Auction Houses - Sotheby's - A Fly On The Wall’s Views and Reviews

http://www.sothebys.com/

Magnificent Jewels
Sale: N08498

DATE & TIME

Session 1: Tue, 9 Dec 08, 10:00 AM
Session 2: Tue, 9 Dec 08, 2:00 PM

LOCATION New York

I know you’ve heard of all the high-end auction houses – Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonham & Butterfield and more…but how many of you have taken the time to check out their sales?

NO – I am not implying that you should purchase – they are WAY out of my budget also…but you should take a minute and check out the pieces they represent.

These are true works of art and will inspire your work to an even higher level…check these items from the upcoming “Magnificent Jewels” sale at Sotheby’s.

Items range from…antique pieces – like this 72 inch longchain from the turn of the last century…

LOT 31
GOLD, RUBY, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND LONGCHAIN,
CIRCA 1900
15,000—20,000 USD

The chain of stylized oval links set with numerous square-cut rubies and sapphires alternating with 98 old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.00 carats, length approximately 72 inches, 3 stones missing.

…to great vintage designer pieces…

LOT 35
18 KARAT GOLD, NEPHRITE AND RUBY BANGLE-BRACELET
CARTIER, PARIS
CIRCA 1940
30,000—40,000 USD

Composed of an outer hoop of nephrite and an inner hoop of gold, the former decorated all around with 10 cushion-shaped cabochon rubies, mounted in 18 karat gold, signed Cartier, Paris, numbered 03407, assay marks.

…and one last beautiful inspiration for my enamelist friends!

LOT 33

18 KARAT GOLD, PLATINUM AND PLIQUE-À-JOUR ENAMEL GEM-SET PENDANT,

FRÉDÉRIC DE VERNON,

CIRCA 1900

7,000—9,000 USD

The arched plaque chased on the obverse with the Madonna and Child framed by blue plique-à-jour enamel, the frame decorated with calibré-cut sapphires and rose-cut diamonds, the reverse chased with the scene of the Holy Spirit descending on a patch of roses and lilies, signed F Vernon; together with a white gold chain, length 16½ inches.

I don’t know about you but this is how I get inspired when I have a designers block – give it a try!