NEW YORK, NY.- Following Sotheby’s record-breaking auction of Jewels from the Collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon in November, the next sale of Magnificent Jewels at Sotheby’s will take place in New York on 9 December 2014 – just in time for the holidays. In addition to a selection of important white and colored diamonds, the sale is characterized by an exceptional number of pieces with notable provenance, including jewels owned by Helen Hay Whitney, Estée Lauder and Evelyn H. Lauder, Marlene Dietrich, Matilda Dodge Wilson, Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia, and more. The more than 400 jewels on offer carry estimates from $5,000 to more than $1 million, and will be on public view in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 5 December.

Lisa Hubbard, Chairman, North & South America, Sotheby’s International Jewelry Division, commented: “When there is both provenance and a wonderful jewel, there is also the aura of the woman, a window into a different world, a life and a lifestyle.”

JEWELS FROM THE ESTATE OF HELEN HAY WHITNEY
In February 1902, as America transitioned from the Gilded Age to the Progressive era, the marriage of Helen Hay and Payne Whitney made newspaper headlines across the country. Their wedding was attended by President Theodore Roosevelt, members of the United States Cabinet, and the height of American society. The December sale offers a stunning collection of seven jewels that have descended through Helen Hay Whitney’s family to the present owner – a treasure trove of period pieces that epitomize the exceptional quality and unique design of jewels worn by women of prominence in the early-20th century.

Magnificent Platinum-Topped Gold and Diamond Necklace
This captivating necklace – featuring four diamonds ranging from F to H color, and weighing 27.48, 15.53, 13.08 and 8.91 carats respectively – was presented as a gift to Helen Hay Whitney on the occasion of her wedding in 1902. Estimate $2.5/3.5 million

Platinum, 18 Karat Gold, Diamond, Jadeite, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl and Enamel ‘Stalactite’ Lapel-Watch, Cartier. Circa 1925. Estimate $30/50,000

Platinum, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring. Circa 1920. Estimate $125/175,000

Platinum, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Tiffany & Co. Circa 1925. Estimate $250/350,000

JEWELS FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF ESTÉE LAUDER & EVELYN H. LAUDER
Sotheby’s will offer jewels from the collections of Mrs. Estée Lauder and Mrs. Evelyn H. Lauder this December. Thirty-three pieces from the collection of Evelyn H. Lauder will be sold to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, an organization that she founded and championed, while 11 pieces from the collection of Estée Lauder will be sold to benefit The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation®. Sotheby’s previously auctioned jewels from the Collections in December 2012 and 2013 to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The jewels on offer this December include designs by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Buccellati, and Oscar Heyman & Brothers – one of Evelyn H. Lauder’s favorite New York jewelers. A lovely group of wearable evening and daytime jewels estimated under $20,000 complements the impressive selection of more formal pieces. Separate release available

From the Collection of Evelyn H. Lauder, Sold to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Platinum, Colored Stone, Diamond and Enamel 'Tutti Frutti' Bracelet, Cartier, New York, circa 1928. Estimate $750,000/1 million

From the Collection of Estée Lauder, Sold to benefit The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation

Pair of Platinum, 18 Karat Gold, Colored Diamond and Diamond Earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels. Centering two Fancy Brown-Yellow diamonds weighing 8.08 and 7.74 carats. Estimate $100/150,000

FORMERLY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MARLENE DIETRICH
The mention of Marlene Dietrich – legendary actress, singer and cabaret star – instantly evokes a bygone era of glamour and sophistication. The gold and lapis lazuli Cartier bracelet offered this December was a gift from longtime friend Erich Maria Remarque, author of All Quiet on the Western Front.

14 Karat Tri-Color Gold and Lapis Lazuli Bracelet, Cartier. Circa 1940. Estimate $20/30,000

THE VLADIMIR EMERALDS
The fascinating history of the spectacular Vladimir Emeralds on offer begins at the start of the 20th century, when they belonged in the legendary collection of Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia. After being smuggled out of Russia by an English friend of the Duchess following the abdication of the Tsar in 1917, the emeralds descended to the Duchess’s daughter and granddaughter. The earrings later were sold at Sotheby’s Geneva in 1987, when they were acquired for Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis by Prince Johannes von Thurn und Taxis.

An Important and Historical Pair of Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Pendant-Earclips. The two drop-shaped Classic Colombian emeralds measuring approximately 19.3 by 12.3 by 12.5 mm and 18.5 by 12.2 by 12.5 mm. Estimate $600/800,000

PROPERTY FORMERLY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MATILDA DODGE WILSON
The Magnificent Jewels sale will offer three jewels formerly in the collection of Matilda Dodge Wilson, who became one of the wealthiest women in America when she sold the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company in 1925, having inherited it from her husband John Dodge. The three exquisite jewels were acquired in the 1968 auction of Matilda Dodge Wilson’s estate, and have remained together since.

Platinum, Carved Emerald and Diamond Necklace. Circa 1930. The pear-shaped pendant centering a carved Colombian emerald drop. Estimate $80/120,000

Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring, Cartier, New York. Circa 1933. Centering an emerald-cut Classic Colombian emerald weighing approximately 4.06 carats. Estimate $250/350,000

THE GOLDEN AGE OF VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
A selection of 25 pieces from a Prominent South Florida Family are highlighted by an exceptional group of diamond jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels, which epitomize the glitz and glamor of 1950s Café Society – a time when the firm was at the height of its creative powers and leadership of the high jewelry industry.

Pair of Platinum and Diamond Earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels. Centering two round diamonds weighing 3.52 and 3.29 carats, both E color. Estimate $60/80,000