From left to right: Property from the DuPont family collection, ‘The Du Pont Padparadscha’ Sapphire Ring of 24.58 carats, $500,000-700,000; Property from an exceptionl private collection, An extraordinary Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, $5,000,000-7,000,000; Property of a lady, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace, $800,000-1,600,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
New York – Christie’s New York announces the December 8 auction of Magnificent Jewels and the preceding Jewels Online auction from November 18 to December 1, which together present over 500 lots. The live auction will offer over 380 jewels featuring a notable selection of colored diamonds, colorless diamonds, and gemstones, alongside important signed pieces by Suzanne Belperron, René Boivin, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, JAR, Marina B, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura.
Exceptional sapphires highlight the Magnificent Jewels auction, led by an extraordinary Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet of 43.10 carats surrounded by 67.90 carats of diamonds ($5,000,000-7,000,000). Other notable sapphires include a cabochon Kashmir sapphire ring of 21.72 carats by Van Cleef & Arpels from 1917($1,700,000-2,700,000); a Burma sapphire necklace of 80.86 carats ($800,000-1,600,000); and an Art Deco Kashmir sapphire of 12.64 carats and diamond brooch by Cartier, formerly from the collection of Jean Stralem ($1,000,000-1,500,000). Among other top lots are a pair of fancy intense purplish pink and fancy intense pink diamond earrings of 2.61 and 2.34 carats, potentially internally flawless ($1,200,000-2,200,000); a diamond of 102.61 carats, Y to Z color, VS2 clarity ($800,000-1,200,000); and the Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace ($500,000-800,000) formerly belonging to Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman.
Lot 170. An extraordinary Kashmir sapphire and diamond bracelet of 43.10 carats surrounded by 67.90 carats of diamonds. Estimate USD 5,000,000 - USD 7,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion-cut sapphire of 43.10 carats, pear brilliant-cut diamonds of 8.94, 8.82, 5.35, 5.25, 3.01, 2.03, 2.02 and 1.92 carats, sixty pear brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.76 to 0.25 carat, platinum, 7 ½ ins., detachable and may be worn as a brooch with fitting set with round-brilliant terminals, brooch 2 ¼ ins., two fitted navy cases for bracelet and brooch.
SSEF, 2020, report no. 113823: 43.107 carats, Kashmir, no indications of heating, 'ROYAL BLUE', with special letter regarding age dating specifying the sapphire has an approximate age of 21 million years and appendix letter attesting to the exceptional qualities of this sapphire, in leather bound presentation case.
Gübelin, 2020, report no. 20070021: 43.10 carats, Kashmir, 'ROYAL BLUE', no indications of heating, with information sheet and appendix attesting to the rarity of this sapphire, with a leather bound presentation booklet that includes a comprehensive history of Kashmir sapphires
AGL, 2020, report no. 1109402: 43.10 carats, Classic Kashmir, no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement, with letter attesting to the rare weight and exceptional qualities of this 'ROYAL BLUE' sapphire in a portfolio folder
4 GIA, 2020-2015: 8.94, 8.82, 5.35 and 5.25 carats, D color, Internally Flawless, excellent polish and symmetry, Type IIa
4 GIA, 2020-2011: 3.01, 2.03, 2.02 and 1.92 carats, D color, Internally Flawless
49 GIA Dossier, 2020-2018: Ranging from 0.76 to 0.30 carat, D to E color, Internally Flawless to VS1 clarity
Total diamond weight, 67.90 carats.
Lot 308. A fine Belle Epoque cabochon Kashmir sapphire ring of 21.72 carats and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1917. Estimate USD 1,700,000 - USD 2,700,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Oval pyramidal cabochon sapphire of 21.73 carats, single and old-cut diamonds, platinum (French mark), ring size 7, 1917, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, brown Van Cleef & Arpels pouch.
AGL, 2020, report no. 1110022: 21.73 carats, Classic Kashmir, no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement, with Appendix
Gübelin, 2020, report no. 20092022: 21.73 carats, Kashmir, no indications of heating, with Appendix and Information Sheet
SSEF, 2020, report no. 115218: 21.73 carats, Kashmir, no indications of heating, 'Royal Blue', with Appendix letter
Van Cleef & Arpels, 1917: Invoice.
Lot 382. A Burma sapphire of 80.86 carats and diamond necklace. Estimate USD 800,000 - USD 1,600,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion mixed-cut sapphire of 80.86 carats, round brilliant and circular-cut diamonds, platinum and 18k white gold, 21 ins., may be shortened to 17 ins., navy fitted case and white outer box.
Gübelin, 2020, report no. 20060069: 80.86 carats, Burma, no indications of heating, with Appendix and Information Sheet
SSEF, 2020, report no. 113871: 80.860 carats, Burma, no indications of heating, with Appendix letter
11 GIA, 2019 - 2020: Pendant, 0.58 to 0.33 carat, E to F color, VVS1 to VS1 clarity, excellent cut, polish and symmetry. Total weight: 4.43 carats
30 GIA, 2015 - 2020: Necklace, 0.45 to 0.25 carat, E to F color, VVS1 to VS1 clarity, excellent cut, polish and symmetry. Total weight: 10.54 carats
Lot 168. A superb Art Deco Kashmir sapphire of 12.64 carats and diamond brooch by Cartier, formerly from the collection of Jean Stralem. Estimate USD 1,000,000 - USD 1,500,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Rectangular-cut sapphire of 12.64 carats, old, single, baguette and square-cut diamonds, platinum (French marks), 2 ins., circa 1925, signed Cartier, 'Paris', 'Made in France', maker's mark (Henri Droguet), red Cartier fitted case.
SSEF, 2020, report no. 115277: 12.641 carats, Kashmir, no indications of heating, 'Royal Blue', with Appendix
AGL, 2020, report no. 1110053: 12.64 carats, Classic Kashmir, no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement, with Appendix
Provenance: Formerly from the Collection of Jean Stralem.
Lot 287. A pair of fancy intense purplish pink and fancy intense pink diamond earrings of 2.61 and 2.34 carats, potentially internally flawless. Estimate USD 1,200,000 - USD 2,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Fancy intense purplish pink pear modified brilliant-cut of 2.61 carats, fancy intense pink pear modified brilliant-cut diamond of 2.34 carats, circular-cut diamond surmounts of 1.50 carats each, baguette and circular-cut diamonds, platinum and rose gold, 1 ¼ ins.
GIA, 2020, report no. 2185147584: 2.61 carats, Fancy Intense Purplish Pink, natural color, VVS1 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless
GIA, 2020, report no. 5181147562: 2.34 carats, Fancy Intense Pink, natural color, VVS2 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless
Lot 44. A diamond of 102.61 carats, Y to Z color, VS2 clarity. Estimate USD 800,000 - USD 1,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond of 102.61 carats, black fitted case.
GIA, 2020, report no. 6213086331: 102.61 carats, Y to Z color range, VS2 clarity.
Lot 243. The Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace, formerly belonging to Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman. Estimate USD 500,000 - USD 800,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Twenty-five pear-shaped diamonds of 5.93 to 0.55 carats, smaller pear-shaped diamonds, circular-cut diamonds, platinum, 15 ½ ins., may also be worn as 13 ins., circa 1950.
Provenance: Mrs. Manuela Hudson Mclean
Mrs. Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman
Christies, New York, 20 October, 2010, lot 447.
Note: Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman, a woman of captivating style, was a member of one of America’s most prominent families – the Vanderbilts of the legendary Gilded Age, a period when Vanderbilt men were the merchant princes of American life through their prominence in the business world and the Vanderbilt women were international patrons of the arts.
Born to Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II and Manuela Hudson, Wendy was a direct descendent of “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt, who started the family fortune in shipping, real estate and railroads. He was the founder of the New York Central Railroad and builder of Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Cornelius Vanderbilt’s descendants gained fame as successful entrepreneurs while several achieved prominence in other fields. Wendy’s father, Alfred, was the son of the first Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, who died a hero after giving his life jacket to a woman on the Lusitania when the ship was sunk by German U-boats in the Atlantic in 1915. His mother, Margaret Emerson, came from Bromo-Seltzer wealth and was one of the most sought-after hostesses of her time, operating at least seven large estates around the country. Wendy’s great grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who built The Breakers, the famous family summer cottage in Newport, Rhode Island, had been one of America’s most revered businessmen; her great great-grandfather, William Henry Vanderbilt, was reputed to be the richest man in the world during his time. Artistic expression came naturally to Wendy’s great aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a talented sculptor who went on to establish the Whitney Museum of American Art; another great aunt, Gladys Moore Vanderbilt, inherited The Breakers; an uncle, William Henry Vanderbilt III, was governor of Rhode Island from 1938 to 1940. It was this environment of enormous privilege, surrounded by history, wealth and opportunity, in which Wendy Vanderbilt grew up.
Wendy’s father, Alfred, was given Sagamore, his mother’s 600 acre horse farm in Maryland on his 21st birthday. Elegantly embodying sportsmen in society, Alfred spent his life breeding, owning and racing his horses. He managed Pimlico Race Course and Belmont Park while in his twenties, but his greatest achievements in racing came through the brilliance of one gray colt, Native Dancer, who won 21 of his 22 races – losing only the 1953 Kentucky Derby by the length of his head.
Alfred was also at the helm of arranging the famous match race between the Californian Seabiscuit and the East War Admiral in 1938. It was during this period that he was introduced to Wendy’s mother, the strikingly beautiful Manuela Hudson, by her cousins Marcela and Charles S. Howard, the racehorse owners of Seabiscuit. Alfred and Manuela, otherwise known as Mollie, married but eventually divorced; she later married Edward (Ned) Beale Mclean Jr. Ned was the son of American mining heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh Mclean, who was famous for being the last private owner of the famed Hope Diamond. It was during this marriage that Ned purchased this extraordinary diamond fringe necklace for Mollie and the necklace was later inherited by Wendy.
Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman was a sculptor and painter. Her works can be found in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and other museums. She was married to the Orin Lehman, a great-grandson of Mayer Lehman, a founder of the Lehman Brothers investment house and New York State’s longest-serving commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, serving from 1975 to 1993.
Lot 243 is a magnificent necklace of great intrinsic importance with distinguished provenance. Of impeccable craftsmanship, the front of the necklace suspends a graduated fringe of detachable pear-shaped diamonds, each from an inverted pear-shaped diamond link, to a graduated line of circular-cut diamonds.
Christie’s New York proudly offered jewelry from the collection of Wendy Vanderbilt Lehman, including The Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace, in October 2010, where it was purchased by the current owner. We are honored to offer it for sale once more.
This season’s sale distinctively features an array of notable private collections including Important Jewels from the Estate of Mrs. Henry Ford II, which offers a selection of 43 lots featuring significant signed pieces by Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Verdura and Property from the du Pont Family Collection, which includes a ‘The du Pont Padparadscha’ sapphire ring weighing 24.58 carats ($500,000-700,000) and the 'Sydney Queen' black opal and diamond brooch and two unmounted black opals by Raymond Yard ($60,000-80,000). Property from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. presents over 20 elegant signed jewels including a Burmese ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1955 ($150,000-250,000); Property from the Collection of Athena Blackburn Sold to Benefit Charitable Causes, comprises important designs by Bulgari, Graff, Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels; and three lots offered in Memory of Lana Chenko Haddad, to be sold to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Lot 348. ‘The du Pont Padparadscha’ sapphire weighing 24.58 carats nd diamond ring, Perry. Estimate USD 500,000 - USD 700,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion modified mixed-cut orangy pink Padparadscha sapphire of 24.58 carats, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, gold and platinum, ring size 6 ¼, signed Perry
AGL, 2020, report no. 1109760: 24.58 carats, Padparadscha Sapphire, orangy pink, Ceylon, heat enhancement: none, clarity enhancement: none, accompanied by an Appendix attesting to the remarkable qualities of this Padparadscha.
The extraordinary colored sapphire, known as a padparadscha, was originally only found in Ceylon, also known as the Island of Gems. At the center of one of history’s classic gem locations is the ‘gem city’ of Ratnapura. Under the tropical jungles and exotic terrain of this region lies one of nature’s most dramatic treasure troves of mineral wealth. Ceylon has remained one of the world’s primary sources for exquisite gems for more than two thousand years.
The designation ‘padparadscha’ derives from the Sinhalese word for ‘aquatic lotus blossom’, which shares the same pinkish orange color. This unique color is the result of a careful combination of well-balanced trace elements in the gemstone. Padparadscha is the only variety of corundum, other than ruby, that is given its own name, rather than being referred to as a sapphire of a particular color.
Padparadscha sapphires are formed metamorphically by the earth's tectonic plates colliding with each other, the same movement that causes mountain ranges to form and earthquakes to occur. Within the earth's natural movement, crystals and minerals deep underground are heated, merged and formed into new crystals. Only the slightest presence of chemical material can determine whether a padparadscha, ruby, sapphire or other colored sapphire will form. While sapphires are naturally colored with iron and rubies with chromium, padparadschas are colored by the presence of both. The delicate balance of pink and orange hues makes this gem one of nature's rarest.
Padparadscha sapphires are normally a pale pinkish orange color, making this large, richly saturated example, which weighs over 24 carats, extremely rare. Although Ceylon has been a source of sapphires for many centuries, only a very small percentage of these are top gem quality and of significant size. Naturally, such a rarity is highly desirable and collectable among gem connoisseurs. A natural padparadscha from Ceylon of this size and quality, unenhanced by heat or clarity treatments, is exceptionally rare.
This exquisite padparadscha sapphire was acquired by the current owner's great-grandmother while on holiday in Ceylon in 1937. It is most appropriate that such a significant example of a padparadscha comes from one of the oldest and most important producers of fine gem material and was acquired by one of America’s most prominent families. The island Ceylon was the world’s first and only source of this gem variety for centuries. However, recently sapphires within the small color range have also been found in places such as Madagascar, Tanzania and Vietnam. According to the American Gemological Laboratories, the duPont Padparascha’s size, 24.58 carats, places it in a class with very few gem quality padparadschas from any source.
Lot 347. Property from The Du Pont Family. The 'Sydney Queen' black opal and diamond brooch and two unmounted black opals by Raymond Yard. Estimate USD 60,000 - USD 80,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Pear cabochon black opal of 43.34 carats, circular-cut diamonds, platinum, 2 ¼ ins., 1969, signed Yard, no. 129953, accompanied by two unmounted pear-shaped cabochon black opals of 10.13 and 7.95 carats, also purchased from Raymond Yard, blue Yard fitted case.
AGL, 2020, report no. 1109756: 43.34 carats, Black Opal, Classic Australia, natural color, no gemological evidence of enhancement, with Appendix
AGL, 2020, report no. 1109758: 7.95 carats, Black Opal, Classic Australia, natural color, no gemological evidence of enhancement
AGL, 2020, report no. 1109757: 10.13 carats, Black Opal, Classic Australia, natural color, no gemological evidence of enhancement.
Provenance: Kelsey I. Newman
James Kazanjian
Raymond Yard
The du Pont Family.
Literature: N. Kuzmanovic, Yard: The Life and Magnificent Jewelry of Raymond C. Yard, New York, The Vendome Press, 2007, p. 80-83 for original rendering.
Note: Known for his unique flair and keen eye for quality, Raymond Carter Yard set a high standard for American jewelry design in the 20th century. Under the guidance of William Elder Marcus, Yard immersed himself in the world of jewelry at a young age, working at Marcus & Co. He steadily climbed the ranks of the firm, forming close relationships with the elite of American society along the way. Yard’s honest demeanor and knowledge of jewelry caught the eye of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and they developed a personal and professional relationship that would greatly affect Yard’s career.
Yard resigned from Marcus & Co. at the age of 37, and opened his first salon in May 1922. Raymond Yard’s extensive client base greatly helped him to grow his company. Rockefeller believed in Yard’s brand and introduced him to New York’s wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Woolworths and the du Ponts, who quickly became friends of the firm.
After sixty years in the jewelry business, Raymond Yard announced his retirement in 1958. Yard met with three of his most outstanding employees, Donald Bartow, Robert Gibson and Glen McQuaker, to discuss the future of his firm. In his eyes, these three men embodied that same work ethic, passion and personal integrity that he saw within himself. Yard offered the firm to the three men, requesting a down payment from each employee of a sizable amount.
Within one month of receiving the three down payments, Raymond Yard returned the checks to Bartow, Gibson and McQuaker. Yard had requested the funds as a test to ensure that he was leaving the business in the hands of those passionate about the future success of Yard, Inc. The three men took over the firm on July 1, 1958.
Years later, in 1966, Robert Gibson received a call from a well-known Beverly Hills dealer, James Kazanjian, who invited him to visit Kazanjian at his home in California. During the trip, the dealer showed Gibson the famed ‘Sydney Queen’ – an impressive pear-shaped opal, along with two smaller opals of similar saturation and liveliness. The three opals were originally from the Kelsey I. Newman collection, a world renowned collection.
Gibson was enchanted by the ‘Sydney Queen’ and wanted to purchase it, however, Kazanjian did not want to break up the collection. One morning during Gibson’s stay, the pair went for a swim in the ocean and Gibson was pulled under by a violent wave. When Kazanjian got to Gibson to ask him if he was okay, Gibson suddenly exclaimed that he needed to buy all three opals. The deal was made and the acquisition of the ‘Sydney Queen’ became one of the most important acquisitions for the firm.
In 1967, Don Bartow sold the stones to the du Pont family and the ‘Sydney Queen’ was mounted for the family’s collection in in 1969. The 'Sydney Queen' was purchased by the current owner's father as a gift to his mother, Virginia, to honor her for providing him with the land and means to pay for the construction of his home, when he was a newlywed in the 1960s.
Property from the Collection of Mary M. and Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Lot 134. Burmese ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier, circa 1955. Estimate USD 150,000 - USD 250,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Oval and cushion mixed-cut rubies, circular, baguette, square and marquise-cut diamonds, platinum and gold, 15 ¾ ins., circa 1955, signed Cartier, nos. CG23534 and 3501
AGL, 2020, report no. 1109961: Burma, no gemological evidence of heat.
Important Jewels from the Estate of Mireille Lévy is a celebration of graceful and poetic forms showcasing the best Maisons around the world, from David Webb and Harry Winston in New York, to Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier in Paris, as well as avant-garde pieces from Marina B. Additionally featured are two collections from New York’s most celebrated style icons, American Muse: The Collection of Nina Griscom comprising of Art Deco jewels and classic designs, and The Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi offering an array of bold gemstones and signed pieces by Belperron, JAR, and Verdura.
Property from the Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi. Lot 265. Carved jade, coral, lapis lazuli and diamond earrings, by JAR. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Carved jade plaques, polished coral and lapis lazuli plaques, circular-cut diamonds, with detachable behind-the-ear hooks for support, 18k gold (French marks), 2 ins., signed JAR, 'Paris', both jade plaques with visible fractures.
Property from the Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi. Lot 266. Sapphire and diamond earrings, by Verdura. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 20,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion-shaped sapphires, circular-cut diamonds, platinum, 1 in., signed Verdura, maker's mark.
Property from the Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi. Lot 267. Tanzanite, ruby and colored diamond orchid clip-brooch, by Verdura. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion-cut tanzanite, circular-cut rubies, circular-cut yellow diamonds, 18k gold, 3 ins., signed Verdura, maker's mark, navy Verdura case.
Property from the Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi. Lot 271. Multi-gem and gold ring, by Herz-Belperron. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 20,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Green and blue oval and circular-cut tourmalines, peridots, sapphires, emeralds and beryls, 22k gold (French marks), ring size 5 ½, signed H.B., maker's mark, pink Herz Belperron case.
Property from the Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowsi. Lot 272. D color, VVS2 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa diamond of 10.59 carats ring. Estimate USD 500,000 - USD 700,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Oval modified brilliant-cut diamond of 10.59 carats, circular-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 6, accompanied by the diamond's original Harry Winston mounting that has since been modified.
GIA, report no. 2171299590: 10.59 carats, D color, VVS2 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa.
Note: “Barbara holds the keys to the other side of the amazingly enormous Warhol story. She was there for all the great statements of Andy’s for years before she cared. She was completely innocent, and she literally saw and heard everything and didn’t give a damn. She had the most naïve and unspoiled eye of any human to enter Manhattan.” –Peter Beard
Known throughout international circles by an affectionately abbreviated name, Babs deK was a figure synonymous with style and glamor. Muse and close friend to Andy Warhol, she was part owner, cover star, and contributor to his renowned Interview magazine. Babs’s Warhol years are well documented in editorials, Polaroids and drawings. She and Andy were the undisputed disco balls of Studio 54, and in their lives outside of the club scene, they shared a deep friendship.
Babs was at the core of the Pop Art movement inspiring and collecting pieces by the artists in her close circle. She always knew who the next “great” would be in the art world and amassed a collection reflective of her distinct sense of taste and style. In the mid-1980s she met Henryk de Kwiatkowski and they shared a long marriage from 1986 until his passing in 2003. She was a loving mother and wife, an international beauty, and one of society’s great hostesses. She had a discerning eye and the ability to create beauty in everything she touched, reflected in the art and objects that filled her homes at Coyners Farm, Connecticut; Calumet Farm, Kentucky; Serendip Cove, Lyford Cay; and 1 Beekman Place, New York. All of her properties were beautifully decorated by the combined force and talent of Babs and Sister Parish of Parish-Hadley Associates, the firm celebrated for its designs of the Kennedy White House.
Featuring boldly colored gemstones, Babs’s jewels include some of the most coveted firms, such as JAR, Belperron and Verdura. Her showstopping 10.59 carat, D color, potentially Internally Flawless diamond ring (Lot 272) was originally purchased at Harry Winston and was gifted to Barbara as an anniversary gift from her husband, Henryk de Kwiatkowski, in 2000. The following jewels, Lots 265 - 272 were worn and loved by Babs and reflect her innate sense of style and spirited eye for the vibrant and brilliant.
Rounding out the auction is a robust selection of contemporary designs including jewels by JAR, Moussaieff, and a dedicated section A Collection of Objects by Daniel Brush featuring early designs by the artist, the subject of a recent exhibition at the L'Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels in New York.
Lot 285. Ceylon sapphire of 15.81 carats and diamond ring, by JAR. Estimate USD 150,000 - USD 250,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Cushion-cut sapphire of 15.81 carats, single-cut diamonds, platinum (French mark), signed JAR, 'Paris'.
SSEF, 2020, report no. 111778: 15.816 carats, Ceylon, no indications of heating
Gübelin, 2019, report no. 19102083: 15.81 carats, Ceylon, no indications of heating, with information sheet
AGL, 2019, report no. 1105210: 15.81 carats, Ceylon, no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement.
Lot 375. Offered in memory of Lana Chenko-Haddad. Fancy orangy pink diamond of 5.07 carats and diamond ring, by JAR. Estimate USD 100,000 - USD 200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
Fancy orangy pink cut-cornered rectangular mixed-cut diamond of 5.07 carats, single-cut diamonds, 18k gold, ring size 5 ½, signed 'Monture JAR', pink JAR pouch
GIA, 2020, report no. 2203852789: 5.07 carats, Fancy Orangy Pink, natural color, I1 clarity.
Note: Svetlana Cherevchenko was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 6, 1957. Her mother Luba Sestuk immigrated from Belarus and her father Peter Cherevchenko from Ukraine in search of a better life in the United Sates after World War II. A brilliant student, Lana excelled in school and spoke multiple languages, including English, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian. During her childhood, Lana sought comfort from the hardships of poverty and hunger. She learned to escape the difficulties she faced by playing the violin, delving into books, watching movies and focusing on her studies.
Lana's love of learning carried into to her college years. She applied herself scholastically and developed a particular interest in the humanities, a natural fit due to her love of classic literature and poetry. She earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Nursing. Lana received many honors and joined MENSA and Phi Theta Kappa.
After university, Lana rejoined her sister in Chicago in the 1970s, where she ultimately met the love of her life, concert promoter and music industry icon Edward Haddad. They quickly fell in love and moved to Los Angeles, California to start their shared life. Together, they had four children, Natalie, Nicole, Noelle and Edward Jr. A devoted mother, Lana fully dedicated herself to caring for her children. She encouraged her children to follow their dreams without criticism or judgement. She always regarded her children as her greatest accomplishment in life.
Though she faced adversity early in life, Lana was a giving and empathetic woman. She was described by many as an idealist with a heart of gold who sought to bring compassion, love and assistance to those around her. Her deep concern for others made her a valuable asset to the many clubs, organizations and charitable causes to which she dedicated her time. Charity was always important to her and an integral part of her life. It is in her honor and memory that her family presents Lots 373 – 375 to be sold to benefit three organizations close to her heart.
Lot 375: Sold to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation ®
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation seeks to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. The Foundation provides critical funding focusing on advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship. Lana endured her own five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Sadly, Lana succumbed to the disease August 13, 2019, surrounded by family.
Specially featured in the sale is a custom-ring by JAR, recreated after the signature jewel made for Elizabeth Taylor on the occasion of her 70th birthday (pictured left), which sold in her landmark collection sale at Christie’s in 2011. The single-cut diamond and platinum ring will be custom-fit and set on one-side with the initial of the successful bidder's choosing. Proceeds from this unique lot are designated for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) coinciding with the foundation’s inaugural virtual fundraising gala taking place on December 1, 2020. ETAF’s initiative HIV Is Not A Crime advocates for the modernization of criminal laws and penalties affecting people living with HIV.
Lot 376. Diamond and platinum custom-ring by JAR. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.
The single-cut diamond and platinum ring to be set on one-side with the initial of the successful bidder's choosing. The ring will also be sized according to the successful bidder's instructions. For further information, please refer to the Jewelry Department.
Proceeds from this unique lot are designated for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) coinciding with the foundation’s inaugural virtual fundraising gala taking place on December 1, 2020.
Note: Working tirelessly on the AIDS crisis through the 1980s, Elizabeth Taylor established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991 to reach her vision of an AIDS-free world. ETAF works to provide the direct care needed for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Emphasizing Elizabeth’s commitment to marginalized communities, ETAF’s work ensures that HIV prevention education and access to treatment is available through domestic and international initiatives. ETAF’s initiative HIV Is Not A Crime advocates for the modernization of criminal laws and penalties affecting people living with HIV. We now have the necessary tools to stop the spread of HIV and end the AIDS crisis with sufficient resources.
The ring pictured here was given to Miss Taylor by JAR on her 70th birthday and was sold by Christie's in December 2011 from the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor.
Preceding the live auction of Magnificent Jewels will be the Jewels Online sale (November 18 – December 1) featuring over 100 lots from the most celebrated names in jewelry. Information for Jewels Online will be available ahead of the auction opening for browsing on November 18.
