My experience at the Fine Jewels Auction by Sotheby’s
Tags: Luxury, New York, Jewelry, Sothebys, Auction

It was the fall auction season in New York which started with this Fine Jewels exhibition and auction by Sotheby’s. Lots of jewelry designers, jewelry experts, traders, writers, influencers, observers and influential families come to attend these auctions in New York.

I had decided to visit the exhibition with a mentor and friend, Pamela and she was more than happy to show me around because of her experience in the industry for over 26 years. It’s funny that I met Pamela in the ladies room of an auction house and started discussing the pieces at the exhibit. That’s how sometimes women connect, in the ladies room over something common between them. For us it was jewelry. She was very interested in the Indian culture and the amazing amount of exquisite pieces of jewelry our country has given to the world. I was interested to know more about the auction world and her 26 year long journey with it, so we decided to head straight to La Maison du Chocolat for some cofee and macaroons to sit down and chat. It’s been quite an amazing journey knowing her and ever since, we always try to match our schedules to go to the exhibitions together. There is just so much to learn from her that it’s always a pleasure to have her by my side.

So, for this exhibition I was accompanied by Pamela and she was glad to show me the exquisite pieces by David Webb, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Marianne Ostier. Also, there were some stunning pieces by Buccellati, Verdura and Cartier to impresses wearers and observers. This was a huge exhibit of around 356 lots and was to be auctioned in two sessions.

These were some of my most favorite pieces from the exhibition.

This unique piece by Chanel caters an oval shaped 1.58 carats diamond in size 4.1/4 and is signed. The estimate for this ring during the exhibition was $8000-$12000 and it ultimately got sold for $18750. The color of the diamonds was F-G and with VVS-VS clarity. This piece was brought into sale from an important Asian American collection.

I really liked the uniqueness of this piece. The spirals of this ring make it a very interesting piece and definitely a conversation starter. The piece was not of my ring size but still looked exquisite on my hand.

This exquisite size 7 ring was a personal property of a lady from Miami. The center diamond weighs 3.77 carats, surrounded by alternating pairs of baguette and round diamonds. The estimate for the ring was 18000–22000 USD and it ultimately got its final bid at 23,750 USD. The mounting of this ring is platinum and the accenting diamonds are G-H color, VS Clarity. This ring looked very elegant and graceful on the finger.

This stunning diamond ring set with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond in size 6 1/4 was being loved by many. This ring had a platinum stamping of PT950 and the diamond has a K color with VS1 clarity. The auction estimate for this ring was $425,000-$475,000. Engagement Ring, anyone? :P

Emeralds are my personal favorite and I couldn’t resist myself after seeing this stunning necklace with an emerald-cut emerald weighing approximately 8.90 carats, surrounded by old European, baguette and tapered baguette diamonds. The brooch pendent is suspended from a necklace composed of clusters of round and marquise-shaped diamonds. The emerald is medium deep very slightly bluish green and the diamonds are around 40 carats having color G-K , VS-SI clarity. You can use the pendant as a brooch or wear this as a complete necklace.

Another conversation starter. This beautiful emerald-cut emerald and diamond ring from the collection of Katherine Gregory Thomas weighs around 8 carats framed aesthetically with round and marquise-shaped diamonds. The Emerald is medium deep slightly bluish green. The diamonds approximately 3.5 carats are H-I color, VS-SI clarity.

Katherine Gregory Thomas (1898–1994) was born into a family well known for their significant role in the development of the oil boom in Western Pennsylvania, but much of her life centered around Washington, D.C. Known as Kay, she attended National Park Seminary, a finishing school for well-to-do young ladies famous for its impressive and internationally-influenced architecture. Kay devoted much of her time to philanthropic efforts, especially to causes in Washington, DC; she gave generously to the St. Albans school and bequeathed one of the largest ever monetary gifts to the National Cathedral. In the 1930s, Kay and her husband, attorney Charles McGill Thomas, moved to “Windy Knoll,” a 250-acre dairy farm in Maryland, where she remained the rest of her life. Mrs. Thomas’ emerald ring was acquired from Galt & Bro. Inc. Opened in Washington, D.C. in 1802, Galt was one of the oldest jewelry stores in the US when it closed its doors in 2001 and served many notable historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Graham Bell, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

This exquisite ring got sold in the December Auction for $30,000.

A stunning geometric openwork designed, filled with old European and single cut diamonds with baguette diamonds and signed Janesich, with central plaque partially signed Van Cleef & Arpels is quite a historic piece. It was estimated to fetch $15,000-$20,000 and finally got sold at the auction for $18,750. The center diamond is 1.25 carats, F-G color and SI clarity. The other diamonds weighing around 19–23 carats are F-H color, VS-I clarity.

First look at this bracelet and it gave me a very feminine aura. It’s delicate and looks very elegant on the hand. This piece has round and marquise-shaped diamonds, with the marker’s mark for Jacques Timey, who is a known maker for Harry Winston. The diamonds are approximately 15.20 carats, G-H color and VVS-VS clarity. The auction estimate for this bracelet was 20,000 USD- 30,000 USD and it gold sold for 27,500 USD.

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