Important Jewelry: A Rare Opportunity to Bring Home Signed Jewelry
On September 16, Freeman’s | Hindman will have the distinct honor of presenting Important Jewelry, including property from the Collections of Phyllis Pressman and Carol Hardin Davis, together with the jewelry of other esteemed collections from across the country.
With the phrase 'signed jewelry' taking top billing, let’s clarify what it means. Signed jewelry usually refers to a piece that bears a maker’s mark or signature of the designer, manufacturer, or house behind the jewelry. This small mark on the back of a piece can increase its value. Some marks are more significant than others because their presence shows that the piece was created with the highest standards of design, craftsmanship, and stone selection. Therefore, purchasing signed jewelry at auction is a wonderful way to start building a jewelry collection or to confidently make the step toward a five- or six-figure purchase.
TO BE OFFERED SEPTEMBER 16, CHICAGO | Cartier, diamond and sapphire 'panthère' hoop earrings | $25,000 – 50,000
Panthère is synonymous with Cartier, one of the most highly collectible jewelry houses. Jeanne Toussant’s 1940s design is amongst the house’s most iconic, whether in the three-dimensional form of the powerful, graceful feline or simply the pattern of its coat executed in diamonds and gemstones or enamel. Panthère pieces have appeared in the collections of the Duchess of Windsor, Daisy Fellows, and Barbara Hutton. The earrings from the Collection of Phyllis Pressman—a member of the family behind Barneys New York—are hoop designs of pavé-set diamonds accented by calibre cut, buff top sapphire spots. These earrings are emblematic of Phyllis Pressman’s discerning and sophisticated eye.
TO BE OFFERED SEPTEMBER 16, CHICAGO | An Important Van Cleef & Arpels, Burmese Ruby and Diamond Brooch | $50,000 – 70,000
An Important Burmese Ruby and Diamond Floral Spray Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, from the collection of Carol Hardin Davis, exemplifies a classic, glamorous, feminine design of the mid-20th century. With a clientele that included Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly, the house of Van Cleef & Arpels is renowned for its use of high-quality diamonds and gemstones—Burmese rubies, displaying no evidence of heat treatment, are among the rarest gemstones in the world. The term pigeon blood red historically refers to rubies from Burma, which display a particularly intense red color, which is actually due to the high levels of chromium in the gemstones. The original mines have been depleted. While Van Cleef & Arpels is known for florals and other natural motifs, a piece like this brooch would have been produced in very limited quantities.
This auction, scheduled for September 16 in Chicago, offers a rare opportunity to acquire signed pieces from renowned houses such as Buccellati, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston.
INQUIRES: [email protected]
VIEWING: September 11 – 15 1550 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL