Magnificent Jewels at Sotheby's New York - 9 December 2010
On 9 December 2010, Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in New York will offer collectors a remarkable selection of exceptional gemstones and signed jewels, with estimates ranging from $5,000 to more than $3 million.
The day begins with a single-owner sale of Jewels from the Estate of William B. Dietrich Sold to Benefit the William B. Dietrich Foundation, an organization committed to the restoration and preservation of art and architectural treasures in the Philadelphia area. The sale of Magnificent Jewels will immediately follow, and will continue through the afternoon and evening. The auctions offer 450 lots estimated in excess of $40 million. Highlights from both sales will travel to Geneva, Los Angeles and Hong Kong before returning to New York for exhibition beginning 4 December.
Appearing on the catalogue cover is A Magnificent Platinum and Diamond Pendant-Necklace, Tiffany & Co.from a private collection (est. $3.2/3.8 million). Showcasing the brilliance of Tiffany & Co.’s renowned diamond heritage, the classic emerald-cut diamond weighing 27.19 carats is certified D color, Internally Flawless, with Excellent Polish and Excellent Symmetry and type IIa classification.
For the first time in more than 30 years, a jadeite jewel of major historical importance will appear at auction at Sotheby’s in New York. The story of The Oei Tiong Ham Necklace: A Magnificent and Historic Chinese Imperial Jadeite Bead Necklace (est. $1.9/2.2 million) begins more than 100 years ago when Oei Tiong Ham, a successful Chinese businessman, is said to have purchased two necklaces composed of beads from an Imperial court necklace from the leading jadeite dealer in Peking, who had reputedly obtained them from the family of Emperor Puyi. After descending through multiple generations of the family, the exceptional necklace is currently offered by a direct descendant of Oei Tiong Ham.
