Eagle River Democrat. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1893-1896, 1895-12-09
Jewels Sold for Charity.


BY the will of the late Sarah A.
Smith of Philadelphia, the proceeds from
the sale of a rich collection of jewels,
laces, India shawls and the like are TO
be devoted to the maintenance of the
children's playground and house in Fair
mount park. Philadelphia. Paramount
park Fairgrounds and house were given
to the city by her husband, Richard
Smith, who died in Paris in September
of last year A portion OF these posses
sions was distributed at the American
art galleries yesterday afternoon. The
sale was very largely attended. the ell
frances being thronged by standing spec
tators. This first sale was limited to
jewelry and gems, with series OF mis-
cellaneous articles of special value.
The collection was known as one dis
tinguished by a few rare and in some
cases absolutely matchless gems; and
for these the contest of buyers was eager
though the prices were less than those
originally paid For magnificent cor
sage. started at bid of $4,000, for which
Mr.. Kirby said 125,OO0 francs had been
paid in Paris, the new possessor pays
$4,000 This contains no less than
eighty-three brilliants set in platina, ar
ranged with five clusters connected by
double strands of diamonds, and showing
two drop pendants.
The highest bid for any object was
perb rubies with cluster of eight dia-
monds bordering each, and each costing
the purchaser $500. The bidding, which
in this case started at $1,000, was for
each piece with the privilege of secur-
ing both, of which advantage was taken
The same plan was adopted in the sale
of pair of earrings, with large square
emeralds bordered with twelve brilliants,
which were "knocked down" at 1929
each.
A pendant with large yellow diamond
center, with white diamond border, of
eighteen stones and loop containing five
graduated brilliants, and arranged to
hold miniature, brought $1450 A
brooch i'll the form of the feur-de-lis
containing three pear-shaped emeralds
and seventy-five brilliants was started
at $1,000 and was won by bid of $17OO
Another valuable brooch secured for
$500 is large diamond bowknot con-
tanning 149 stones.
One superb pair of earrings fetching
$3.50, consisting of solitaire brilliants
A remarkable brown diamond set in a
chased by the late owner for $4,000 III
ParisY in 1889. The bidding began at
$500 for q magnificent bracelet consist
ing Of three-coil band of brilliants
with cluster on each coil, one with sap
phire and brilliants, one of ruby and
brilliants and the third &C pearls and
brilliants, and this was finally bought
at $3.50.
Another beautiful bracelet, half hoop,
with five gems, was sold at 1925; one
with seventeen brilliants at $3.50, and
one with cat's-eye top and seventeen
graduated stones with rose diamonds
between at $185. Among rubies was
one in ring bringing $500. An oc-
tagonal sapphire ring was sold for 1866
One Of the necklaces, composed of fifty
American 81 coins mounted in Etruscan
borders brought $3.50. A gold spoon,
encrusted with diamonds, went down at
a bid of $215
Among other interesting objects in the
days sale was a beautiful vinaigrette
with enamel paintings. having as the
subjects Cup of Love" and Fountain
of Youth" the piece being mounted with
chain and ring. This was sold for $12O
The sale today will include some fine
specimens of fans and laces and col
lection of spoons and variety of mis-
cellaneous objects, in many cases of pc
culiar interest.-New York World.