LOS ANGELES, CA.- Bonhams & Butterfields offered the Tony Duquette "Talismans of Power" auction, which followed the firm's sale of 20th Century Decorative Arts, on April 18, 2011. The energy in the full Los Angeles saleroom was electric as the auctioneer hammered the sale 100% sold. The unique collection was comprised of approximately 135 lots of jewelry, designed and created by the famed Tony Duquette.

The collection, which brought more than $350,000, mainly featured Duquette's famed "Talismans of Power" necklaces, but also included unique brooches, pendants, and bracelets designed as accompaniments to the necklaces. The elegant pieces were made from gold plated silver, exotic and semi-precious stones, and geodes, as well as iconic Duquette imagery.

Jason Stein, Associate Director, 20th Century Decorative Arts, Los Angeles, said of the sale: "Bonhams & Butterfields was pleased to offer Tony Duquette's celebrated 'Talismans of Power.' It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and connoisseurs to own a piece of Duquette's work."

Highlights from the Tony Duquette "Talismans of Power" included: a blue topaz, kunzite, moonstone, colored pearl and vermeil necklace, 1990s (est. $1,800-2,500, sold for $30,500); a bead carved, sliced and faceted amethyst and vermeil necklace 'Symbolizing the Essential Nature of All Things Being Spirit Expressing Itself in Many Forms', 1990s (est. $2,000-3,000, sold for $18,300); an amethyst, zircon and vermeil necklace with mabe pearl pendant 'Symbolizing Regeneration', 1990s (est. $2,500-3,500, sold for $15,860); an agate slice, tigers eye, zircon and vermeil necklace 'Symbolizing Pluto and the Ability to Evoke Transformation', 1990s (est. $1,500-2,000, sold for $14,640) and a blue sliced agate, paua shell, turquoise, lapis lazuli, glass bead, and vermeil necklace with 'grasshopper' element 'Representing Strength in Times of Difficult Challenges', 1990s (est. $800-1,200, sold for $6,710). The 'grasshopper' element necklace is currently featured in the April 2011 issue of Town & Country magazine.

Originally created by Duquette as part of his healing process, and for his personal use, a number of the Talismans in the sale boast unique mantras. Eventually, select pieces of the mystical jewelry were given as gifts to Duquette's close friends, relations, and notable society figures. Select Talismans have even been featured on the fashion runways for Balmain and Oscar de la Renta.

Also featured during the day-long 20th Century Decorative Arts sales was a robust selection of works in glass by noted makers. Among the highlights was a rare and large Ercole Barovier Mosaic glass vase, executed by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., circa 1924 (est. $15,000-25,000, sold for $170,000) as well as the Pacific Enterprises Commission of Sam Maloof Furniture. Among the highlights from the California craftsman were a fiddle back maple and walnut executive desk, with exotic wood inlay and pulls, circa 1990 (est. $18,000-25,000, sold for $48,800); a fiddle back maple and walnut oval table, 1990 (est. $18,000-24,000, sold for $39,040), among others. (Please see separate press release.)

Auctions of 20th Century Decorative Arts will continue on June 7, 2011 at Bonhams in New York. The illustrated auction catalog for the sale will be available online for review and purchase in the weeks preceding the sale at www.bonhams.com

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Essential Nature of All Things Being Spirit Expressing Itself in Many Forms', 1990s. A bead carved, sliced and faceted amethyst and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 17in (43cm). Sold for $18,300

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Adventure and The Eternal Journey', early 1990s. A carved bone, coral, carnelian, silver and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette, with original box, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $17,080

Literature: Margy Rochlin, When Sharon Met Tony, Town & Country, October 1999, cover and p. 172 for an illustration of the offered lot.

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Regeneration', 1990s. An amethyst, zircon and vermeil necklace with mabe pearl pendant, with original box, length 21in (53.2cm). Sold for $15,860

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Pluto and the Ability to Evoke Transformation', 1990s. An agate slice, tigers eye, zircon and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette 1995, with original box, length 17 in (43cm). Sold for $14,640

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Representing the Inherent Power in the True Knowledge of the Peace That Passeth All Understanding', 1990s. A chrysocolla, azurmalachite and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette, with original box, length 17 1/2in (44.5cm). Sold for $12,200

The offered lot is known to have been Duquette's personal favorite Talisman of Power.

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A blue agate, garnet, turquoise, abalone, moonstone, black star sapphire and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 18 1/2in (47cm). Sold for $10,980

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Empowers the Spirit, Cleanses the Blood to Promote A Long and Healthy Life', 1990s. An amethyst, peridot, glass bead and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 20in (50.8cm). Sold for $10,370

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Diverse Nature of Mankind's Creativity', early 1990s. An amethyst stalactite, zircon, rose quartz, clear quartz, glass and vermeil necklace.with original box, length 17 1/2in (44.5cm). Sold for $9,760

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Regeneration Through Service and Devotion', 1990s. An agate, moonstone, ruby, abalone, clear quartz amethyst and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 21 1/2in I54.5cm). Sold for $9,150

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symboilizing the Eternal Truth That Change is Inevitable. Through Love and Revelation We Move With Certainty Towards Our Liberation', 1990s. A Paua shell, chrysocola, azuremalachite, peridot and vermeil collar, length 15 1/2in (39.5cm). Sold for $9,150 

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Wealth and Success Despite All Odds', 1990s. A mock antique tortoisehell, amber, garnet, seed, wood and vermeil necklace with vintage Japanese netsuke pendant, signed Tony Duquette, with original box, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $9,150

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Purity And To Be Used To Heal The Heart And Lungs', 1990s. A biwa pearl, amethyst, rose quartz, amber, garnet, rhodochrosite and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $8,540

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999, 'Symbolizes the Ability to Trasmute Pain Into Pleasure', 1990s. An amethyst, zircon, moonstone and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette, length 19 1/2in (49.5cm). Sold for $7,930

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Ancient Sun God Ra', 1990s. An aventurine, amethyst, crystal slice, chrysocola and vermeil necklace, with original box, signedTony Duquette, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $7,564

Tony Duquette (American 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Universal Truth and Love', 1990s. An amethyst slice, rose quartz, amethyst cabochon and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette 1995, with original box, length 23in (58.5cm). Sold for $7,320

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), Symbolizing the Signs of the Zodiac', 1990s. A turquoise, biwa pearl, mother of pearl, snowflake obsidian, onyx, zircon and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 21 1/2in (54.5cm). Sold for $7,320

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Unity of Nations', 1990s; A turquoise, vaseline glass, carved amethyst, sugilite, brass and vermeil necklace with vintage 'frog' element, signed Tony Duquette, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $7,076

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Heart and the Awareness of Emotional Experiences', 1990s. A blue agate, lapis lazuli, Chinese glass bead, blue zircon and vermeil necklace, with original box, signed Tony Duquette, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $6,710

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), Representing Strength in Times of Difficult Challenges', 1990s. A blue sliced agate, paua shell, turquoise, lapis lazuli, glass bead and vermeil necklace with 'grasshopper' element, signed Tony Duquette. length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $6,710

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Heart and the Awareness of Emotional Experiences', 1990s. A blue agate, lapis lazuli, Chinese glass bead, blue zircon and vermeil necklace, with original box, signed Tony Duquette, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $6,710

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999)'Representing Strength and Success Through Versatility', 1990s. A turquoise, horn, coral, trade bead and vermeil necklace, with original box,length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $6,100

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Wealth in All Matters, Spiritual Strength, Integrity and Love and the Past, Present and Future Nature of Material Strength', 1990s. An amethyst bead, paua shell and vermeil 'fan leaf panel' collar, with original box, length 23in (58.5cm). Sold for $6,100

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A crystal slice, amethyst, cubic zirconia and vermeil collar, length 16in (40.5cm). Sold for $6,100

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A green agate, malachite, cabochon peridot, labradorite and peridot bead, porcelain and vermeil necklace incorporating vegetable steamers, with original box, length 17in (43cm). Sold for $5,856

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Celebrating the Infallible Combination of Softness and Strength Found in the Essence of the Goddess', 1990s. An amethyst stalactite, amber, quartz, shell and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 15in (38cm). Sold for $5,856

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A smoky quartz and vermeil bracelet. Sold for $5,856

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Beauty Found in Nature', 1990s. An amethyst, inlaid shell, quartz, plastic and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette 1995. length 24in (61cm). Sold for $5,490

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Beauty from the Sea and the Essence of Nature Regeneration', 1990s. A Paua shell, quartz crystal, zircon, lapis lazuli and vermeil necklace, length 21in (53.4cm). Sold for $5,490

Tony Duquette (1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Beauty of Opposites', 1990s. A chrysocolla, turquoise, amethyst, agate, quartz crystal and vermeil necklace incorporating elements from a Thai bridal belt, with original box. length 17in (43.2cm). Sold for $5,490

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Celebrates the Sun As The One Light Streaming Forth Through the Cosmos', 1990s. An amethyst slice, sugilite, rock crystal, shell, zircon, biwa pearl and vermeil necklace, length 16 1/2in (42cm). Sold for $5,124

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Empowers the Wearer with Clarity of Vision and a Strengthened Spiritual Nature', 1990s. A chrysoocolla, paua shell, turquoise, enamel eye, moonstone and vermeil necklace, length 18in (45.7cm). Sold for $5,124 

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Our Inner Search', 1990s. An amonite, agate, enamel and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 16in (40.5cm). Sold for $4,880

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An amethyst slice, abalone, labradorite, rock crystal and vermeil collar
with original box, length 16in (40.5cm). Sold for $4,636

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Celebrates the Goddess of Rain', 1990s. A turquoise, clear quartz, agate bead, agate slice, green hardstone and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 19 1/2in (49.5cm). Sold for $4,636

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A coral simulant, sapphire, cultured pearl and vermeil pendant clip. Sold for $4,636

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Aura of Strength and Competence Which Comes From the Earthly Qualities of the Agate', early 1990s. An agate slice, carved serpentine, goldstone bead, tigersye and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette 1995, with original box, length 23in (58.5cm). Sold for $3,904

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Diversity of Mankind and Creativity', 1990s. A date seed, synthetic white coral, copal amber, bone, serpentine, garnet, celluloid and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 16in (40.5cm). Sold for $3,904

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An amber, bone and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette, with original box, length 26 1/2in. Sold for $3,660

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A green amber, citrine bead and vermeil necklace with 'toad' clasp, signed Tony Duquette, length 18 1/2in (47cm). Sold for $3,660

Note: The offered lot was created for runway use by Oscar de la Renta, Balmain, Paris.

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Depth of Learning That Will be Needed in the Future', 1990s. A glass, ceramic, fluorite and vermeil necklace with carved shell 'butterfly', length 17in (43cm). Sold for $3,416

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), Symbolizes Our Oneness With Nature and All Creation', 1990s. An agate slice, lace agate, Baltic amber bead and vermeil necklace with detachable centerpiece, signed Tony Duquette, length 19 1/2in (49.5cm). Sold for $3,416

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A citrine, tigerseye, gold bead and vermeil necklace, length 24 1/2in (62.2cm). Sold for $3,416

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A smoky quartz and vermeil bracelet. Sold for $3,416

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes Understanding Between Generations', 1990s. A lace agate, snakeskin jasper, agate slice, biwa pearl, amber and vermeil necklace wtih tortoiseshell pendant, length 19 1/2in (49.5cm). Sold for $3,050  

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An amber, citrine, carnelian, smoky quartz, glass, brass and vermeil necklace with 'toad' clasp, with original box, length 28in (71cm); Sold for $3,050



Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Mystery of Creation', 1990s. A chrysocola and vermeil collar and pendant, length 20in (50.8cm). Sold for $2,684

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999),  Symbolizes the Evolution of the Soul Through Growth Experience', 1990s. A carved turquoise, azurmalachite, glass and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $2,684

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Evolution of the Soul Through Growth Experience', 1990s. A carved turquoise, azurmalachite, glass and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $2,684

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A coral simulant, sapphire, cultured pearl and vermeil pendant clip. Sold for $2,684

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An amethyst, citrine, quartz and vermeil necklace, length 15 1/2in (39.2cm),. Sold for $2,440

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A turquoise, leather cord and gold plated metal necklace, length 26in (66cm). Sold for $2,440

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An amethyst, carved jade, malachite bead, rock crystal, abalone, sugilite, zircon, enameled glass and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 20in (50.8cm). Sold for $2,318

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), early 1990s. A rhodocrosite, feldspar, serpentine, seashell, moonstone and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 17in (43cm). Sold for $2,196

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A coral, turquoise, silver metal and vermeil necklace, length 18 1/2in (47cm). Sold for $2,196

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A fluorite, quartz and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $2,684



Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A topaz, quartz and vermeil necklace, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $2,318



Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A rhodocrosite, rose quartz, serpentine, enamel, amethyst and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 15 1/2in (39.5cm). Sold for $2,074

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A coral, turquoise, silver metal and vermeil necklace, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $1,952

Tony Duquette (American 1914-1999)'Celebrates the Goddess of Winter - All Things Resting in Anticipation for New Life', 1990s. An amonite, agate, simulated bone, turquoise, jasper, hardstone and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 22 1/2in (57cm). Sold for $1,952

Tony Duquette (American 1914-1999), 1990s. A resin bead and vermeil necklace with 'frog' clasp, length 20in (50.8cm). Sold for $1,952

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizes the Consciousness Inherent In All Forms of Life', 1990s. A malachite bead and vermeil necklace with painted 'frog' clasp, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $1,952

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A wide chrysocola and vermeil cuff, signed Tony Duquette. Sold for $1,952

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), created for Oscar De La Renta at Balmain, Paris, 1990s. An amber, smoky topaz and vermeil necklace with 'toad' clasp, with original box, length 22in (56cm). Sold for $1,830

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), Symbolizes the Value of the Cat to Different Cultures, 1990s. A jasper, serpentine, agate, tigers eye and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette 1995, with original box, length 22in (56cm). Sold for $1,830



Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A rose quartz, mother of pearl, porcelain and vermeil necklace incorporating vegetable steamers and Thai wedding belt components, with original box, length 15 1/2in (39.5cm). Sold for $1,830

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An aventurine, chrysocola, crystal and vermeil necklace, length 18 1/2in (47cm). Sold for $1,830

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A smoky quartz, amonite, shell and vermeil necklace, length 18in (45.8cm). Sold for $1,708

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A smoky quartz bead and silver bead necklace, length 17 1/2in (44.5cm). Sold for $1,708

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A topaz, quartz and vermeil necklace, length 16 1/2in (42cm). Sold for $1,708

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A green amber and amethyst bead and vermeil necklace with painted metal 'frog' clasp, length 19in (48.2cm). Sold for $1,708

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Celebrates the Strength to Rise Above Circumstances and Succeed', 1990s. An amonite, agate, hardstone, vintage metal bead and vermeil necklace. signed Tony Duquette 1995, length 22 1/2in (57cm). Sold for $1,586

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An emerald and vermeil bracelet. Sold for $1,586

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Celebrates Enthusiasm for Life', 1990s. A coral, hardstone bead, bone, amonite and vermeil necklace with 'animal' pendant, signed Tony Duquette, with original box, length 22in (56cm). Sold for $1,586

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999)Symbolizes the Instinct of Survival and Grounded Awareness', 1990s. An amonite, agate, black onyx, turquoise and coral inlaid bone bead and vermeil necklacesigned Tony Duquette 1995, with original boxlength 24in (61cm. Sold for $1,464

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Longevity and Time Wisely Spent', 1990s. An amber chunk, briolite cut smoky quartz bead and vermeil necklace, length 17in (43cm). Sold for $1,464

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A vermeil necklace with citrine pendant, length 17 1/2in (44.5cm). Sold for $1,464

Note: The pendant in the offered lot was removed from a Tony Duquette citrine necklace that he had created for his wife Elizabeth

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A vermeil open collar with citrine pendant, length 12in (30.5cm). Sold for $1,464

Note:The pendant in the offered lot was removed from a Tony Duquette citrine necklace that he had created for his wife Elizabeth

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A vermeil cuff with black basalt scarab. Sold for $1,464

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing Past, Present and Future', 1990s. An amonite, boars tusk, shark tooth and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette 1995, length of pendant 13 1/2in (34.5cm). Sold for $1,342

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Power of Positive Thinking', 1990s. An agate, amethyst, serpentine, red jasper, tigers eye and vermeil necklace mounted with an Ethiopian cross, signed Tony Duquette 1995, with original box.length 20in (50.8cm). Sold for $1,220

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Celebrating the Loyalty of Friends Through Each Lifetime', 1990s. A lemon quartz, smoky quartz and vermeil necklace mounted with an Ethiopian cross, with original box, length 15 1/2in (39.5cm). Sold for $1,220

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A fluted citrine, carnelian and vermeil necklace, length 23in (58.5cm). Sold for $1,220

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing That All Debts Are Ultimately Paid and All Deeds Rewarded According to Merit', 1990s. An apple coral, wood, bone, resin, seed and vermeil necklace, with original box, length 18 1/2in (47cm). Sold for $1,159

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An aventurine, aquamarine and vermeil necklace, 21in (53.2cm). Sold for $1,159

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A chrysocolla, chrysoprase, cloisonne and vermeil necklace, length 17in . Sold for $1,159

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An emerald and vermeil bracelet. Sold for $1,159

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), early 1990s. A peridot, green amber, amethyst, quartz, glass and vermeil necklace, length 22in. Sold for $1,098

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A corundum and vermeil bracelet. Sold for $1,037

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing The Mysteries of the Elements', 1990s. A glass, malachite bead and vermeil necklace, length 17in (43.2cm). Sold for $976

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A seashell, bone, verterbrae, plastic and vermeil necklace, length 16in (40.6cm). Sold for $732

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A green amber, citrine and vermeil necklace, length 17in (43cm). Sold for $732

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A citrine, peridot and vermeil necklace, length 18 1/2in (47cm). Sold for $732

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. A green amber and vermeil necklace with green enamel 'frog' clasp, length 20in (50.8cm). Sold for $586

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 'Symbolizing the Free Spirit', 1990s. A vermeil necklace with corundum pendant, length 15in (38cm). Sold for $488

Tony Duquette (American, 1914-1999), 1990s. An amethyst, fluorite, moonstone, topaz and vermeil necklace, length 15 1/2in (39.5cm). Sold for $390