Monrovia, CA – Two sale days were required to accommodate the wide variety of jewelry, timepieces, and coins on offer at John Moran Auctioneer’s last week. Tuesday, May 11th featured Fine Jewelry & Timepieces and the Studio Jewelry & Coins sale took place the very next day yielding pleasing results. Much of the jewelry hailed from established names like Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels along with timepieces from Breitling, Panerai, and Rolex. Art Deco, Retro, and Indian jewelry did quite well at the block as indicated in the standout moments below.
Lot 1045: Retro Aquamarine, Ruby, and Diamond Bracelet $6,000-8,000 Sold $12,500
Some of the pieces that shown brightest were from the Czechoslovakian figure skater turned Hollywood starlet, Vera Ralston. Her father was a jeweler, a fact that no doubt had a positive influence on her distinguished taste in jewelry. The first gem from the Vera Ralston Collection was a platinum Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Bracelet. The luxurious link bracelet cradling Cabochon emeralds and surrounded by over 800 diamonds exceeding its estimate of $15,000-20,000 and sold for $28,125 (including buyer’s premium).
Another favorite was from the Collection was the Retro Aquamarine, Ruby, and Diamond Bracelet in 14k gold. The impressive piece boasted distinctive vibrant colors and bold geometric design…no wonder it sold for $12,500 (including buyer’s premium) which was double its low estimate.
The lots on offer from the Vera Ralston Collection ended on a high note with a Set of Retro Tiffany & Co. Gem-Set Jewelry circa 1945. The bracelet, ring, brooch, and earrings were set with five large rectangular citrines accompanied by diamonds and sapphires. Dripping with Hollywood glamour the set soared past its $8,000-12,000 estimate and sold for $28,125 (including buyer’s premium).
“The lots on offer from the Vera Ralston Collection ended on a high note with a Set of Retro Tiffany & Co. Gem-Set Jewelry circa 1945.”
There were plenty of diamonds to go around in this sale. The marquise-cut Diamond Ring was very popular in the 1980s and its wide tapering shoulders only added to the handsome quality of this ring. It hammered in at $25,000 (including buyer’s premium) which was over and above its estimate of $10,000-15,000. A Group of Unmounted Diamonds also did well at the block. The thirty-one diamonds varying in color and size were estimated at $800-1,200 but sold for $5,625 (including buyer’s premium).
Also unincumbered by settings was a giant Unmounted Aquamarine weighing 61.45ct that sold to a phone bidder after a fierce back and forth among buyers. When all was said and done the Aquamarine elevated far beyond its $1,200-1,800 estimate and sold for $11,250 (including buyer’s premium).
Time was of the essence as the aggressive bidding continued with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Wristwatch. Its striking grey tapisserie dial and 18k gold case had a timeless aspect that proved to be very desirable. The iconic wristwatch flew past its $2,000-3,000 estimate and sold for $25,000 (including buyer’s premium).
The Studio Jewelry and Coins sale was also full of atypical treasures that buyers took notice of. Many of them were unique statement pieces like the Lavender Jadeite Ring that sold at double the low estimate for $1,375 (including buyer’s premium). There was also considerable interest in the Indian jewelry that was presented like the Indian Carved Gemstone and Diamond Pendant estimated at $1,000-1,500 that sold for $2,812.50 (including buyer’s premium). There was also An Indian Sapphire and Diamond Reversible Fringe Choker Necklace in the Fine Jewelry sale that was a true crowd-pleaser. The versatile necklace made complete with a brilliant blue silk cord had a $2,000-3,000 estimate but sold for $5,625 (including buyer’s premium).
Lot 1136: An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Wristwatch $2,000-3,000 Sold $25,000
Upcoming Auctions
Spring is in full bloom and John Moran Auctioneers has multiple sales to fit every interest whether that is jewelry, turn of the century lighting or contemporary art and design.
• Art of the American West: Tuesday, May 25th | 12:00 pm PST
• Postwar & Contemporary Art + Design: June 9th | 10:00 am PST
• Postwar & Contemporary Art + Design [Prints and Multiples]: June 9th | 2:00 pm PST
• Re-Design: Tuesday, July 13th | 12:00 pm PST
• Made in Mexico: Tuesday, August 3rd | 12:00 pm PST
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.
Consignments are always welcome:
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