An exciting jewelry sale is coming up and every jewelry collector and enthusiast needs to know about it! Freeman’s has set their spring sale date, May 2nd, 2016, and also released their catalogue which depicts all 237 lots. The first 200 or so items come from various consignors, with the last 17 lots being of significant provenance–a distinguished collection of jewels from the Estate of Julia Sands Chase. Many of these pieces feature portraits of them being worn or handwritten receipts, all of which make them even more special than they already are.
So who did these jewels once belong to?! Freeman’s Specialist, Virginia Salem writes,
“Julia Sands Chase was a descendant of a prominent Newport, Rhode Island, naval family, instrumental in making it the yachting center it is today. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Austin Ledyard Sands, was an original incorporator of the medical board of the Newport Hospital in 1873 and traveled the world extensively until his death in Cairo in 1877. It was during these trips that Dr. Sands purchased many jewels in London for his wife, Julia, and the original receipts that accompany some of this jewelry are clearly marked, “Mrs. Austin Sands, London 1883-1894.” Dr. Sands left his fortune to his only son, Frederic Parker Sands, Julia’s grandfather, who was instrumental in organizing the Newport Yacht Racing fund.
The jewels offered in Freeman’s May 2 auction of Jewelry & Watches would have been purchased by Dr. Sands, bequeathed to Frederic, and worn by Mary Sands, Julia’s grandmother, who married Lorillard Spencer in Newport’s historic Trinity Church in 1905.”
My favorites from the sale span many different eras and styles, including the last four items which hail from the noteworthy Estate of Julia Sands Chase. I seriously can’t get over the diamond and emerald ring (lot 233)–just spectacular! Hope you enjoy my picks and make sure you REGISTER to bid–May 2nd is coming up quick!
Lot 73: 14k yellow gold bracelet with large rectangular links, held together with smaller diamond links–measuring 7.5 inches in length. The charm that hangs from the bracelet really makes this the stand-out piece, which depicts a cityscape (not sure if it is of a particular city) made of diamonds! I can feel the energy of the bustling city brought to life by the sparkle of the diamonds! Estimate: $2,500-3,500
Lot 134: This 18k yellow gold and aquamarine necklace just screams glamour to me! I also think I like it so much because it slightly reminds me of the necklace in the movie Titanic. Measuring 14.5 inches in length, this choker-style jewel is set with an astonishing 75 carats (approximately) of a heart-shaped aquamarine! It is signed Mellerio. Estimate: $10,000-15,000
Lot 147: I’ve never met a black opal ring I didn’t like, however this one is exceptionally amazing. A bold design, centering around a large oval shaped black opal surrounded by 2.10 carats of diamonds, this ring isn’t for the faint-hearted. Estimate: $3,000-5,000
Lot 176: This breath-taking sapphire and diamond pendant brooch, set with sparkling Old European cut diamonds is definitely a show-stopper from this auction. The piece comes with a certificate from AGL declaring it Ceylon in origin, with no evidence of heat treatment. Makes it even more spectacular! Estimate: $5,000-7,000
Lot 194: The design on this ring is very unique, which is why it caught my attention. Marquise diamonds can create a fun, geometric style in jewelry design, and this ring surely captures that. The ring is a size 5.5 and all the diamonds total approximately three carats. Estimate: $3,000-5,000
Lot 200: Kite-shaped diamonds are something you don’t see everyday, which is why this particular ring is going to be such a hot item. How amazing would it be to have this as your engagement ring and be able to stare at it all day! The diamond comes with a GIA certificate which states clarity VVS-2, color G and carat size 6.10 carats! It is also important to note that it has been treated; HPHT processed. Estimate: $25,000-30,000
From the Estate of Julia Sands Chase:
Lot 223: Victorian diamond and silver-topped gold pendant brooch designed as a Maltese cross centering an old mine-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.60 carats and set throughout with old mine-cut diamonds; estimated total remaining diamond weight: 17.00 carats; accompanied by original receipt from Charles J. Hill, London, dated October 6th, 1887. Estimate: $15,000-20,000
Lot 229: A remarkable stomacher brooch, circa 1905 set with diamonds and emeralds all done in platinum and gold. Emerald carat weight–37 carats and diamond weight totaling 8 carats! This piece has significant provenance and also features a portrait painting of Mary Sands wearing this exact piece. Estimate: $40,000-60,000
Lot 230: A pair of natural pearl drop earrings suspended from a cluster of old antique cut diamonds. Keeping with the time period, these earrings serve more than one purpose or look, where the dangles can be removed, leaving stud earrings. So exquisite! Estimate: $30,000-50,000
Lot 233: Ah, finally my favorite piece of the sale! This belle époque antique diamond and emerald ring is just so incredible. It features an almost four-carat Old Mine cut diamond and a luscious green emerald weighing approximately 1.70 carats. I can’t stop staring! Estimate: $20,000-30,000
Anonymous April 27, 2016 at 5:34 am:
These are so beautiful!