Jewelry from Renowned Estates and Collections Headed for Auction this September at Freeman's | Hindman
Freeman’s | Hindman proudly presents Important Jewelry on September 16 in Chicago. This auction features exquisite colored gemstones and jewels from the world’s most esteemed jewelry houses. Highlights of the sale include jewelry with exceptional provenance, including signed pieces by Cartier and Bulgari from the Collection of Phyllis Pressman, natural pearls and impressive Ceylon sapphires from the Estate of Carol Hardin Davis, and extraordinary emeralds from the Estate of Mary L. Bundy, as well as an array of property from various owners.
Speaking to the sale is April Matteini, Senior Vice President and Head of the Jewelry department. “Freeman’s Hindman is pleased to present the selection of jewelry in our September Important Jewelry auction, representing a rare opportunity for clients and collectors worldwide. Leading the sale is exceptional color – rubies, sapphires, emeralds and alexandrites. It is an honor to bring these extraordinary jewels to market.”
From the Family Behind Barneys New York: Property from the Collection of Phyllis and Fred Pressman
Jewelry from the visionary collectors behind Barneys New York, Phyllis and Fred Pressman, will be presented this September, highlighted by exceptional creations from Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Bulgari, and Cartier, among others. As the guiding force behind the retail giant, Phyllis Pressman helped shape Barneys’ identity during its most transformative years. With the founding of Chelsea Passage, she redefined home design as an expression of personal style, bringing global artisans and designers to the forefront of American retail. Her intuitive eye and creative instinct are reflected not only in the store she helped build, but also in the remarkable objects that filled the couple’s homes.
Among the top highlights is a magnificent sapphire and diamond necklace (Lot 32), estimated at $50,000–75,000. Set with nine oval and cushion-cut Ceylon sapphires framed by marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, this dazzling jewel will be a centerpiece of the sale. Equally compelling is a pair of Cartier diamond and sapphire ‘Panthère’ hoop earrings (Lot 30), estimated at $25,000–50,000. A rare offering from Cartier’s iconic Panthère collection, the earrings embody the maison’s most celebrated motif and are prized by collectors for their exceptional craftsmanship and enduring desirability.
Also featured is a Bulgari yellow gold and diamond necklace, estimated at $30,000–50,000 (Lot 42), an outstanding example of the house’s bold, gold 1980s designs. Composed of concentric diamond-set circles interspersed with sculptural gold links and set with approximately 32 carats of round diamonds, it represents a rare and important jewel that epitomizes Bulgari’s enduring appeal.
Colored Gemstones Offered from the Princess of Augusta National
Carol Hardin Davis was a trailblazing professional whose remarkable life spanned careers in finance, real estate, and community leadership. The daughter of Hord Wilson Hardin—former President of the United States Golf Association and Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club—Carol inherited a deep appreciation for tradition and excellence. Known for breaking barriers on Wall Street and later excelling in real estate, she was admired for her intelligence, resilience, and refined sense of style. Her jewelry collection reflects this legacy of sophistication and strength, while also honoring the heritage of a family closely tied to the game of golf and the Masters Tournament.
Reflecting her remarkable legacy, the jewels offered in her collection include rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Among the top pieces is an important Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese ruby and diamond brooch (Lot 191), estimated at $50,000 – 70,000. Designed as a floral motif and set with three rare Burmese rubies and over 12 carats of diamonds, it epitomizes the elegance and sophistication that defined her life and legacy.
Sapphires are prominently featured in the collection, with Ceylon gems among its most distinguished highlights. A Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring (Lot 188), estimated at $40,000–60,000, presents a 14.75-carat rectangular emerald-cut sapphire flanked by two half-moon diamonds. Complementing this is an Edwardian Ceylon sapphire and diamond pendant brooch, estimated at $30,000–50,000 (Lot 171), centered on a remarkable 16-carat sapphire and accented by nearly 4 carats of old European and old mine cut diamonds, exemplifying Carol Hardin Davis’s enduring elegance and discerning eye for exceptional craftsmanship.
Jewelry from the Collection of Mary L. Bundy
Freeman’s | Hindman is honored to present selections from the distinguished collection of Mary L. Bundy, a woman whose remarkable life was defined by intellect, grace, and service. A Radcliffe College alumna, Mary’s commitment to civic duty made her a noted philanthropist and a pioneering advocate for women. Top highlights of the collection include Edwardian Colombian emerald jewelry, including an emerald and diamond brooch, estimated at $60,000–80,000 (Lot 71), and an emerald twin stone ring, estimated at $40,000–60,000 (Lot 70).Other Top Lots Include:
- Lot 87 | 10.21 Carat Diamond Ring | Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000
- Lot 167 | Cartier, Natural Pearl and Diamond Earrings with Additional Carved Emerald Drops | Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000
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Lot 89 | Ceylon Color-Change Sapphire and Diamond Ring |
Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000 - Lot 92 | Yellow Gold and 9.21 Carat Diamond Ring | Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000
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Lot 168 | Antique, Diamond and Natural Pearl Necklace |
Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000
National Exhibition Important Jewelry sale tours in September to New York and Chicago.
New York
32 East 67th Street | New York, NY 10065
September 2-6
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Chicago
1550 W Carroll Ave | Chicago, IL 60607
September 11-15
Thursday-Friday, Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM