London – Stunning stones and iconic jewels from the master jewellers and high jewellery ateliers of the 20th century will be offered, fresh to the market, in Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions Fine Jewellery sale on Thursday 27th November 2014 in London.
A turquoise and white enamel ‘Serpenti’ watch from the celebrated jewellery house Bulgari, leads the show-stopping investment quality jewels in the Fine Jewellery sale. Bulgari introduced their snake watches in the 1940s, and later enlivened the ‘Serpenti’ watch by offering it in many differing colour enamel versions, such as the version to be offered in this sale.
Actress Elizabeth Taylor owned a Bulgari ‘Serpenti’ watch and in 1962 was famously photographed wearing it on the set of Cleopatra. The Bulgari ‘Serpenti’ watch has become one of the iconic jewels of the 20th century and a symbol of Bulgari’s classical brand and indulgent creativity. [Est £20,000-30,000]
James Nicholson, International Head of Jewellery & Watches at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions said:
“The history of the selling prices at auction for these watches illustrates how the demand for iconic jewels has risen in the past 25 years, and how they can be a rewarding alternative investment, as well as something wonderful to own and wear.”
Weighing in at 30 carats, a sapphire and diamond ring by French Jeweller, Jean Schlumberger is another luxurious creation in the sale. Schlumberger’s jewels are regarded as some of the finest post war jewellery design and continue to be immensely popular with jewellery collectors.
Designing jewellery for leading socialites and fashionistas such as the Duchess of Kent, Daisy Fellowes, Diana Vreeland and Elsa Schiaparelli before World War II, Schlumberger was later invited to become chief jewellery designer at Tiffany in 1956. [Est. £20,000-30,000]
From across the Atlantic and for collectors looking for gems with an excellent provenance is a vibrant 71 carat aquamarine ring, designed by the New York Jeweller Seaman Schepps. The retro style ring is accompanied with the original bill of sale from Seaman Schepps in New York, dated 1949.
One of the most revered American Jewellery designers of the 20th Century, Schepps became known as ‘America’s Court Jeweller’. He served some of the most influential and renowned personalities of the period, with a client list that included the Duchess of Windsor, Coco Chanel, alongside members of the Du Pont, Mellon and Rockefeller families.
The aquamarine ring is accompanied by earclips also purchased from Seaman Schepps and the original receipt dated 1949 from Seaman Schepps in New York. [Est. £5,000-8,000]
The Fine Jewellery sale will be held at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ saleroom in London’s Mayfair during a day of luxury sales on Friday 27th November that will also include watches, silver and luxury accessories. The full catalogue will be available to view and download at www.dreweatts.com
