Skinner May Jewelry Auctions Exceed $2.8 Million: Diamonds and Colored Stones Led the Way

MARLBOROUGH, MA – MAY 24, 2021 – Skinner presented a two-session Jewelry auction, drawing highly competitive bidding from enthusiastic participants worldwide and generating high prices across multiple categories. “The jewelry market continues its upward ascent,” says department director Kaitlin Shinnick, “we’re seeing higher prices across all categories and thrilled by the number of lots beating pre-sale estimate.”

Diamonds and Colored Stones

Jewels belonging to Irene Langhorne Gibson (1873-1956), the original “Gibson Girl” and wife of famed American illustrator Charles Dana Gibson garnered significant interest. 

Irene Langhorne was the daughter of railroad industrialist Chiswell Langhorne, and sister to Nancy Viscountess Astor, an American-born British politician and the first woman seated as a Member of Parliament. The Langhorne sisters were known for their beauty and would later inspire some of Gibson’s work. Irene used her influence to take on numerous social causes, often focusing on disadvantaged children and political issues in the early 20th century. 

Unmounted Diamond weighing 12.20 cts. 
Sold for: $444,500

The sale’s top lot was a 12.20 cts diamond passed by descent through the Gibson family. It quickly soared past its presale estimate of $100,000-150,000 to achieve a final price of $444,500. A Kashmir sapphire ring descended in the same family for over a century brought $125,000, a Van Cleef & Arpels Burmese Ruby ring brought $100,000, and a Harry Winston Colombian emerald ring brought $100,000.

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Ring. 
Sold for: $125,000

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring.

Sold for: $100,000

Fine Harry Winston Emerald and Diamond Ring.

Sold for: $100,000

Other Auction Highlights

Antique Diamond Earrings from the estate of Irene Langhorne Gibson. Sold for: $50,000 

Rare Tiffany & Co. Orientalist-style 18kt Gold and Enamel Chatelaine Watch. Sold for: $28,750

Art Deco Platinum, Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant Necklace. Sold for: $23,750

Skinner continues to welcome consignments for the 2021 fall Important Jewelry and Fine Jewelry Collections auctions. For more information, visit us online at www.skinnerinc.com. 

About Skinner

Skinner attracts top consignments and commands record-breaking prices in the international auction marketplace. With renowned expertise and extraordinary service, Skinner is the place for buyers, sellers and the passionately curious. Skinner appraisers are familiar faces on PBS’s 18-time Emmy Award-nominated ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Visit us in Boston, Marlborough, New York, Maine, or Miami, or online at https://www.skinnerinc.com