LONDON.- Sotheby's London Fine Jewels Auction on Wednesday 13th July 2011 will present for sale a wide variety of wonderful jewels from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Comprising 288 lots and estimated to raise in excess of £1.7 million, the sale presents a selection of period jewels including a beautiful Diamond Tiara from the 1920s and from a Ducal House (lot 287, estimated at £35,000-55,000) as well as signed jewels by notable designers such as Repossi, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany’s & Co. and Boucheron.

Commenting on the forthcoming jewellery sale in London, Alexandra Rhodes, Senior International Specialist, Sotheby's Jewellery Department, said: "Following the recent success of Sotheby's Magnificent and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva last month, we are delighted to present our London auction of Fine Jewels this summer. The forthcoming sale features contemporary and period jewels, spanning three centuries of jewellery workmanship and design - some of which are accompanied with aristocratic provenance. With prices ranging from £3,000 to £50,000, this varied selection of jewellery presents alluring opportunities to acquire attractively priced pieces, ideal for gifts or even as a treat to oneself!"

19th Century Jewels
Highlighting the 19th century jewels in the sale is An Opal and Diamond Corsage Ornament, from the mid-19th Century, which was formerly in the collection of Doña Maria Cristina of Bourbon, Princess of the Two Sicilies (Widow of King Ferdinand VII of Spain) Queen Regent of Spain. Designed as a series of ribbons and leaves and a central cabochon opal within a floral border, and set with cushion shaped, circular-cut and rose diamonds, suspending a series of four tassels similarly set, it is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

A further highlight is a Gold, Gem Set And Diamond Bangle, from the mid-19th century, which is estimated at £3,000-5,000. The hinged locket bangle applied with cabochon rubies and emeralds, is highlighted with circular-cut diamonds, and applied with a monogram E A surmounted by a crown, opening to reveal two hand tinted photographs of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. This was presented by Queen Alexandra to Maud, Marchioness of Lansdowne.

Gold and Enamel Bracelet from the mid-19th Century, designed as a series of curved panels, set with oval polychrome enamels, each depicting a lady in the traditional dress of their Swiss Canton. From left to right the Cantons depicted are: Zürich, Berne, Lucerne, Glaris, Soleure, Zug, Appenzell, Argovie, Thurgovie, Vaud and Valais. It is estimated at £3,500 - 4,500.

20th Century Jewels
One of the most important 20th century jewels to be included for sale is a Gold and Enamel Brooch, Réne Lalique, circa 1900. Designed as two stylised anemone stems, the flower petals are formed from frosted moulded glass with blue centres and the leaves in green plique-à- jour and translucent opalescent enamel, signed Lalique. Réne Lalique was a master at recreating nature in fine jewels using delicate enamel work to imitate the translucency of light passing through a dragonfly wing or, in this case, the leaf of a flowering plant. It is estimated at £10,000-15,000.

Also from the 20th Century are a selection of Mazenza Jewels, including a Coral, Gem-Set And Diamond Brooch, Afro, Mazenza, estimated at £3,500-5,200 and a Collection of Gem-Set Jewels, Afro, Cannila, Mazenza, estimated at £3,500-5,200.

Pair of Diamond ‘Caroline’ Ear Pendants, Repossi, each of articulated design, suspending series of lozenge shaped panels, set to the centre with step-cut diamonds, surrounded by brilliant-cut stones. This lot is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

Modern Jewels
Among the modern jewels to be offered for sale is a Diamond Demi- Parure, estimated at £50,000-80,000, which comprises a necklace of stylised ribbon design set with brilliant-cut diamonds, supporting two pear-shaped diamond drops weighing 5.21 and 8.39 carats,( length approximately 420mm), together with a pair of earrings of similar design suspending detachable pear-shaped diamond drops weighing 3.40 and 3.43 carats.

A Pair of Diamond Ear Clips, Graff estimated at £3,000-5,000, a Lady’s Diamond Bracelet Watch, Graff estimated at £15,000-20,000 and an Emerald, Onyx and Diamond Ring, Cartier, estimated £4,500-6,5000, will also be included in Sotheby’s Fine Jewels sale in July.


*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium.