NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s announced that it will offer an important selection of jewelry from the collection of philanthropist, arts patron and collector Mrs. Charles Wrightsman in a dedicated auction on 5 December 2012 in New York. Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman will comprise more than 60 lots reflective of Mrs. Wrightsman’s elegant personal style, with historically important pieces spanning from 19th century diamond jewels to contemporary designs by JAR – evidence of her comprehensive taste and connoisseurship. Select highlights from the sale will travel to Hong Kong, Geneva, Los Angeles and London* before returning for exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 1 December, alongside the auction of Magnificent Jewels.

“It is a privilege to offer these superb jewels from Mrs. Wrightsman’s collection,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Sotheby’s Chairman, North and South America, International Jewelry Division. “Included are designs from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Verdura, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Boucheron, Fred Leighton and JAR. Each piece is interesting in its own right, with many fashioned to her personal specifications by her jewelers of choice, and all crafted for effect. The selection is carefully curated and meant to be worn, and together provides insight into Mrs. Wrightsman’s much-admired style. The collection is multifaceted and includes jewels for every occasion, classic designs that are a mixture of color and texture, and jewels that define elegance and sparkle in candlelight.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE COLLECTION
• Magnificent Natural Pearl and Diamond Corsage Ornament, circa 1910
Estimate $800,000/1.2 million
The Belle Epoque brooch inspired by Eastern design motifs features three Golconda-type diamonds, weighing 8.67 carats, 8.78 carats, 9.59 carats

• Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch, circa 1840
Estimate $200/300,000
Formerly in the Collection of HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent

• Rare Natural Gray Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Estimate $400/600,000
This jewel has been called an “exceptional natural pearl” by the SSEF laboratory in Switzerland, who also state that the pearl “possesses outstanding characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation.”

• Pair of Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Earclips, Cartier, London, 1934
Estimate $200/300,000
With two Colombian emerald drops weighing approximately 50 carats

• Carved Ruby and Diamond Clip-Brooch, by Cartier, London, with an Emerald Pendant
Estimate $75/100,000
The Colombian emerald drop weighing over 100 carats

• Pair of Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earclips, JAR Paris
Estimate $150/250,000

• Briolette Diamond Ring, JAR Paris
Estimate $250/350,000
Suspending a briolette diamond drop weighing 10.28 carats