A.lain R. T.ruong

Largest Natural Pearl Ever Auctioned Comes Up for Sale at Woolley and Wallis Salisbury Salerooms

Salisbury - Kashmir sapphires and natural saltwater pearls are now generating more international interest than ever before. Both combine extreme rarity and beauty and the two to be offered in the May sale have the additional dimension of exceptional size. It is most unusual for any round natural pearl over 10mm or any Kashmir sapphire over 5cts to come on to the open market. The Kashmir sapphire weighs 9.68 cts. At 33.15 cts and with a maximum diameter of 17.44 mm., the round pearl could well be the largest in the world to have ever come up for sale by auction. Both are modestly estimated at £80,000-120,000.

A large and important natural pearl, 33.15cts, 132.59 grains. 16.51 x 17.44mm. Estimate: £80,000 - 120,000. Photo courtesy Woolley & Wallis

Accompanied by report number 09623 from The Gem and Pearl Laboratory, London dated 21st January 2014 stating that the pearl measures 16.5 - 17.4mm, weighs 33.15cts and is a natural saltwater pearl.

Accompanied by report number 72642 from SSEF, Switzerland, dated 5th February 2014 stating that the pearl weighs 33.147cts (132.59 grains), measures 16.51 x 17.44mm, roundish, half-drilled, the colour is white and the pearl is a natural saltwater pearl.

With appendix letter stating:

The natural pearl described in Test Report No 72642 from the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits a special mention and appreciation.

The described natural pearl exhibits an impressive size and weight of 33.147cts (132.59 grains), combined with an attractive roundish shape and smooth pearl lustre. The pearl shows an attractive white colour with weak rosé and green overtones, poetically also referred to as the 'orient of pearls'. Such overtones are due to an iridescence effect caused on the surface of pearls and greatly contribute to their beauty.

The combination of well-balanced trace elements found in this pearl is characteristic for a saltwater pearl.

A natural pearl of such a large size and quality is very rare and exceptional.

Documentation of historic round pearls can be prone to conflicting details and some pearls, over the years, have simply disappeared. Although some were recovered, the entire French crown jewels were stolen when the Garde Meuble (Royal Treasury) was stormed in Paris during the French Revolution in 1792. An inventory of the jewels had listed a 388 grain, round pearl just a few months previously. It has not been mentioned again.

A pearl of 148 grains was referred to in Taverniers Voyages (1676 - 1679) as being a gift to the Great Mogul from Shah Abbas. Again, it has not been mentioned since.

However, it is certain that the 33.14, or 132 grain pearl to be offered on May 1st 2014 is one of the largest round pearls ever to be offered at auction.

A Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring. Estimate: £80,000 - 120,000. Photo courtesy Woolley & Wallis

the cushion shaped sapphire weighs 9.68cts and is set in platinum with two tapered baguette shaped shoulder diamonds. The shank marked for Garrard, with London marks for 1985.

Accompanied by report number 72641 from SSEF, Switzerland, dated 5th February 2014 stating that the sapphire weighs 9.685cts, measures 11.50 x 10.32 x 7.94mm, the colour is blue of medium strong saturation. With no indications of heating. Origin: Kashmir. 

Accompanied by report number 09292 from The Gem and Pearl Laboratory, London dated 21st January 2014 stating that the sapphire weighs 9.68cts, with no evidence of heat treatment. Origin opinion: Kashmir. 

Woolley and Wallis Salisbury Salerooms - Jewellery - 01 May 2014

Plateau sur pieds en bois exotique incrusté d'une fine marqueterie de nacre. Vietnam, Fin du XIX° siècle

Plateau sur pieds en bois exotique incrusté d'une fine marqueterie de nacre. Vietnam, Fin du XIXe siècle. Photo PERIGORD ENCHERES - PERIGORD ESTIMATIONS

16,5x51x29 cm. (à restaurer). Estimation: 100 € - 150 €

PERIGORD ENCHERES - PERIGORD ESTIMATIONS. Maître MIALLON. Dimanche 27 avril à 14h30 à Périgueux - 9 rue Bodin 24000 Périgueux. Tél. : 05 53 08 60 84 - Fax : 05 53 07 45 32 - bertrand.miallon@wanadoo.fr

Table en bois exotique, à piètement pliant supportant un plateau orné d'une riche marqueterie de nacre. Vietnam, XIXe siècle

Table en bois exotique, à piètement pliant supportant un plateau orné d'une riche marqueterie de nacre. Vietnam. XIX° siècle. Photo PERIGORD ENCHERES - PERIGORD ESTIMATIONS

manques). Estimation: 300 € - 400 €

PERIGORD ENCHERES - PERIGORD ESTIMATIONS. Maître MIALLON. Dimanche 27 avril à 14h30 à Périgueux - 9 rue Bodin 24000 Périgueux. Tél. : 05 53 08 60 84 - Fax : 05 53 07 45 32 - bertrand.miallon@wanadoo.fr

Plateau ou panneau décoratif en bois exotique incrusté d'une fine marqueterie de nacre. Vietnam, Fin du XIXe siècle

Plateau ou panneau décoratif en bois exotique incrusté d'une fine marqueterie de nacre. Vietnam, Fin du XIXe siècle. Photo PERIGORD ENCHERES - PERIGORD ESTIMATIONS

Estimation: 100 € - 120 €

PERIGORD ENCHERES - PERIGORD ESTIMATIONS. Maître MIALLON. Dimanche 27 avril à 14h30 à Périgueux - 9 rue Bodin 24000 Périgueux. Tél. : 05 53 08 60 84 - Fax : 05 53 07 45 32 - bertrand.miallon@wanadoo.fr

Antique Chinese coins at Collectibles Auction Asia 3 / 2014

Exceptional selection of ceramics by Pablo Picasso to be offered at Sotheby's London

Pablo Picasso, Chouette. Terre de faïence vase, 1968. Estimate: £6,000-8,000. Photo: Sotheby's

LONDON.- Sotheby’s is to offer an exceptional selection of ceramics by Pablo Picasso in London on 7 May 2014. This follows Sotheby’s auction in March 2013 of Important Ceramics by Pablo Picasso from a Private Collection, in which all the ceramic lots sold. The comprehensive group of over 170 works represents an opportunity for collectors to acquire their own work of art by one of the 20th century’s most famous artists. The sale includes plates, vases, jugs, bowls and tiles designed by Picasso, depicting a range of classical and mythical forms alongside portraits of animals and people, as well as linocuts from this period. The individual pieces range in estimate from £400 to £60,000. 

Picasso constantly explored opportunities to break creative boundaries and challenge himself in innovative ways. A chance encounter with the owners of the renowned Madoura pottery in Vallauris in the south of France in 1946, when the artist was 64 years of age, was the starting point for his exploration of a whole new creative medium. Picasso remained enchanted by the freedom and expressive nature of ceramics throughout the last 25 years of his life. Working with the Ramié family during these years, Picasso found great satisfaction in working with clay. His freedom of thought and creative powers are clearly evident in these works, and the sense of playfulness for which he was so renowned. 

The years Picasso spent in the region are understood to have been among the happiest of his life. At Madoura, he met his future wife and famed muse Jacqueline Roque, who was to remain his partner for over 20 years until his death in 1973. During his first year at the pottery, Picasso and his lover Françoise Gilot welcomed a son, Claude, who shared his name with the Patron Saint of Potters. 

Since the Royal Academy’s flagship exhibition of Picasso’s ceramics in 1998 there has been a renewed appreciation for the artist’s experimentations with this art form. An exhibition currently on view in Sèvres until 19 May – Picasso, Ceramicist, and the Mediterranean – is the biggest ever dedicated to Picasso’s ceramics. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Quatre profils enlacés. Terre de faïence plate, a unique variant 1949. a unique variant with additional decoration by the artist on the underside, glazed and painted, with the Madoura and Empreinte Originale de Picasso stamps; diameter: 265mm 10½in. Estimate: £10,000-15,000. Photo: Sotheby's

In 1949, Picasso produced six versions of ‘Four enlaced profiles’. The motif of the interlocking profiles dates to the mid-1920s, to a drawing by Picasso that was used as a design for a black and white mosaic floor at the Château de Clavary, near Grasse. In the ceramic version, the repeated profile is recognisably that of Françoise Gilot. Decorations painted directly on to the plate by Picasso make this unique variant particularly rare. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Taureau dans l’arène. Terre de faïence platter, 1948, from the edition of 450, inscribed 'Edition Picasso', glazed and painted, with the Madoura and d'Après Picasso stamps; width: 380mm 15in. Estimate: £4,000-6,000. Photo: Sotheby's

Picasso repeatedly evoked the bullfight during the years following World War II when he was in the south of France. This platter depicts the bull standing proud in the centre, with spectators lining the ring. The bullfight had personal associations for Picasso; it symbolised Spain, the homeland that he decided not to return to after Franco had come to power in 1939. The profile of the standing bull is given dramatic emphasis with a delineated white contour and cloud-like white surround. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Gros oiseau corrida. Terre de faïence vase, 1953. numbered 7, from the edition of 25, partially glazed and painted, with the Madoura and d'Après Picasso stamps; height: 578mm 22 3/4 in. Estimate: £60,000-80,000. Photo: Sotheby's

This large composite bird vase is decorated with bullfighting scenes on the oval body. When he was in Vallauris, Picasso attended bullfights in neighbouring towns. The confrontation between the mounted picador and the bull was a favourite motif, and Picasso enjoyed the company of the Spanish troupes of bullfighters who would take part in the corridas. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Profil de Jacqueline. Terre de faïence dish, 1956. from the edition of 100, with the Empreinte Originale de Picasso and Madoura stamps; diameter: 410mm 16in. Estimate: £8,000-12,000. Photo: Sotheby's

Picasso met his second wife, Jacqueline Roque, when she was working in Madoura. The undecorated earthenware dish, in which Jacqueline’s head is seen in profile, her hair covered with a headscarf, was produced in both white and red earthenware versions. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Vallauris. Silver plate, 1967, after the 1956 ceramic design. numbered 7/20, inscribed'Picasso', published by François and Pierre Hugo, 1967, Paris, with the original wooden presentation box; diameter: 415mm 16½in. Estimate: £20,000-30,000. Photo: Sotheby's

After World War II, an annual summer exhibition took place in Vallauris, and Picasso began to produce posters for the event. In 1956, the design of the Vallauris exhibition poster was used on the commemorative ceramic dishes that he produced in the same year. Within an oval central image, a frontal view of a faun in the centre is flanked by profiles at either side. The faun’s horns protrude beyond the rim of the oval. The name of the town and the date were carved in reverse into the plaster, so that they would read correctly; though the final ‘s’ of Vallauris is reversed. Discussions with François Hugo and his son, Pierre, the renowned gold- and silversmiths, about an edition in silver began in 1956, and took a full ten years to develop, before being fully realised in 1967. During this time, Picasso chose to keep private the development of the silver plates. 

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Pierre Hugo.

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Visage en forme de trèfle. Gold pendant, 1973. with the stamped signature and numbered 1/20 on the reverse, also stamped 'Hugo', with the goldsmith's mark 'FH' and numbered '1683' and '1621', with the original fitted wooden case incised 'Picasso'; 43 by 52mm 1 3/4 by 2 1/8 in. Estimate: £7,000-10,000. Photo: Sotheby's

Gold pieces by Picasso are rarely seen on the auction market. From an early edition that Picasso produced with François Hugo – who designed limited-edition jewellery interpretations for Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Max Ernst and Coco Chanel – this medallion is stamped with the ‘FH’ goldsmith’s mark and ‘Hugo’. The collaboration between Picasso and Hugo was important to both men, and their friendship endured until the end of Picasso’s life. 

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Pierre Hugo.

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Vase aztèque aux quatre visages. Terre de faïence vase, 1957. numbered 37/50, inscribed'Madoura' and 'Edition Picasso', partially glazed and painted, with the Madoura and Edition Picasso stamps; height: 540mm 21in. Estimate: £25,000-35,000. Photo: Sotheby's

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Vase aztèque aux quatre visages. Terre de faïence vase, 1957. numbered 84/100, inscribed 'Edition Picasso' and 'Madoura', painted, with the Edition Picasso and Madoura stamps; height: 560mm 22in. Estimate: £35,000-40,000. Photo: Sotheby's

Picasso’s Aztec vases look back to Pre-Columbian stirrup heads, with their round handles topping the design, and like his forebears, he saw the potential in transforming the vase into a head. Picasso decorated each side so that faces appear on all of them, with an eye shared between adjacent faces. The handle is painted to give the appearance of a braid of hair, and in this example, is shaped into a circular form above the front of the woman’s face – modelled on Jacqueline – which has a circular mark above her nose, like a Hindu caste mark. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973), Chouette. Terre de faïence vase, 1968. numbered 472/500, with the workshop numbering, incised 'Edition Picasso' and 'Madoura', partially glazed and painted, with the Madoura and Edition Picasso stamps; height: 297mm 11 3/4 in. Estimate: £6,000-8,000. Photo: Sotheby's

Picasso came up with the idea of representing a bird (mostly owls) with composite pots of his own design. The open neck of the vase formed the head; an amphora, turned sideways, became the body; and a neck positioned at the end of the amphora formed the tail, with all the assembled components placed on another neck to create a stand. Picasso adopted and tamed an injured owl, when he was working in Antibes in the south of France in 1946, and named it Ubu, an assonant of the French word for owl, ‘hibou’. 

Sotheby's Geneva to sell an impressive selection of magnificent jewels and noble jewels

 GENEVA.- On 13 May 2014, Sotheby’s Geneva auction of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels will present an impressive selection of signed and period jewels from private collections, some with noble provenance. The array of important diamonds in the sale includes the ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’, an exceptional 100.09 carat daffodil yellow diamond ring and the Victory Diamond, named in honour of the Allied victory in World War II. Coloured stones include an important 121.00 carat Burmese sapphire and an exquisite 12.46 carat Burmese ruby. Collectors of jewels from the 20th century will be captivated by the Belperron jewels from the collection of Mme Picha-Eisenstein, a close friend of the celebrated designer Suzanne Belperron. 

David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland and Chairman of the Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East commented: “It is a very interesting and varied sale featuring fine coloured gemstones, magnificent white diamonds, and a wide choice among many private collections of fine jewellery, some of them with noble provenance. Of particular interest to the collector will be the fascinating group of jewels by Suzanne Belperron which was formed by one of her close friends, Madame Mary Picha-Eisenstein; and a small but exquisite private collection of art nouveau jewels by René Lalique”.  

Jewels from the Collection of Flora Sassoon
Sotheby’s will present a selection of jewels from the collection of Flora Sassoon. A pioneering and influential figure of the late 19th and early 20th century, Flora Sassoon excelled in business, successfully running her husband’s Bombay business after he died, and went on to shine in social and philanthropic circles in turn-of-the-century London. Outstanding pieces from her collection include a ravishing diamond necklace, (lot 459, est. CHF 360,000 – 625,000 / $400,000 – 700,000).

The auction will also feature an impressive selection of pieces from other important private collections, some of noble and royal provenance. 

Formerly in the Collection of Flora Sassoon, Diamond necklace, circa 1900. Estimate: 360,000 – 625,000 CHF / 400,000 - 700,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s

Diamonds of exception
The Magnificent Jewels section features an exceptional offering of important diamonds, led by the spectacular ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’, a sensational daffodil yellow diamond weighing 100.09 carats, mounted as a ring. Of exceptional beauty and extraordinary fire and brilliance, this gem is among the largest Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds in the world, appearing on the list of the ‘World’s Largest Cut Diamonds’ in Ian Balfour’s Famous Diamonds (2008) (lot 507, est. CHF 13,400,000 – 22,300,000 / $15,000,000 – 25,000,000).

The spectacular ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’. Est. CHF 13,400,000 – 22,300,000 / $15,000,000 – 25,000,000. Photo: Sotheby's.

The selection will also include a stunning cushion brilliant-cut diamond weighing 70.33 carats. This D Colour flawless gem was found to be part of the rare Type IIa subgroup – chemically the purest of all diamond crystals and often with extraordinary optical transparency (lot 500, est. CHF 10,700,000 – 14,300,000 / $12,000,000 – 16,000,000). 

Of fascinating historical significance is the Victory Diamond, named in honour of the Allied victory in World War II. A step-cut diamond weighing 31.34 carats, it was also graded by the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) as D Colour and Potentially Flawless, and is also Type IIa. The Victory Diamond formerly belonged to Florence Gould, celebrated as one of the truly great collectors of jewellery in the 20th century (lot 504, est. CHF 4,460,000 – 7,100,000 / $5,000,000 – 8,000,000). 

Property from a Private Collection. The Victory Diamond. Weighing 31.34 carats, D Colour, VVS2 Clarity, Type IIa Potentially Internally Flawless. Estimate: 4,460,000 CHF - 7,100,000 CHF / 5,000,000 - 8,000,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s

Among the other white diamonds on offer is a spectacular diamond ring by Graff, set with a round brilliant-cut diamond which, at 103.46 carats, is one of the largest known round diamonds. The gem, like the ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’, appears on Famous Diamonds’ list of the ‘World’s Largest Cut Diamonds’ (lot 506, est. CHF 3,200,000 – 4,460,000 / $3,500,000 – 5,000,000). 

The section will also feature an impressive array of step-cut, potentially flawless diamonds, including a D Colour 17.25 carat diamond (lot 493, est. CHF 1,520,000 – 2,200,000 / $1,700,000 – 2,400,000). Also worthy of note is a 30.01 carat diamond (lot 496, est. CHF 1,340,000 – 2,230,000 / $1,500,000 – 2,500,000). 

Coloured Diamonds
The selection of coloured diamonds comprises a delightful ring of toi et moi design, set with two diamonds: one a Fancy Vivid Blue of 3.08 carats and the other a Fancy Intense Blue weighing 2.83 carats. Both diamonds are potentially flawless (lot 526, est. CHF 3,570,000 – 6,200,000 / $4,000,000 – 7,000,000).

The allure of pink diamonds is exemplified this Spring in a Fancy Pink diamond ring, claw-set with a marquise-shaped stone weighing 12.07 carats (lot 522, est. CHF 3,570,000 – 6,200,000 / $4,000,000 – 7,000,000) along with a round brilliant Fancy Light Pink diamond ring weighing 10.11 carats (lot 525, est. CHF 450,000 – 715,000 / $500,000 – 800,000).

From an Important Private Collection. Fancy Light Pink diamond ring weighing 10.11 carats, Natural Colour, Fancy Light Pink, VS2 Clarity. Estimate: 450,000 – 715,000 CHF / 500,000 – 800,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s

From an Important Private Collection. Fancy Vivid Blue and Fancy Intense Blue "toi et moi" diamond ring, set with one fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 3.08 carats, the other fancy intense blue weighing 2.83 carats, both VVS1 clarity and both Potentially Flawless. Estimate: 3,570,000 - 6,200,000 CHF / 4,000,000 - 7,000,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s
 
From an Important Private Collection. Fancy Pink diamond ring. Weighing 12.07 carats, Natural Colour, Fancy Pink, Internally Flawless. Estimate: 3,570,000  - 6,200,000 CHF / 4,000,000 – 7,000,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s

Coloured Gemstones
The sale in May will also feature a rich assortment of exceptional gemstones. The exemplary characteristics of Burmese rubies are represented by a very important ruby and diamond ring (left), set with a cushion-shaped ruby weighing 12.46 carats between triangular diamond shoulders (lot 461, est. CHF 2,500,000 – 4,250,000 / $2,800,000 – 4,800,000).

A very important Burmese ruby and diamond ring weighing 12.46 carats. Estimate: 2,500,000–4,250,000 CHF / 2,800,000–4,800,000 USD. Photo Sotheby’s

Meanwhile, a fine example of Kashmir sapphires is found in an important sapphire and diamond ring – the cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 10.96 carats mounted as a ring between demi-lune diamond shoulders. The Swiss Gemmological Institute describes this exceptional sapphire: “the velvety blue of this sapphire is due to very fine and subtle inclusions and a combination of well-balanced trace elements in the gemstone” (lot 492, est. CHF 1,100,000 – 1,400,000 / $1,200,000 – 1,600,000). 

Connoisseurs will also delight in a rare and magnificent unmounted Burmese sapphire – an oval stone weighing 121.00 carats. The gem is accompanied by a Gübelin report stating that the stone is “free from thermal treatment, and possessing a richly saturated and homogenous colour, combined with a high degree of transparency” (lot 445, est. CHF 1,200,000 – 1,600,000 / $1,300,000 – 1,800,000). 

The section will offer a variety of emerald jewels, including an emerald and diamond ring, featuring a step-cut Colombian emerald weighing 30.32 carats (lot 514, est. CHF 270,000 – 450,000 / $300,000 – 500,000). A further example of the dazzling green of Colombian emeralds can be found in an exquisite pair of emerald and diamond ear clips, each with a bow-shaped surmount set with triangular diamonds and a cabochon emerald, suspending a drop-shaped emerald (lot 520, est. CHF 180,000 – 270,000 / $200,000 – 300,000). 

The sale will include a wide selection of fine natural pearl jewels - more than 60 pieces - among them necklaces and ear pendants and fine pearl drops. Highlights include a natural pearl and diamond necklace (lot 505, est. CHF 225,000 – 315,000 / $250,000 – 350,000) and a pair of natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings from a Noble Collection (lot 460, est. CHF 315,000 – 490,000 / $350,000 – 550,000). 

Signed and Period Jewels
The sale this spring features a fascinating selection of jewels demonstrating exemplary craftsmanship and historical significance. A fragment of aviation history is brought to life through a gold and diamond necklace (illustrated left) from the collection of Jacqueline Auriol, celebrated as one of the most audacious test pilots of the 20th century. A gift to Mme Auriol from aircraft industrialist Marcel Dassault in honour of her achievements, the necklace is embellished to the side with a gold Mystère IV fighter jet and a line of graduating circular-cut diamonds (lot 432, est. CHF 20,000 – 30,000 / $22,000 – 33,000).

Connoisseurs of jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels will delight in wonderful examples of serti mystérieux craftsmanship: a selection of jewels designed as flowers, the petals composed of calibré-cut rubies, the pistils with brilliant-cut diamonds. The sale includes a ruby and diamond brooch, ‘Deux Fleurs’, 1996 (lot 501, est. CHF 135,000 - 225,000 / $150,000 – 250,000), along with a pair of ruby and diamond ear clips ‘Pergola Royale’, 1996 (lot 502, est. CHF 135,000 – 225,000 / $150,000 – 250,000) and a pair of ruby and diamond brooches (lot 517, est. CHF 65,000 – 90,000 / $70,000 – 100,000). 

A ruby and diamond brooch, ‘Deux Fleurs’, 1996 (lot 501, est. CHF 135,000 - 225,000 / $150,000 – 250,000), with a pair of ruby and diamond ear clips ‘Pergola Royale’, 1996 (lot 502, est. CHF 135,000 –225,000 / $150,000 – 250,000. Photo: Sotheby's

The Art Nouveau designer René Lalique is represented by a small but exquisite private collection of jewels, including a natural pearl, enamel and diamond devant le corsage set with glass berry clusters and circular-, single-cut and rose diamonds, suspending a baroque-shaped natural pearl (lot 391, est. CHF 105,000 – 135,000 / $118,000 – 150,000). 

Sotheby's Geneva has led the market for Belperron jewels since the sale of Suzanne Belperron's personal collection in 2012. The woman widely recognised as the greatest female jewellery designer of the 20th century is well represented in this sale, with a selection showcasing her creativity and craft. The ensemble is from the Collection of Mme Picha-Eisenstein, a dear friend of Mme Belperron who regularly sought out Suzanne to make jewels for her personal collection. Admiring of her talent, she often recommended Mme Belperron to famous actors and actresses whom she knew through her husband, Boris Eisenstein, founder of the “Société Parisienne de Sonorisation”. She wore her Belperron jewels when attending the annual Cannes Film Festival where she met the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Cary Grant and dear friends Walt and Roy Disney. Highlights from Mme Picha-Eistensten’s collection include a pair of diamond clips by Suzanne Belperron, 1943, accompanied by a hinged torque necklace (above) (lot 233, est. CHF 37,000 – 50,000 / $40,000 – 53,000) and a diamond cuff bracelet, ‘Mon Bracelet’, Suzanne Belperron, 1942, composed of three tapered bands set with circular-cut diamonds (lot 249, est. CHF 37,000 – 50,000 / $40,000 – 53,000). 

A pair of Dutch Delft polychrome vases, mid-18th century

A pair of Dutch Delft polychrome vases, mid-18th century. Photo Sotheby's

of slender lobed baluster form, painted in the 'cashmire' palette with panels of a bird amongst flowers alternating with a bird perched on a vase of flowers beneath a floral lappet border, restoration to one rim. Quantité: 2; 32.5cm., 12 3/4 in. high. Estimation 1,000 — 1,500 GBP

Provenance: The Stodel Collection (paper label to base)

Sotheby's. The Gustav Leonhardt Collection, Property from the Bartolotti House, Amsterdam. London | 29 avr. 2014 - www.sothebys.com

A gem-set marine scene brooch, Seaman Schepps

A gem-set marine scene brooch, Seaman Schepps. Photo Bonhams.

designed as a carved opal fish, with a circular-cut sapphire eye, enhanced by a coral branch and textured gold seaweed, set with circular-cut diamond and emeralds and baroque cultured pearls; signed Seaman Schepps; no. P12111, with maker's mark; mounted in eighteen karat gold; length: 2 1/2in. Sold for US$ 7,500 (€5,419)

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY. New York, 9 Apr 2014 - www.bonhams.com

Four Dutch Delft polychrome vases and covers, circa 1700-1720

Four Dutch Delft polychrome vases and covers, circa 1700-1720. Photo Sotheby's

all painted in the 'cashmire' palette with flowers and formal borders to the rims, the large vase of flattened form painted with a scene of a large bird perched upon rockwork, picked out in ochre, the baluster shaped vase with similar pattern, the three largest vases with LVE marks over numerals in underglaze-blue and iron-red for Lambertus van Eenhoorn, some restoration. Quantité: 8: the largest vase: 34cm., 13 3/8 in. high. Estimation 2,000 — 4,000 GBP 

Sotheby's. The Gustav Leonhardt Collection, Property from the Bartolotti House, Amsterdam. London | 29 avr. 2014 - www.sothebys.com