$9,000. The brooch, made with 18K gold, is set with 107 round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.75 carats in weight and graded F-G color and VVS clarity. It is also topped with 28 round full-cut yellow sapphires weighing around 2.50 carats and further accented with a carved black onyx beak and two round ruby eyes.

Pair of Boucheron 18K white gold and diamond ear clips, estimated at $5,000-$7,000

Pair of Boucheron 18K white gold and diamond ear clips, estimated at $5,000-$7,000

Another coveted diamond piece is a pair of Boucheron flower drop diamond ear clips. Set in 18K white gold, the ear clip set is made with a total of 80 round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 4.50 carats in weight and each graded F-G color and VS clarity. It has a $5,000-$7,000 estimate.

David Webb 18K gold, rock crystal and lapis lazuli bracelet, estimated at $6,000-$8,000

David Webb 18K gold, rock crystal and lapis lazuli bracelet, estimated at $6,000-$8,000

Adding to the list of designers in the sale is David Webb, with a rock crystal and lapis lazuli bracelet estimated at $6,000-$8,000. The 18K gold bracelet is designed with three carved rock crystal links and two circular carved round lapis lazuli links and topped with five carved teardrop shaped lapis lazuli stones gauged at approximately 12mm in diameter.

 

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