John Moran Auctioneers’ Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction brought cheer and high prices for bespoke jewelry
• Art Deco gems were among the hottest lots of the sale
• Signed pieces from Tiffany & Co. shone throughout the day
• Watches and gent’s accessories performed well
• December 14th’s Studio Jewelry auction also brought high prices
MONROVIA, CA – John Moran Auctioneer’s December 15th Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction was the biggest and brightest of the year, boasting high prices and bolstered by a roster of signed pieces and impressive gemstones. Vintage jewels from quality makers performed particularly well throughout the day and Moran’s fielded strong bids both online and on the phone. Moran’s is well on their way to a wonderful Spring Fine Jewelry & Timepieces auction; consignments are always welcome.
A Tiffany & Co. Diamond Ring, price realized: $28,125
Art Deco gems proved their enduring appeal during the auction on Tuesday.
The top lot of the day was an incredible Art Deco natural Ceylon sapphire pendant that cast a spell on bidders when it hit the block, selling to a determined phone bidder for $53,125 (all prices realized include Moran’s 25% buyer’s premium). An Oscar Heyman Bros. for Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond bracelet in that imitable Art Deco style captured attention before the sale, bringing $6,250. One of the hottest items in the auction was a stunning Art Deco rock crystal perfume bottle from famed Cartier Paris which soared past its high bid and sold to an enthusiastic phone bidder for $21,250. A delightful double-clip brooch from J.E. Caldwell shone in the catalogue and brought $3,750.
Jewels from Tiffany & Co. appealed to collectors throughout the sale. A stunning and beautifully balanced Tiffany & Co. 2.41 ct. pear-shaped diamond ring caused a bidding war when it hit the block, bringing $28,125, no doubt destined to be a welcome stocking stuffer this holiday season. A natural Burmese ruby was the star of lot 34, a stunning ring surrounded by diamonds, which was bought by an unwavering phone bidder for $15,000. A Tiffany & Co. diamond and ruby necklace will make a festive accompaniment to any holiday outfit and brought $23,750. A sweet “Amapola” brooch designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. was one of Moran’s favorite lots heading into the sale and sold for $1,250.
Watches as well as gent’s accessories are were some of the most popular lots of the day. A delightful floral cuff with Cartier watch created a sensation when it hit the block, selling well over the high estimate for $10,000. A gent’s pocket watch from famed maker James Picard went home with a lucky phone bidder for $6,875. Red seemed to be the preferred color of the sale, which may make it unsurprising that a wonderful two-tone Rolex oyster perpetual wristwatch with red dial brought $4,687. A wonderfully made pair of Russian silver-topped gold and enamel cufflinks caused a bidding war when they hit the block, bringing $1,750.
“A precious penguin brooch made of carved black jade and mother-of-pearl charmed bidders”
A Tiffany & Co. black jade and mother-of-pearl penguin brooch, price realized: $2,000
December 14th’s Studio Jewelry auction brought a plethora of quality jewels into reach for many buyers. A collection of Indian jewelry achieved some of the highest prices of the day, chief among them was a lush emerald and gem-set necklace which realized $6,250. Lovers of Tiffany & Co. did not have to wait for Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, there were plenty of tempting options in the Studio auction. A gorgeous pair of Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. diamond ear clips brought $2,125 after a protracted bidding war. A precious penguin brooch made of carved black jade and mother-of-pearl charmed bidders ahead of the sale and sold for a cool $2,000.
Moran’s fall auction season will conclude with Traditional Collector on Wednesday, December 16th. January brings a round of Studio Fine Art as well as Studio Decorative Art auctions. Later in the Spring season Moran’s will bring installments of Made in Mexico, Winter Modern & Contemporary Art, California & American Fine Art, Traditional Collector, and much more.
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 or absentee.
Consignment inquiries are always welcome.
