SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.-International auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields this past Tuesday offered and sold exceptional jewelry from the Estate of the late Ms. Françoise Hermann of Falmouth, MA with bidding from overseas, across the US and Canada. Their combined auction results surpassed expectations and eclipsed results garnered during a recent sale in New York.
Simulcast between its Los Angeles and San Francisco galleries, the auction paused for rounds of applause after significant lots were offered - each hammering at two to three times their estimates. A determined bidder paid $831,250 for Ms. Hermann’s important antique diamond and silver-topped necklace featuring 62 mine-cut diamonds totaling 125-carats. The necklace was purchased today by a UK-based member of the trade.
A pair of impressive Cartier diamond drop earrings sold for $539,750, each pendant topped with a square-cut diamond above a long straight baguette-cut diamond, terminating in a pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamond weighing nearly 10-carats. The pair, worthy of an Oscar® ceremony red carpet promenade, were signed Cartier Paris and sold to a Swiss member of the trade. Another signed French piece was an important Art Deco diamond, ruby and platinum necklace by Lacloche Frères (estimated at $50/70,000) which sold to an American buyer for $446,250.
In fact, Art Deco amour was the theme for this morning’s sale with each lot of rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches attracting great interest and highly competitive bidding. An Art Deco diamond and platinum convertible bracelet which featured three detachable strands of diamonds totaling approximately 55-carats sold for $248,250 while an exceptional natural pearl diamond and platinum necklace sold for $193,250 (est. $60/80,000). An impressive 19th century emerald, diamond and gold necklace, circa 1890, was accompanied by an emerald and diamond pendant. The lot brought $314,250.
The auctioneer’s catalog included family photos of the Hermanns and biographical information on the lady’s father Dr. Leon Hermann, born in France in 1881 and a one-time director of the company that built the Statue of Liberty. Françoise Hermann was born in France in 1919 and led a glamorous life. Her estate is sold to fund a charitable foundation established in her name.
Bonhams & Butterfields jewelry department director Peter Shemonsky, G.G. was enthused and said, "We are very honored to have been afforded the opportunity to offer the Hermann jewelry and the sale’s outstanding results speak volumes as to the quality of the jewelry and the uniqueness of the collection." The Hermann collection was previewed by the auctioneers internationally, debuting in London, followed by previews in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. This preview schedule, according to Matthew Girling, Group Head of Jewelry at Bonhams, "brought confident European bidders to the sale."
