NEW YORK, NY.- Just in time for the holidays, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Fine Jewels auctions will be held in New York on 8 & 9 December 2016. Both sales feature a wonderful array of signed and iconic jewels by renowned houses including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and David Webb, alongside rare designs by Suzanne Belperron, Paul Flato, JAR and René Lalique. This year, the sales are further distinguished by exceptional provenance from private collections that have been amassed over decades.

PROPERTY FROM THE FAMILY OF BETSEY CUSHING WHITNEY & JOHN HAY WHITNEY
This December, Sotheby’s is privileged to offer jewels from the Whitney family collection, specifically, Property from the Family of Betsey Cushing Whitney and John Hay Whitney. In 1998, Sotheby’s presented the landmark auction of Jewels from the Estate of Betsey Cushing Whitney. The sale was the result of a loving collaboration between Betsey Cushing Whitney and her husband, John Hay Whitney, each jewel symbolizing a moment in their journey together. The collection on offer in the Magnificent Jewel sale represent decades of innovative design from some of the most sought after jewelers, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Verdura and Bulgari.

The jewels reveal a passionate and thoughtful collection, ranging from a whimsical a Black Opal, Pearl And Diamond 'Naiad' Brooch by Verdura (estimate $10/15,000) to a classic 18 Karat Gold, Platinum and Diamond Brooch by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., France (estimate $5/7,000) to a grand Coral, Amethyst, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, France (estimate $40/60,000).

PROPERTY FROM A NEW YORK COLLECTION
This season the sale will offer A Rare Platinum, Colored Stone and Diamond 'Tutti Frutti' Bracelet by Cartier, London (estimate $700/900,000) that beautifully showcases the ultimate craftsmanship for which Cartier is known. The epitome of Eastern influences on Art Deco designs, Tutti Frutti pieces by Cartier are jeweled masterpieces. The artful arrangement of carved colored stones and diamonds serve to tell a story that only Cartier could author. The designs have long enchanted jewelry connoisseurs; the present example with its vibrant hues and highly flexible form is both a wonder to see and a wonder to wear.

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF MARJORIE S. FISHER, PALM BEACH
The December sale of Magnificent Jewels will begin with a session dedicated to the beloved philanthropist and collector, Marjorie S. Fisher. Well known in both Palm Beach and Detroit, Mrs. Fisher and her husband, Max M. Fisher (1908-2005), co-founded the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation in Detroit, and in Palm Beach, Mrs. Fisher funded the construction of two new clubhouses for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County one named ‘The Max,’ the other ‘The Marge.’ A dedicated release is available.

Mrs. Fisher’s eclectic and discerning eye for design and style is epitomized in her encyclopedic collection covering more than 150 years of jewelry history, spanning from a celestial-inspired Silver, Gold and Diamond Tiara (estimate $15/30,000) made circa 1890, to a mid-century Sapphire and Diamond ‘Wrapped Heart’ Brooch by Verdura (estimate $30/40,000), to a pair of 21st century Chrysoprase, Pink Opal and Diamond Earclips by JAR (estimate $60/80,000). The collection is led by a stunning Platinum and Diamond Ring (estimate $1.25/1.75 million). The ring features a marquise-cut diamond weighing 18.04 carats, D color, VVS1 clarity and potentially internally flawless.

PROPERTY FROM THE LICHTBLAU COLLECTION
The Magnificent Jewels sale will include a spectacular assemblage of signed jewelry from the collection of George and Anne Licthblau. George Lichtblau, a passionate technology entrepreneur, studied electrical engineering at Princeton University before attending Harvard Business School, after which he became an early innovator in the fiber optic industry, founding two highly successful transmission companies. Anne, also known as Gladys, graduated from Simmons College before marrying George in 1968. Together their love of the arts, coupled with their understanding of the importance of technology, would guide their lifelong personal passions, as well as their generous philanthropic endeavors.

The Lichtblau’s jewelry collection reflects their keen eye for timeless designs by renowned houses including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. Leading this distinguished group are two highly flexible bracelets by Van Cleef & Arpels: a Mystery-Set Ruby And Diamond Bracelet (estimate $125/175,000) and a Mystery-Set Sapphire And Diamond Bracelet (estimate $80/120,000). The bracelets feature a proprietary technique first executed by the design house’s jewelers in 1933 in which the stones are set so that no prongs are visible. The collection also includes an elegant pair of Jadeite and Diamond Earclips by Cartier, London (estimate $100/150,000) dating from circa 1925.

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF JOAN OESTREICH KEND
The sale will feature jewels from the collection of Joan Oestreich Kend, a graduate from Columbia University’s School of General Studies and one of the first female stockbrokers on Wall Street. Growing up in Great Neck, Mrs. Kend was surrounded by her parents’ collection of and appreciation for beautiful objects. Later, her life in New York City was centered on her Fifth Avenue apartment, where the majority of the Oestreich Kend collection was displayed. A dedicated release is available.

Mrs. Kend’s jewelry collection offers a broad selection of quintessential 1970s gold jewelry by the legendary maker Bulgari, and is completed by an exquisite diamond ring. A highlight of the collection is a 15.11-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring (estimate $425/525,000) and a classic set of ‘Parentesi’ Necklace and Earclips by Bulgari (estimate $18/22,000), worn on numerous occasions by Mrs. Kend.

EXCEPTIONAL DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES
• Highly Important Pair of Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings. With two cushion-cut Kashmir sapphires weighing 7.75 and 6.27 carats. Estimate $1.5/2 million

• Fine Platinum and Diamond Ring. Set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 18.10 carats D color, VS1 clarity. Estimate $1.2/1.6 million

• Important Platinum, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Cartier. Centering a Kashmir sugarloaf cabochon sapphire weighing 10.40 carats. Estimate $500/700,000

FINE JEWELS
Alongside our Magnificent Jewels sale, Sotheby’s will hold its second Fine Jewels auction of the year. Whether gifting for yourself or a loved one, the sale has fashionable baubles for every style and occasion. The sale is centered upon decorative jewels from a variety of makers including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Bulgari. More jewels from The Collection of Marjorie S. Fisher, Palm Beach and The Lichtblau Collection will be included throughout the two sessions alongside signed and vintage pieces from other private collections. Sale highlights include a Spinel and Diamond Necklace by Suzanne Belperron (estimate $40/60,000) and a Platinum and Diamond 'Lace' Necklace by Tiffany & Co. (estimate $30/40,000).