Cafesjian’s Passion for Color and Whimsy Epitomized in Jewelry On Exhibition in Chicago
Chicago, Illinois – April 3, 2014 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ exhibition featuring property from the Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian is now on preview in Chicago.
Next week, on April 8, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will auction highlights from the Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian. The sale encompasses many signed examples by renowned houses and artists such as Suzanne Belperron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Verdura, Bulgari, Buccellati, Raymond Yard, Lalaounis, Pablo Picasso, Tony Duquette and many more. Also featured is a fine platinum and fancy deep yellow diamond necklace containing numerous heart shape stones which epitomizes Mr. Cafesjian’s passion for color and whimsy.
Gerard L. Cafesjian was a businessman and philanthropist; he founded the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the Cafesjian Museum Foundation and the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Mr. Cafesjian had a passion for art that consumed his life for more than six decades. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1925 to Armenian immigrant parents, he served in the U.S. Navy and later went to school on the G.I. Bill, graduating from St. John’s University School of Law.
In 1952, he began a long career with West Publishing Company, the world’s largest publisher of legal information. As Vice President of Marketing and Sales and eventually as a member of the Board, he initiated a nationally recognized annual art exhibition called “Art and the Law” for which he received the prestigious Business in the Arts Award. Upon his retirement, he founded the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and The Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan, Armenia. Mr. Cafesjian received accolades and recognition from both the United States and Armenia institutions, including the Ellis Island Award in 2000.
Gerard met Cleo Thomas while she was a nursing student at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. They married on July 4, 1947. Throughout their marriage, she was his biggest fan and staunchest supporter. She passed away on March 7, 2013 and he followed almost exactly 6 months later, on September 15, 2013.
Mr. Cafesjian’s extensive art collection includes one of the finest collections of contemporary glass sculpture in the world. His love of color, light, and form is reflected in this stunning collection of fine jewelry.
The exhibition will be held April 3 – April 7 and the auction will take place April 8. The catalogue is available online atwww.lesliehindman.com.
A Fine 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Andesine and Multi Colored Sapphire “Phoenix” Necklace, Lorenz Baumer, French$80,000-100,000
An Important Art Nouveau Gold, Diamond and Glass Brooch, Fonseque et Olive, Circa 1890$4,000-6,000
An 18 Karat White Gold, Black Opal and Diamond Ring, Michael Youssoufian$4,000-6,000
A Fine 18 Karat Gold, Diamond and Multi Gem Articulated Necklace, Christian Dior$60,000-80,000
In addition to the property from the Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Fine Jewelry auction will take place April 6 – 7, also on preview during this time.
Live Auctions:
Fine Jewelry | Sunday, April 6, 12:00 PM and Monday April 7, 10:00 AM CST | View Catalogue
Fine Jewelry from the Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian | Tuesday, April 8, 12:00 PM CST | View Catalogue
Location: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, 1338 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois.