Important Jewelry Auction Sparkles with $3.5M in Sales and Strong Buyer Demand at Freeman’s | Hindman
The Freeman’s | Hindman Important Jewelry auction achieved an impressive $3,543,316 total with 91% of lots sold and a 117% sell-through by value. This auction featured distinguished collections from the Estates of Phyllis Pressman, Carol Hardin Davis, and Mary L. Bundy—all achieving white-glove results—alongside notable property from private collectors.
“Yesterday’s results show the continued strength of the jewelry market, demand for signed pieces, and exceptional colored gemstones,” said April Matteini, SVP, Head of Department, Jewelry. “The top-selling lots, a Van Cleef & Arpels unheated Burmese ruby and diamond brooch (Lot 191), a Bulgari diamond necklace (Lot 42), and an unheated Ceylon sapphire (Lot 188), all more than tripled their low estimates. These top lots also had impeccable provenance, proving once again, jewels with stories are beloved by collectors.”
Lot 32 | Sapphire and diamond necklace sold for $89,400
Property of Phyllis and Fred Pressman, the Family behind Barneys New York
The highly anticipated jewelry collection from Phyllis and Fred Pressman captivated bidders, achieving a flawless 100% sell-through and realizing a remarkable $1,096,896. Highlights included a striking Bulgari, yellow gold and diamond necklace (Lot 42) from the 1980s, which sold for $140,200, and a matching bracelet, (lot 41) which achieved $86,225. The second leading lot was a dazzling cushion cut sapphire and diamond necklace (Lot 32), that achieved $89,400. This landmark sale was the first of five featuring property from the Pressman collection to be presented by Freeman’s | Hindman.
Lot 168 | Antique, diamond and natural pearl necklace sold for $54,400
Jewelry from the Estate of Carol Hardin Davis
The sophisticated collection of Carol Hardin Davis of Naples, Florida—encompassed an exquisite array of rubies, sapphires, and natural pearls, reflecting her refined taste and discerning eye—achieved a 100% sell-through, realizing a total of $1,204,054. Leading the sale was an important Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese ruby and diamond brooch (Lot 191) which sold for $171,950. This rare piece features three unheated Burmese rubies of exceptional quality and color. Another standout from the estate was a Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring (Lot 188), which achieved $140,200—more than triple its pre-sale estimate. The ring showcases an unheated emerald cut sapphire flanked by two half-moon cut diamonds in platinum—a timeless expression of elegance.
Lot 70 | Colombian emerald twin stone ring sold for $92,575
Distinguished Collection from the Estate of Mary L. Bundy
The jewelry from the estate of Mary L. Bundy of Massachusetts achieved strong results, with 100% of lots sold with several standout pieces. Colombian emeralds of exceptional quality led the sale, including a twin stone emerald ring (Lot 70), which sold for $92,575, and an Edwardian Colombian emerald and diamond brooch pendant (Lot 71), which sold for $60,800.
Overall Top Lots
- Lot 191 | an important Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese ruby and diamond brooch | Sold for $171,950
- Lot 42 | Bulgari, yellow gold and diamond necklace | Sold for $140,200
- Lot 188 | Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring | Sold for $140,200
- Lot 167 | Cartier, natural pearl and diamond earrings with additional carved emerald drops | Sold for $114,800
- Lot 70 | Colombian emerald twin stone ring | Sold for $92,575
- Lot 32 | Sapphire and diamond necklace | Sold for $89,400
- Lot 41 | Bulgari, yellow gold and diamond bracelet | Sold for $86,225
- Lot 18 | Van Cleef & Arpels, yellow gold, diamond, and colored diamond bracelet | Sold for $70,350
- Lot 92 | Yellow gold and diamond ring | Sold for $64,000
- Lot 71 | Edwardian, Colombian emerald and diamond brooch pendant | Sold for $60,800
Freeman’s | Hindman will round out the sale season with an Important Jewelry auction on December 11 in New York and is currently accepting consignments.