Phillips´ New York Jewels Auction – HIGHLIGHTS

Auction on 25 June to Feature Signed Pieces by Harry Winston, Cartier, Graff, and More

NEW YORK – Phillips is pleased to announce highlights from the upcoming New York Jewels auction on 25 June. Presenting nearly 100 lots, it will feature important and unique jewels, including signed pieces by Harry Winston, Cartier, and Graff, among others.

Sara Thomeier, Phillips’ Head of Jewels, Americas, said,

“We’re thrilled to welcome our wonderful community of jewellery collectors back to Phillips for the exhibition leading up to our sale. On the heels of our auction in Hong Kong, our international team has brought together an exciting selection of pieces for the New York sale that will appeal to collectors of all backgrounds and tastes, including diamonds, colored gemstones, and signed vintage pieces spanning the century. We are also honored to have been entrusted with the sale of a unique necklace created by Francisco Costa and Fred Leighton, the proceeds of which will benefit Conservation International’s efforts in the Brazilian Amazon.”

Among the top lots is A Superb Colombian Emerald, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Ring. For centuries, Colombia has been the most prolific producer of gem quality emeralds in the world, with few other regions yielding emeralds of the same purity, quantity, and unique vivid green color. The 5.50 carat Colombian emerald being offered in June is distinguished by a “Classic Colombia” designation from the American Gem Laboratory, fulfilling the AGL’s two-pronged criteria which determines and distinguishes the most coveted emeralds in the world. This gemstone is of premier quality– exhibiting clarity and a stunning saturated vivid color that rank it among the top percentile in terms of emeralds mined in Colombia. This is truly one of the most exceptional emerald gemstone examples that we are honored to offer for inclusion in the collection of our most sophisticated mineral connoisseurs.

A Rare Pair of Natural Spinels from Burma of large scale and fine quality are very rare and exceptional. Phillips is proud to offer this remarkable matched pair of 16.76 and 16.69 carat Burmese spinels without enhancement. Exhibiting a strong, even and saturated red hue, without the presence of a modifying color, these bright spinels displaying vitreous luster are destined for a gem collector seeking the extraordinary. Expertly cut, their attractive pear shape further pronounces their brilliance and clarity. They are truly stunning and singular.

A Bulgari Ancient Coin and Gold ‘Monete’ Necklace is also among the sale’s highlights. Bulgari began incorporating ancient coins into their jewels as early as the 1960s and remains in such demand that the collection is still manufactured today. Conceived by Nicola Bulgari in 1966, the “Monete” collection quickly became one of the houses most enduring and iconic creations. Instantly recognizable and unique and rare because of its tri-color gold manufacture, this timeless example captures the spirit of Rome, set with Roman coins dating back to 300 A.D. This necklace artfully marries numismatic artifacts more than 2,000 years old with a bold and contemporary design.

Phillips is also proud to include an Onyx and Gold Brooch, designed by Bill Smith, the first Black recipient of the Coty Award. In addition to designing under his own name, Bill Smith Design Studio, he also designed a limited number of pieces for Cartier New York, of which the present brooch is a perfect example. Recognized for his bold and understated designs, Smith received the Coty Award in 1970. The Coty awards were the premiere seat of recognition for fashion and design, with notable recipients including such jewelry icons as Elsa Peretti, David Webb, Jean Schlumberger, and Aldo Cipullo.

Phillips’ New York auction comes on the heels of two exceptional online-only sales this spring across New York and Hong Kong’s June auction, which saw a 13% increase from the previous year. The category has seen tremendous international participation over the past year, with collectors across the globe bidding over the phone and online for these important and rare-to-market pieces.