Moran’s Jewelry: Made Modern auction realized strong prices for Modernist jewelry
• Mexican designers proved particularly desirable
• Artists from around the world achieved some of the highest prices of the day
• American designers struck a chord
MONROVIA, CA – Moran’s June 10th Jewelry: Made Modern auction achieved strong prices for Modern jewelry. Bidders competing to bring home an array of works from the century’s leading artists and designers were fully engaged online and on the phone throughout the remote sale. Additional examples of Mexican silver will be featured in Moran’s August Made in Mexico auction.
Mexican silver proved once again to be among the most coveted examples of Modernist jewelry. An assembled set of William Spratling jewelry with its clean lines and classic design caused a bidding war when it hit the block, soaring to $3,750 (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). A suite of jewelry by Fred Davis with its pointed arrow design made a splash at the sale, bringing $2,500. Hubert Harmon was among the hottest designers of the sale, with a cheeky bomb-motif necklace and bracelet causing a stir when it hit the block, selling online for $2,500. A fabulous group of Zodiac-themed charms with a link bracelet from famed Margot de Taxco realized $4,062.
Modernist jewelry from around the globe realized some of the top prices of the sale. A rare and wonderful “Visage” necklace from Pablo Picasso designed in 18k yellow gold brought $11,875, the top price of the day. A fun concentric circle necklace from Finnish designer Nestor Westerback realized $625 at the auction. A wonderful Graziella Laffi bracelet with Peruvian-inspired motifs and shell beads soared past its high estimate to bring $1,625.
American designers were well represented in the auction. A delightful Peter Macchiarini mixed-metal brooch in the artist’s coveted mask design caused a bidding war when it came to the block, selling to a determined phone bidder for $1,125. A gorgeous enamel and silver ring from San Diego-based James Parker brought $812. A fun suite of jewelry from H. Fred Skaggs was one of the most popular lots heading into the auction, realizing $1,125.
Moran’s summer auction season is will continue with Studio Fine Art and Decorative Art are scheduled later in the month on June 23rd. A selection of Amish and American quilts from the esteemed Hodosh collection heads to the block June 30th with Blanket Statements. ReDesigned on July 19th will feature an array of art and design to complete your abode. Made in Mexico on August 16th is filled with fine and decorative art from our southern neighbors. Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously, as such, all previews for the auction will be by appointment only and the sales will be held online without a live audience.
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through our website; bidding is also supported by telephone, absentee.
Consignment inquiries are always welcome.
“Bidders competing to bring home an array of works from the century’s leading artists and designers were fully engaged online”