PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Freemans May 9 Fine Jewelry auction is anchored by a generous offering of jewels and accessories from the Collection of Dorrance Dodo H. Hamilton. The final 16 lots of the sale feature delicate evening bags, bracelets, rings, watches and necklaces, worn and cherished by the venerable Philadelphia benefactress. The 141-lot sale will end with an impressive 16.56 carat diamond solitaire ring, F color, VS2 clarity (Lot 1016, estimate $600,000-800,000).
Other highlights from the Collection of Dorrance Dodo H. Hamilton include Lot 1014, an Art Deco diamond covered bracelet-watch signed by Cartier and formerly owned by Alice Tully. The bracelet is set with baguette and circular-cut diamonds totaling 17.00 carats, and set in platinum (estimate $30,000-50,000). Lot 1012, an 18 karat white gold and diamond necklace, features pavé-set, round brilliant-cut diamond links alternating with straight baguette-cut diamonds and boasts an estimated total diamond weight of 45.00 carats. A matching bracelet accompanies the necklace and the pair is estimated between $25,000-35,000.
Outside of the final 16 lots, the auction features a collection of diamond, gold and gemstone jewels, with signed pieces by Chopard, Cartier, David Webb and Tiffany & Co, as well as handbags by Hermès. Several diamond solitaire rings from a Boston estate highlight the sale as well.
Lot 123, a 5.30 pear-shaped diamond is mounted in platinum and flanked by tapering baguettes. The piece boasts a G color and VS2 clarity and is estimated between $70,000-90,000. Other solitaire rings include Lot 44, a 7.11 carat cushion-cut diamond in an 18 karat gold bezel setting (estimate $30,000-50,000); Lot 59, a 2.50 carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by tapering baguettes and mounted in platinum (estimate $10,000-15,000); and Lot 70, a 6.23 carat old European-cut diamond ring (estimate $15,000-20,000).
A pair of lots by London house DeVroomen will also be offered. The two brooches, Lot 50, a diamond, enamel and 18 karat gold brooch (estimate $1,200-1,5000) and Lot 51, an 18 karat gold, diamond and ebony bangle and circle brooch (estimate $5,000-7,000) are classic examples of the houses bold and sculptural designs. DeVroomen is known for its enamel haute joaillerie, identifiable by the use of expressive forms, colorful compositions, understated placement of diamonds and elegant repoussé gold work, which artfully blends matte and glossy gold.
The sale also features two fancy intense yellow diamonds. Lot 113, a fancy intense yellow diamond pendant, features a cushion-cut diamond weighing 4.09 carats surrounded by pink full-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.55 carats. The diamond features a natural fancy intense yellow color, with VS2 clarity, is set within an 18 karat rose gold mount and is suspended from a fine link chain (estimate $65,000-85,000). Lot 121 is a fancy intense yellow diamond, diamond and platinum ring, centering a cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 5.12 carats set in 18 karat yellow gold and flanked by two cut cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 0.91 and 0.90 carat respectively (estimate $60,000-80,000).
Other notable highlights include a black opal and diamond ring (Lot 114, estimate $50,000-70,000), as well as a diamond and 18 karat gold pendant, centered by a modern round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 4.16 carats, surrounded by circular-cut diamond frame within an 18 karat white gold mount, suspending from a white gold fine link chain (Lot 120, estimate $80,000-100,000). The diamond is an F color with VS1 clarity.
Highlights from the Fine Jewelry auction will be exhibited at Freemans Main Line gallery April 10 and 11. The complete sale (with the exception of Lots 1 and 2, two Hermès Birkin bags) will be exhibited in Beverly Hills April 17 and 18, and in New York April 24 and 25. A full exhibition will be hosted at Freemans Philadelphia headquarters beginning May 3.