(left to right) Property of a Lady, Fancy Pink Diamond of 6.11 carats, Estimate: $1,200,000 - $1,500,000; Property of a Private Collector, Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Twin-Stone Ring of 3.06 and 2.61 carats, Estimate: $6,000,000 - $8,000,000; Property of a Lady, Rectangular-Cut Diamond Ring of 16.33 carats, D Color, potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa, Estimate: $1,200,000 - $2,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s New York announces the April 16 auction of Magnificent Jewels and the concurrent Jewels Online sale from April 10 to April 17/18. The auction includes a significant selection of colorless diamonds, colored diamonds, and gemstones, along with important signed pieces by Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. The sale will offer over 285 lots, with estimates ranging from $10,000 to $6,000,000. 

The April 16 auction is led by a sensational Twin-Stone Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring of 3.06 and 2.61 carats ($6,000,000-8,000,000). Additionally, this season presents three D color diamonds over 15-carats, including a Marquise-cut Diamond Ring of 16.69 carats, D color, Type IIa, potentially internally flawless, from The Collection of Elizabeth Stafford ($1,200,000-1,800,000). Colored diamonds are also strongly represented with a Fancy Pink Diamond Ring of 6.11 carats ($1,200,000-1,500,000), a Pair of Fancy Deep Yellow Diamond Earrings of 7.55 and 7.51 carats ($700,000-1,000,000), a Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring of 37.65 carats ($600,000-800,000), and a Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Pendant of 35.06 carats ($500,000-700,000). 

Lot 276. Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Twin-Stone Ring of 3.06 and 2.61 carats. Estimate: $6,000,000 - $8,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Fancy vivid blue pear modifed brilliant-cut diamonds of 3.06 and 2.61 carats, platinum, ring size 6.

GIA, 2018, report no. 11993126: 3.06 carats, Fancy Vivid Blue, natural color, VS2 clarity
GIA, 2018, report no. 11890077: 2.61 carats, Fancy Vivid Blue, natural color, VS2 clarity

Lot 146. Rectangular-Cut Diamond Ring of 16.33 carats, D Color, potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa. Estimate: $1,200,000 - $2,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Rectangular-cut diamond of 16.33 carats, trapezoid-shaped diamonds, platinum and 14k gold (adjustable shank), ring size 5¾, accompanied by a platinum band signed Tifany & Co., band size 6¾, black Tifany & Co. case.

GIA, 2019, report no. 13028715: 16.33 carats, D color, VVS1 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa

Lot 219. Collection of Elizabeth Stafford. Marquise-cut Diamond Ring of 16.69 carats, D color, Type IIa, potentially Internally Flawless. Estimate: $1,200,000-1,800,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Marquise brilliant-cut diamond of 16.69 carats, modifed triangular brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.95 and 0.89 carats, platinum, ring size 5½.

GIA, 2019, report no. 2191850529: 16.69 carats, D color, VVS2 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa
GIA, 2019, report no. 2191852285: 0.95 carat, D color, SI2 clarity
GIA, 2019, report no. 2191852248: 0.89 carat, F color, SI2 clarity.

Lot 264. Square-cut diamond Ring of 17.08 carats, D color, VVS2 clarity, Type IIa. Estimate: $750,000-1,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Square-cut diamond of 17.08 carats, tapered baguette-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 5½

GIA, 2019, report no. 13062969: 17.08 carats, D color, VVS2 clarity, Improvable, Type IIa

Lot 250. Fancy Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring of 6.11 carats, VVS1, Type IIa. Estimate: $1,200,000 - $1,500,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Fancy pink oval modifed brilliant-cut diamond of 6.11 carats, circular-cut diamonds, platinum and 18k rose gold, ring size 5¾.

GIA, 2019, report no. 5141867331: 6.11 carats, Fancy Pink, natural color, VVS1, Type IIa.

Lot 84. Pair of Fancy Deep Yellow Diamond Earrings of 7.55 and 7.51 carats, VS1 clarity. Estimate $700,000-1,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Fancy deep yellow rectangular-cut diamonds of 7.55 and 7.51 carats, pear and marquise-cut diamonds, 18k white gold, 1⅛ ins.
GIA, 2016, report no. 2175558782: 7.55 carats, Fancy Deep Yellow, natural color, VS1 clarity
GIA, 2016, report no. 2175544268: 7.51 carats, Fancy Deep Yellow, natural color, VS1 clarity

Lot 239. Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring of 37.65 carats, VS1 clarity. Estimate $600,000-800,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Fancy intense yellow cut-cornered rectangular mixed-cut diamond of 37.65 carats, platinum and 18k gold, ring size 6¾
GIA, 2019, report no. 11191532: 37.65 carats, Fancy Intense Yellow, natural color, VS1 clarity

Lot 240. Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Pendant of 35.06 carats, SI1 clarity. Estimate $500,000-700,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Fancy intense yellow cushion modifed brilliant-cut diamond of 35.06 carats, 18k gold, 1⅛ ins.
GIA, 2019, report no. 12019990: 35.06 carats, Fancy Intense Yellow, natural color, SI1 clarity

Private collections within the sale offer significant signed pieces by Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels, incorporating gemstones of the highest quality with fine design. The Collection of Florence and Herbert Irving features a Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring of 9.73 carats by Harry Winston ($250,000-350,000); a Madagascar Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 16.88 carats by Bulgari ($70,000-100,000); and a Sapphire and Diamond Necklace by Bulgari ($100,000-150,000). Elegance: A Collection from the Estate of Jean Tailer includes a Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Gold ‘Dolphin’ Brooch by Jean Schulmberger for Tiffany & Co. ($50,000-70,000) and a Diamond Ring of 18.36 carats, J Color, VS2, by Cartier ($250,000-350,000). 

Lot 51.  Collection of Florence and Herbert Irving. Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring of 9.73 carats by Harry Winston. Estimate $250,000-350,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Cushion mixed-cut ruby of 9.73 carats, triangular, baguette and circular-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 5¼, unsigned, no. 16687, black Harry Winston case.

Harry Winston, 1973: Insurance Appraisal

AGL, 2018, report no. 1097224: 9.73 carats, Burma, no gemological evidence of heat.

Lot 52. Collection of Florence and Herbert Irving. Madagascar Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 16.88 carats by Bulgari. Estimate $70,000-100,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Cushion mixed-cut sapphire of 16.88 carats, triangular-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 5½, signed Bulgari, black Bulgari case

AGL, 2018, report no. 1097227: 16.88 carats, Madagascar, no gemological evidence of heat, no clarity enhancement.

Lot 50. Collection of Florence and Herbert Irving. Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Necklace of 23.86 carats by Bulgari. Estimate $100,000-150,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Cushion modifed mixed-cut sapphire of 23.86 carats, buf-top cabochon sapphires, circular and baguette-cut diamonds, 18k gold, 16½ ins., signed Bulgari, maker's mark, no. C3003, blue Bulgari envelope case.

AGL, 2018, report no. 1097226: 23.86 carats, Ceylon, no gemological evidence of heat, no clarity enhancement.

Lot 288. Collection from the Estate of Jean Tailer. Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Gold ‘Dolphin’ Brooch by Jean Schulmberger for Tiffany & Co. Estimate $50,000-70,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019.

Circular-cut diamonds, circular cabochon sapphires, rectangular-cut emeralds, platinum and 18k gold, 4½ ins., signed Tifany & Co., Schlumberger Studios.

Literature: Cf. P. Proddow and M. Fasel, Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity Style,
Abrams, New York, 2001, page 104
Cf. S. Tennenbaum, J. Zapata, The Jeweled Menagerie: The World of Animals in
Gems, Thames & Hudson, New York, 2001, page 163
Cf. J. Loring, Tifany Jewels, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, 1999, page 199
Cf. F. M. Ricci, Ed., Bijoux de Jean Schlumberger, 1976, pages 100-101.

Note: Schlumberger's 'Dolphin' brooch design was made famous in 1964 when Richard Burton gifted Elizabeth Taylor a version of the brooch for the premiere of her flm 'The Night of the Iguana'.

Lot 292. Collection from the Estate of Jean Tailer. Diamond Ring of 18.36 carats, J Color, VS2, by Cartier. Estimate $250,000-350,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Rectangular-cut diamond of 18.36 carats, baguette-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 5½, signed Cartier, no. 11879.

GIA, 2018, report no. 1192662690: 18.36 carats, J color, VS2 clarity.

Property from a Distinguished American Collection features a Gold, Ruby and Diamond ‘Zip’ Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels ($150,000-250,000), a Set of Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire Jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels ($100,000-150,000), and a delightful limited edition Art Deco Enamel and Gold ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Charm Bracelet by Cartier ($15,000-20,000). Property from an Important Private Collection includes a Multi-gem and Diamond Necklace by Bulgari ($80,000-120,000), an Emerald and Diamond Necklace ($150,000-250,000), and a Sugarloaf Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring by Cartier ($150,000-250,000).  

Lot 141. An Iconic Retro Gold, Ruby and Diamond ‘Zip’ Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate $150,000-250,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Circular-cut rubies and diamonds, 18k gold and platinum (French marks), may be converted into a bracelet, necklace 15 ins., bracelet 7 ins., circa 1955, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, maker's mark (Pery et Cie), no. 73176.

Literature: Cf. É. Possémé, Van Cleef & Arpels When Elegance Meets Art, Paris, Les Arts Décoratifs, 2018, p. 158-159

Note: One of the most innovative jewels ever created, the Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Zip’ necklace is an iconic design with an intriguing and storied history. Legend has it that during the 1930s the Duchess of Windsor, known as one of the world’s most elegant and fashionable ladies and a loyal customer of the Maison, asked Renée Puissant, daughter of Alfred Van Cleef and the house’s Creative Director between 1926-1942, to create a jeweled zip fastener to wear with her evening gowns. This request inspired the complicated design process that would take many years to come to fruition. Although the patent for the design was registered in 1938, it was not until 1951 that Van Cleef & Arpels presented its frst ‘Zip’ necklace.

Capturing the spirit and style of the 1950s, the 'Zip' necklace is not only a beautiful and versatile jewel, but also a staggering technical achievement. The upper part of the necklace can be detached and the remaining section then zipped up to form a bracelet, leaving the gold tassel hanging from one side. This versatility brings a sense of playfulness to the high jewelry design. Very few of these iconic jewels were made during the 1950s, making the few examples that do appear at auction highly coveted among collectors. The ‘Zip’ design has also graced several actresses, having been worn by Cate Blanchett, Hillary Swank, and Margot Robbie on red carpets, and by Eve Best when portraying the Duchess of Windsor in the movie The King's Speech. Still in demand over eighty years after its inception, the ‘Zip’ necklace’s ability to stand the test of time speaks to its innovative and glamorous design.

Lot 134. Set of Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire Jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate $100,000-150,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Circular-cut diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, gold, necklace 15 ins., bracelet 6½ ins., each signed Van Cleef & Arpels, nos. N.Y. 57984.1 (necklace) and N.Y. 57984.2 (bracelet), with evidence of modifcation to one link of the necklace.

Featured contemporary pieces include Multi-gem and Diamond Earrings by Carnet ($30,000-50,000), accompanied by an advance copy of Carnet by Michelle Ong, published by Thames & Hudson. Rounding out this season’s offering is an exceptional selection of sapphires including a Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 10.88 carats ($650,000-750,000) and an Impressive Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 50.55 carats ($200,000-300,000). 

Lot 249. Tanzanite, Rubellite Tourmaline, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings by Carnet. Estimate $30,000-50,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Cushion-shaped tanzanite of 9.75 carats, cushion-shaped rubellite tourmaline of 8.90 carats, circular-cut sapphires, circular and single-cut diamonds, titanium and 18k white gold, 1⅝ in., signed Carnet.

Accompanied by an advance copy of the sumptuous hardcover book Carnet by Michelle Ong, written by Vivienne Becker with a foreword by Joel Rosenthal. The book showcases 263 images of sublime designs and is published by Thames & Hudson. It will be released in June 2019.

Lot 221. Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 10.88 carats. Estimate $650,000-750,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Antique cushion brilliant-cut sapphire of 10.88 carats, circular-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 6
SSEF, 2019, report no. 105688: 10.884 carats, Madagascar, no indications of heating
AGL, 2017, report no. 1084367: 10.88 carats, Kashmir, no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement, accompanied by a JewelFolio
GIA, 2011, report no. 5131173673: 10.88 carats, Kashmir, no indications of heating, accompanied by a monograph for 'The Jewel of Kashmir"

Lot 78. Impressive Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 50.55 carats. Estimate $200,000-300,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

Octagonal step-cut sapphire of 50.55 carats, baguette-cut diamonds, platinum, ring size 6
AGL, 2019, report no. 1099032: 50.55 carats, Ceylon, no gemological evidence of heat or clarity enhancement
Gübelin, 2010, report no. 1010576: 50.55 carats, Burma, no indications of heating

Please note that the Gübelin report is over five years old and may require an update. 

The Jewels Online sale (April 10-17/18) features a broad selection of fine jewels and iconic designs by Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. Headlining the sale is part two of The Private Collection of Stuart and Cindy Tietze-Hodosh, one of the largest and well-known collections of Mexican jewelry in the world. Full exhibition of the live and online auctions will be held at Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Center Galleries Friday, April 12 through Monday, April 15.