Monrovia, CA – John Moran’s Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Sale is overflowing with treasures. The jewelry connoisseur will enjoy a myriad of gemstones on offer and pieces with prominent names like Cartier, Tiffany, and Breitling. The two-day sale will take place on May 11th & May 12th and features the jewelry collection of silver screen actress, Vera Ralston (1923-2003). Born Vera Helena Hruba in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Vera was a talented figure skater who represented Czechoslovakia at the 1936 Winter Olympics and twice in the European Figure Skating Championships. After gaining some notoriety as an ice skater, she caught the eye of Herbert J. Yates, founder, and head of Republic Pictures. She signed an agreement in 1943 and moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting. Yates and Ralston worked together on more than 20 films and eventually married in 1952. Her most notable film was Dakota, where she starred opposite John Wayne.
Vera’s taste in jewelry was exquisite and she probably owed her keen sense for quality to her father who was a jeweler. John Moran Auctioneers is thrilled to roll out the red carpet for buyers and offer fifteen pieces from the Vera Ralston Collection in this sale.
Lot 1010: An Art Deco Diamond Ring $120,000 - $180,000
The Vera Ralston Collection is filled with pieces that are textbook representations of the sophisticated Art Deco era characterized by symmetry and geometrical shapes. Taking the lead is a magnificent Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring with Flanking Baguettes weighing 6.57cts. This diamond ring is stunning and indicative of the period. Estimates for this ring are available upon request.
A platinum Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Bracelet circa 1925 is another star in the collection. Cabochon emeralds are the center of attention for each of the five rectangular links, but the 870 full-cut 17-carat total weight diamonds that surround them also play a huge role. Cabochon refers to the method for achieving a dome-like polished shape of a stone and it was the gold standard for preparing gemstones before cutting technology existed. Pure luxury comes to mind with this piece that is heading to the block with a pre-auction estimate of $15,000-20,000.
One final peek into the Vera Ralston Collection will reveal a Retro Aquamarine, Ruby, and Diamond Bracelet circa 1945. The 14k yellow gold and distinctive color combination are symbolic of the timeframe, but this piece is anything but typical. It has bold geometric shapes in vibrant colors and a more masculine silhouette, which was very popular during and after the war. Yellow gold and sterling silver became more accepted since platinum and the metals used to make white gold were implemented into producing weapons. This bracelet has a pre-auction estimate of $6,000-8,000, and twelve more pieces from the Vera Ralston Collection await prospective buyers.
“The Stainless-Steel Breitling Navitimer Wristwatch is a sophisticated and complex aviation timepiece complete with time, date, center-sweep seconds, chronograph, and slide-rule bezel.”
Lot 1138: A Breitling Navitimer Wristwatch $4,000 - $6,000
Snoopy, the beloved Peanuts character is the subject of a fun 3-D pendant. This collector’s item is 18k yellow gold and made by Cartier. The Peanuts comic strip ran from 1950-2000. Charles M. Schultz was both the writer and illustrator. The cherished beagle is fully devoted to his owner Charlie Brown despite being constantly engaged in adventures of his own. There is a pre-auction estimate of $2,500-3,500 for this pendant that is an instant conversation starter for both young and old.
One of Snoopy’s most prominent characters was that of a World War I Flying Ace so it seems fitting to draw attention to a timepiece that is well respected among pilots. The Stainless-Steel Breitling Navitimer Wristwatch is a sophisticated and complex aviation timepiece complete with time, date, center-sweep seconds, chronograph, and slide-rule bezel. There are complex functions on the Breitling Navitimer, but you don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy the benefits of this impressive watch. Heading to the block with a pre-auction estimate of $4,000-6,000, this watch is sure to be on many radars.
The excitement continues on May 12th at 10am with the Studio Jewelry & Coins Sale! Several group lots of 19th Century Morgan Silver Dollars, minted from 1878-1904, will be on offer. Individuals who study and/or collect coins, currency, and medals are called numismatics, and both the novice and advance collector pursue Morgan Silver Dollars. There is also a small collection of gold coins including a selection of American gold, Mexican gold, and an African Krugerrand.
Just in time for spring is a Butterfly Brooch Set complete with amethyst, cultured pearl, turquoise, emerald, and one full-cut round diamond. A pair of rope swirl amethyst earrings accompanies the brooch. This uncommon set has a pre-auction estimate of $600-800. Buzzing nearby is a Ruby and Diamond Bee Brooch set with seven full-cut round diamonds and further laid with twelve round rubies. This intricate piece estimated at $600-800 is sure to attract buyers.
Butterfly Brooch Set $600 - $800
Upcoming Auctions
Springtime at John Moran Auctioneers has something for everyone beginning with Traditional Collector taking place on April 28th at 12:00pm PST. May auctions will be in full bloom with California and American Fine Art on May 4th, Studio Fine Art and Decorative on May 18th, and Art of the American West on May 25th. John Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously; as such, sales will continue to be held online and without a live audience. However, each item is available for preview through appointment. Moran’s auction preview floor is spaced over 10,000 square feet and allows clients to preview objects within established social distancing guidelines so that buyers can feel confident when making an appointment to preview the property. 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.
Auction Highlights
