Bidding Wars Over Signed Works by Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier at Freeman's Fine Jewelry and Luxury Accessories Auction

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The result of Freeman’s October 28 Fine Jewelry and Luxury Accessories auction exceeded its pre-sale estimate by 10%, delivering exciting opportunities for collectors of well-known houses and makers, particularly Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier.

“Exceptional colored stones ruled the sale today, followed closely by impressive diamond lots,” said Kate Della Monica, Head of Sale. “As always, name-brand items performed beautifully, but there’s also something to be said for hidden gems made of excellent components. Quality always speaks for itself, regardless of whether or not the piece is signed.”

Lot 53, A sapphire, diamond, and fourteen karat white gold ring. Sold for $119,700

RINGS AND PENDANTS SPARKLE

Competitive bidding wars for statement rings and pendants pushed sale prices well above their estimates; leading Thursday’s sale was a sapphire, diamond, and fourteen karat white gold ring that exceeded its pre-sale high estimate by nearly eight times to achieve $119,700 (Lot 53; estimate: $10,000-15,000). A stately color change alexandrite and eighteen karat gold ring sold for $94,500, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $15,000-20,000 (Lot 27), and a pear-shaped diamond, colored diamond, and ten karat white gold pendant achieved $88,200 (Lot 69; estimate: $30,000-50,000).

Lot 26, A diamond and eighteen karat gold bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels France. Sold for $63,000

FREEMAN’S CONFIRMS NAME-BRAND EXPERTISE

Fine Jewelry and Luxury Accessories was populated by showstopping works by a number of the most reputable and sought-after brands on the market today. The auction confirmed ongoing market demand for works by Van Cleef & Arpels, with an eighteen karat gold bracelet studded with rows of diamonds selling for $63,000 (Lot 26; estimate: $40,000-60,000), an eighteen karat gold and gem-set bangle exceeding its $10,000-15,000 estimate to achieve $18,900 (Lot 37), and an eighteen karat gold and enamel bracelet selling for $12,600 (Lot 12; estimate: $10,000-15,000).

A diamond, turquoise, and eighteen karat gold brooch with matching ear clips by Cartier achieved $31,500 (Lot 21; estimate: $25,000-35,000), a J.E. Caldwell & Co. antique fourteen karat gold and metal vanity set sold for $12,600 (Lot 2; estimate: $5,000-7,000), and an eighteen karat gold chain by Nicolis Cola Italy achieved $12,600 (Lot 14; estimate: $7,000-9,000).

Lot 57, A diamond and fourteen karat white gold rivière necklace. Sold for $25,200

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: CLASSIC DIAMONDS

Market demand for timeless pieces highlighting diamonds is strong as ever, as seen in several results from Thursday’s auction. A Verdura Regatta eighteen karat gold and diamond necklace exceeded its estimates to achieve $17,640 (Lot 30; estimate: $10,000-15,000), while a pair of diamond and platinum earring jackets exceeded its pre-sale high estimate by nearly four times to sell for $18,900 (Lot 54; estimate: $3,000-5,000). An elegant diamond and fourteen karat white gold rivière necklace from a private Philadelphia collection sparked interest from multiple competing bidders and sold for $25,200 (Lot 57; estimate: $12,00-15,000).

ABOUT FREEMAN’S

Since 1805, Freeman’s has been part of the fabric of Philadelphia, helping generations of clients in the buying and selling of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, design, and more. We host many auctions throughout the year, including sales of single-owner collections. Freeman’s, Philadelphia’s auction house. Sharing the world of art, design, and jewelry with you, wherever you are.