Moran’s Dec. 10 auction devoted to fine jewelry, watches
A Paulding Farnham for Tiffany & Co. enamel and diamond orchid brooch, est.: $15,000-$20,000. Moran’s image
MONROVIA, Calif. – Moran’s highly anticipated Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction is filled to the brim with a dazzling array of jewels from Antique to Modern sure to appeal to every taste. At 162 lots, the auction is filled with classic staples and statement pieces in a wide range of design styles. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
In the history of jewelry, few pieces created as big of an impact as the two-dozen orchid brooches Tiffany & Co. debuted at the 1889 Paris Exhibition. Designed by Paulding Farnham, a star designer of Tiffany & Co., the brooches were prized for their realism and elegance. In an exposition that saw the debut of the Eiffel Tower and the Imperial Diamond – at the time the largest diamond in the world – the United States Commission to the Exhibition called them “one of the most striking features of the entire Exposition.” The popularity of the orchid was such that Farnham created additional varieties to be sold out of the Tiffany & Co. store in New York. Lot 10 in the auction depicts oncidium sphacelatum and is rendered in uncanny detail designed with enamel and set with dew drop-like diamonds. The lot comes with a Jewelry Research Certificate from the Tiffany Archives stating the brooch was created between 1889-1896 and heads to the block with a $15,000-$20,000 estimate (above).
Lovers of vintage jewels will find plenty of tempting options in the auction. A gorgeous Art Deco rock crystal and diamond brooch centers a 3.37 carat cut-cornered step-cut diamond graded at G color, VS1 clarity by GIA exude the elegance highly prized in Art Deco jewelry. The brooch is expected to bring $30,000-$50,000 at the block (below).
An Art Deco diamond and rock crystal brooch, est.: $30,000-$50,000. Moran’s image
A delicate French Cartier bow brooch in onyx is resplendent with diamonds and has been in the same family since it was gifted by Nathan Miller, governor of New York from 1921-1922, to his wife, Mary. The brooch should easily bring $6,000-$8,000 at the block. A beautiful Edwardian crossover ring set with two diamonds weighing 2.75 and 2.55 carats should bring $12,000-$18,000.
A French Cartier Art Deco diamond and onyx bow brooch, est.: $6,000-$8,000. Moran’s image
For those who want something a bit more modern, Moran’s has plenty of tempting options. A Buccellati peridot and diamond ring with its Moorish-inspired design is masterfully crafted and is estimated to bring $4,000-$6,000 at the block (PHOTO 4). A stunning Colombian emerald and diamond ring is the statement-making piece any woman would crave and bears a $12,000-$18,000 estimate. A French Hermès “Boucle Sellier” bracelet with buckle clasp is sure to appeal to lovers of jewelry and luxury alike and is estimated to bring $5,000-7,000.
A Buccellati peridot and diamond ring, est.: $4,000-$6,000. Moran’s image
Collectors of fine timepieces will find excellent examples from some of the world’s top watchmakers in the sale. A beautifully made Edwardian pendant watch with a Patek Philippe case and movement embellished by a Spaulding and Co. setting should easily sell within its $3,000-$5,000 estimate.
An Edwardian Patek Philippe for Spaulding & Co. pendant watch, est.: $3,000-$5,000. Moran’s image
An unusual Rolex stainless steel chronograph wristwatch from the 1960s would make a handsome addition to any collection and is expected to bring $18,000-$22,000. A classic 18K gold Rolex President wristwatch with bold black dial heads to the block with a $7,000-$9,000 estimate.
A Rolex stainless steel chronograph wristwatch, est.: $18,000-$22,000. Moran’s image
December is filled with delightful options for every buyer. Dec. 10 will see a curated selection of Luxury, Couture & Accessories in addition to a session of Studio Jewelry at Moran’s.
