Thursday, January 19, 2012

Gorgeous little things, darling...

There are so many incredible estate pieces available right now.  I've been dying to show you some of my favorite selections.  And I know I'm supposed to write all of this stuff about them to entice and educate you, but in reality, I just want you to see the pretty pictures!  Ready to be dazzled?  
In 1993, Henry Dunay designed and made "The Lachrymosa" mask for Elizabeth Taylor with the proceeds benefitting the American Foundation for AIDS Research--AmfAR.  The "The Lachrymosa" mask represent the weeping and tears that Elizabeth Taylor and Dunay viewed the AIDS epidemic.  The Mask is set with over 130 carats of diamonds in gold and platinum.  Dunay is the four time winner of the Diamond International Award.  
Cartier, Spectacular Art Deco Jade Diamond Set Clock, France, circa 1925.
Beautiful and rare desk clock of Oriental inspiration: the circular dial, inlaid with tessellated mother-of-pearl, hosts royal blue enamel details and diamond set hands.  The rock crystal bezel is applied with diamond-set Roman numerals, set within a jadeite frame, and accented with sugarloaf lapis lazuli. 
Nardi, Blackamoor Brooch, Italy, circa 1960s.
Stunning Ebony Blackamoor Brooch set in 18K and embellished with diamonds.  Intricately detailed front and back, in original Nardi Venezia box.
Chinese Jade and French Art Deco Diamond Set Brooch, circa 1920.
A beautiful antique Chinese jade pendant, with a French Art Deco platinum and diamond set mount.  The jade is 19th century, the mount circa 1920.  Beautifully carved with an undulating gourd motif.  Very fine quality and illustrates the synergy between Eastern and Western craftsmen.  
Excellent condition.  Height: 3.25" Width 1.5".  $25,000.

Ebony and Diamond Bangle, USA, modern.
Solid Wave style Ebony wood with over 18 carats of diamond accents.  A Donna Vock collectible.
Faberge, Mauve Enamel and Rhodonite Bellpush, Russia, 1908-1917.
A Russian silver gilt and guilloche enamel bellpush, Adrei Adler, St. Petersburg.
Of low circular form, the body covered in pale translucent mauve enamel over a radiating wave pattern, chased gilt laurel leaf collets and a bullet-shaped rhodonite push.
$14,000
Wheat Shagreen and Diamond Star Cuff, USA, contemporary.
A wheat color shagreen cuff bracelet designed with a vintage diamond star set in 14K gold, by Marcella Ciceri (.25 carat diamond).
Ivan Saltykov, Enamel Teapot, Russia, 1894.
A Russian silver gilt and cloisonne enamel teapot of traditional form.  The teapot, handle, spout, and separate lid completely covered in opaque turquoise enamel between twisted wire scroll designs and outlined with bands of white enamel beads.  
Height: 4.5" $8500.

Art Deco Black Enamel Jade Diamond Box, France, 1925.



"Jumbo" Mouse Brooch, Italy, 1950's.
Extra large figural 18K gold mouse pin. Brushed coat, diamond eyes.  
Very solid.  $7800.
Very Rare Troisieme Boucheron Plique-a-jour Enamel Bangle, France, late 1800's.
19th Century 18K gold and silver, Plique-a-jour enamel and rose diamond bracelet.
Frederic Bourcheron, Paris, circa 1875-80.
Cartier, Ivory Rose Ladybird Pin, Paris, 1960.
Chopard, Diamond and Tiger Eye Bracelet Watch, Switzerland, 1970's.
A rare, 18K gold, bracelet watch designed as an elliptical face of tiger eye stone surrounded by diamonds.  Watch unclasps in the rear.  Manual winding (original mechanism).  These yellow gold and hard stone watches were primarily made in the 1960-70's and are extremely hard to find, particularly the models with diamonds.  Internal circumference of approx. 6.5" will fit a small to medium wrist.  Face measures 2.25"W.  Signed Chopard Geneve.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date Watch, 50th Anniversary Limited Edition, Swiss, Modern.
Rolex oyster perprtual day-date "Presidential" reference 118348, serial Z07xxxx in 18K yellow gold with enamel and pave set diamond dial, engraved bezel is set with 52 diamond, and is on a Rolex President bracelet with concealed clasp.
Wood and Gold Unusual "Claw" Bracelet, France, 20th Century
A most unusual 18K textured gold and wood bracelet of a stylized claw motif (Bryant:  Clearly, these are antlers!) with a rear hinge which allows the bracelet to twist open.  
Approx. internal circumference of 6.25-6.5". 

Wow, huh?!  Isn't it amazing to think that the Tsars of Russia had electricity by the turn of last century, with these incredible desk-mounted buzzers?!

Ciao for now. :)