Once-In-A-Lifetime Sale from Hindman Auctions Set for May 15th, 2019

Have you heard the news? Iconic jeweler Trabert & Hoeffer will be closing its doors on June 15th, with owner Donald Levinson set to retire. A rich history follows this tale, which began in 1930 when Trabert & Hoeffer first opened in NYC. Since then, they have expanded to Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, Atlantic City and Chicago, the latter where they’ve solely taken residence and have been there since 1968. They’ve been associated with jewels donned by starlets like Marlene Dietrich, Mary Pickford and Claudette Colbert.

With such a rich and storied history, as well as expansive inventory that is exceptional beyond words, Trabert & Hoeffer have partnered with Hindman Auctions to sell more than 250 lots of jewelry spanning the company’s history. The sale, which will be held on May 15 at Hindman’s Chicago headquarters, will be available to preview in New York City from April 30 to May 1, Atlanta on May 3 and Chicago from May 10 to May 15.

Going through the auction catalog and having all these incredible pieces up at auction at the same time is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s so many beautiful pieces, I’m highlighting just a glimpse of what will be offered. Be sure to take a look at the catalog, register to bid and tune in on May 15th!

DIVINE DIAMONDS:

Lot 23: I love all the glitz and sparkle that this auction has in store, especially this lot! An Art Deco platinum diamond, emerald, and onyx brooch. At first glance, especially from a catalog perspective, you wouldn’t realize that the central emerald is approximately 117.22 carats! That’s incredible! I love the detailing of the onyx, each calibré cut and set to perfection. Such a rare treasure. Estimate: $35k-55k

Lot 30: If an over-the-top Art Deco platinum diamond bracelet is on your jewelry bucket list, this is “the one”! It is French in origin and there’s A LOT of diamonds in this one bracelet: a total of approximately 33.50 carats!! If that doesn’t impress you, the sheer craftsmanship of the piece will. Imagine that sparkling on your wrist! Estimate: $35k-55k

Lot 235: Italian elegance and artistry summed up into one gorgeous piece of jewelry! This collar is stunning in every sense of the word. It features 19 oval shaped cabochon sapphires that weigh approximately 70 carats total and even more diamonds–381 to be exact! The piece is done in 18k white gold and has a flexibility to it so it feels good on. Estimate: $20k-30k

Lot 242: I had to highlight this ring because my jaw-dropped when I saw it, and then dropped again when I read its stats. So, the center octagonal step cut diamond is 10.04 carats and has a GIA cert that says it is G color, SI-1 clarity. I would love to try on this ring, I bet it looks to-die-for. The side stones are such a pretty complement and match really well with the design, as they are two trapezoid cuts. Estimate: $200k-300k

MAJOR GOLD:

Lot 223: I am so into major gold collars and necklaces right now, and when I saw this one, I thought it was divine! I love the tubogas design element and the diamonds on the ends, looking as though it was dipped in diamonds. This is a piece that never goes out of style and instantly upgrades any outfit. Imagine just having to throw on this one necklace to look chic, no other jewels necessary! The necklace is 18k gold and stamped Italy. Estimate: $3k-5k

Lot 258: Speaking of gorgeous gold collars, here’s another that I am in love with! It has elements to it that tick every box for me, like a geometric style, finished in 18k yellow gold, onyx details, and lots of diamonds. There are a total of 9.25 carats of diamonds and I think everyone can agree, it would look amazing day or night. Estimate: $6k-8k

Lot 270: Panthers are one of my favorite animal motifs in jewelry, so these earrings easily stopped me in my tracks. Statement earrings are huge right now, especially as summer is approaching. These are done in 18k yellow gold and I love when panthers have emerald eyes like these! Imagine wearing these with a summery dress, or to the beach in a bikini…or on a movie date night with a t-shirt and jeans! Estimate: $2.5k-3.5k

Lot 319: I love bold gold paired with majorly colorful gems and this ring is a fine example of just that! Although not a huge fan of pink, lately I’ve been coveting all things pink, including this pear-shaped tourmaline. The sleek 18k yellow gold pairs beautifully with the bright, tropical pink hue of the cabochon cut stone–it makes me want to sip on a fruity drink and enjoy summer! Estimate: $3.5k-5.5k

ORIGINAL DESIGNS:

One really neat aspect about this special sale which Hindman has put together for the closing of Trabert & Hoeffer is the inclusion of multiple original hand-painted renderings of designs done on parchment paper. These, from a collector’s perspective, are priceless and if you love jewelry or own a jewelry store, these would look incredible framed and hung. These four lots are some of my favorites, but there are several more scattered throughout the sale!