Ancient Jewelry Pieces for the History Buffs

This week’s fine ancient jewelry auction offers a wide range of artifacts, from Bronze Age pins and bracelets to post-Medieval religious pendants. The curated sale also includes a large collection of Viking-era jewelry such as rings, mythological pendants and warriors’ amulets. History buffs and jewelry fanatics will love these spectacular pieces.

Heading the list of more than 125 lots is a bronze Viking pendant that depicts the god Odin on horseback. Obtained from an old British collection, the pendant is expected to sell for $1,000-$1,500.

Rare Viking pendant depicting the god Odin on a horse, circa A.D. 900-1100. Estimate $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

A Viking-era silver ring with a pale blue stone is wearable and in fine condition. It has a $300-$400 estimate.

Viking silver ring with pale blue stone, circa A.D. 900-1100. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

The eagle was a powerful symbol of strength and bravery in Viking culture. A bronze Viking era pendant bearing a  double-headed eagle motive is a rare artifact in excellent condition.

Viking era bronze pendant depicting a double headed eagle motif, circa A.D. 900-1100. Estimate: $700-$1,000. Jasper52 image

 

A bronze Celtic bracelet decorated in a snake motif is from the Hallstatt Culture, 800-500 B.C. It is a rare artifact in excellent condition.

Celtic Bronze Age coiled bracelet with snake terminals, Hallstatt culture, circa A.D. 1500. Estimate: $250-$350. Jasper52 image

 

A great example of Medieval jewelry is a fancy pair of Renaissance earrings of gold gilded silver and having elaborately decorated hinged central sections with tassels and gems. Obtained from an old Austrian collection, the earrings are estimated at $500-$700.

Pair of Renaissance gold-gilded earrings, circa 1600. Estimate $500-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Dating to ancient Rome is a pendant depicting Eros, the god of erotic love. The bronze pendant is in excellent condition.

Rare Ancient Roman bronze pendant depicting Eros; integral loop, circa A.D. 100-300. Estimate: $500-$700. Jasper52 image

Take a look at the full collection and find yourself traveling back in time.

Beauty Abounds in Japanese Woodblock Prints

The beauty of Japan and its culture is abundant in this curated collection of both vintage and modern Japanese woodblock prints. More than 200 prints, many of which are first editions, will be auctioned in this sale. Take a peek at some of the highlights from this auction.

One of the featured lots in the collection is an early edition (circa 1936-1950s) of Tsuchiya Koitsu’s Lake Motosu, (Mount Fuji Sunset Glow) or (Motosu-ko). This print is in excellent condition.

Tsuchiya Koitsu, ‘Lake Motosu’ (Mount Fuji Sunset Glow) (Motosu-ko), March 1934 (early edition, circa 1936-1950s), published by Doi Hangaten, 9 ½ in. x 14 3/8 in. Estimate: $1,800-$2,400. Jasper52 image

 

Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870-1949) produced prints of the Sino-Japanese War early in his career, but later focused on Shin Hanga landscape prints. He was a leading exponent of the Shin Hanga (literally “new prints”) movement, which was an art movement in the early 20th-century Japan that revitalized traditional ukiyo-e art rooted in the Edo and Meiji periods (17th-19th century). It maintained the traditional ukiyo-e collaborative system in which the artist, carver, printed and publisher engaged in the division of labor. Its imagery focused on landscapes, women and nature.

Japan’s beauty extends beyond landmarks. Japanese woodblock printmakers are noted for depicting attractive female subjects. Goyo Hashiguchi (1880-1920) was a Japanese Shin Hanga artist. He was well-known for high quality prints of women with vanity subjects such as bathing, applying makeup and brushing hair. An example is his print titled Applying Powder.

Goyo Hashiguchi, ‘Applying Powder,’ 1920, this family authorized auto-zuri edition published by Tanseisha, 15.5 in. x 21.75 in. Estimate: $3,800-$4,200. Jasper52 image

 

A modern take on the subject is In the Bedroom by Yoshio Okada (born 1934), an artist who specializes in prints of sexy Japanese women. His prints are rare and not well known.

Yoshio Okada, ‘In the Bedroom,’ 1974, published by the artist. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500. Jasper52 image

 

Having the highest estimate in the auction – $3,800-$4,200 – is Hasui Kawase’s Dawn at Daikon Gashi Riverbank (Daikon-gashi no Asa), which is from the artist’s Twenty Views of Tokyo Series. This 1927 print bears the appropriate first edition printing seal and is in very good condition with excellent color. Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) become a prominent figure in the shin hanga movement, which was influenced by European Impressionism. He was honored with the title of a Living National Treasure.

Hasui Kawase, ‘Dawn at Daikon Gashi Riverbank’ (‘Daikon-gashi no Asa’), 1927, ‘first edition’ printing, published by Watanabe Shozaburo, 9 ½ in. x 14 ¼ in. Estimate: $3,800-$4,200. Jasper52 image

 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, aka Taiso Yoshitoshi, (1839-1892) is often considered the last great master of the ukiyo-e movement of woodblock printing and painting. The term ukiyo-e translates to “pictures of the floating world” and refers to a genre of Japanese art with a wide span of imagery such as kabuki actors, folk tales, landscapes and even erotica. This movement was critical in forming the Western perception of Japanese art. His woodblock print featured in this collection, which depicts a geisha of the Ansei era (1854-1860), is a first edition published in 1888.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, ‘Looking as if she wants a drink: the appearance of a town geisha of the Ansei era (1854-60),’ published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888 first edition, oban (14.5 in. x 10 in.). Estimate: $3,000-$3,500. Jasper52 image

 

Earlier still is The compound of Mount Narita, Shimosa (Soshu) Province by Utagawa Hiroshige II, a first edition print published in 1859. The artist was the most successful apprentice to study under the last great master of the ukiyo-e movement, Hiroshige.

Utagawa Hiroshige II, ‘The compound of Mount Narita, Shimosa (Soshu) Province,’ published by Uo-ya Heikichi, 5/1859 (this impression), oban tate-e (14 in. x 9.5 in.). Estimate: $2,000-$2,500. Jasper52 image

Famous Photographers And Their Provocative Images

Some of the most significant names in 20th-century photography – from Diane Arbus to Edward Weston – are represented in this collection of unmounted gravures.

While Diane Arbus was famous for her provocative images of marginalized people such as dwarfs, giants, transgender people, nudists, circus performers, her image titled A Young Brooklyn Family going for a Sunday outing is disarming. The image of the stoic couple and their two young children was shot in 1966 and printed in Italy in 1979. Arbus was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and the best-known female photographers of her generation.

Diane Arbus, ‘A young Brooklyn Family going for a Sunday outing,’ New York, 1966, heliogravure, printed in 1979, Italy, 9.75 in. x 9.75 in. Estimate: $800-$1,000. Jasper52 image

 

Edward Henry Weston (1886-1958) often focused on the people and places of the American West. However, over the course of his 40-year career Weston photographed an increasingly expansive set of subjects, including landscapes, nudes, portraits, genre scenes and still lifes. Tree Root is a fine example of the latter. The sheet-fed gravure in the auction was printed in the early 1970s.

Edward Weston, ‘Tree Root,’ sheet-fed gravure, early 1970s, printed in the USA,
7.25 in. x 9.25 in. Estimate: $300-$450. Jasper52 image

 

While German-born photographer Erwin Blumenfeld is best remembered for fashion photography published in magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar throughout the 1940s and 1950s, his body of work also includes fine art photography, drawings and collages. He is considered one of the most innovative photographers of the past century, as the image titled Wall Street, New York, 1943, demonstrates.

Erwin Blumenfeld ‘Wall Street, New York, 1943,’ heliogravure, printed in 1981 in Italy, 8.75 in. x 11 in. Estimate: $250-$350. Jasper52 image

 

Yousuf Karsh is hailed as one of the greatest portrait photographers of the 20th century. He photographed icons of Hollywood, art, literature and politics. Included in the collection is a Karsh portrait of an elderly Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was both blind and deaf. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, broke through the isolation imposted by a near complete lack of language, allowing the girl to blossom as she learned to communicate.

Yousuf Karsh, ‘Helen Keller,’ photogravure, printed in Switzerland 1982, 10 in. x 8 in. Estimate: $600-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Man Ray’s gravure of a model combines his signature elements: fashion photography and a special effect called solarization. Born Emmanuel Radnitzky is 1890, Man Ray was the only American to play a major role in both the Dada and Surrealist movements.

Man Ray, ‘Fashion Photography, Partial solarization,’ heliogravure with tissue guard, printed in 1980 in Italy, 7 in. x 9.75 in. Estimate: $400-$500. Jasper52 image

 

Edouard Boubat (1923-1999) was a French photojournalist and art photographer. He took his first photograph after coming back from the war in 1946 and was awarded the Kodak Prize the following year. He traveled the world for the French magazine Realites, and later worked as a freelance photographer. He is represented in the collection with a gravure titled Paris, 1949, Montmartre.

Edouard Boubat, ‘Paris, 1949, Montmartre,’ sheet-fed gravure, printed in Spain, 1983, 6.5 in. x 6.5 in. Estimate: $50-$100. Jasper52 image

 

Photogravure is an intaglio printmaking process used for rich photo reproduction. Take a look at the fully illustrated catalog of unmounted gravures.

An Americana Auction Filled With Color

Handcrafted tramp art, cast metal figures, and original artwork are highlights of this week’s curated Americana auction.

An early 19th-century school girl painting of a young couple in a bucolic setting. It was once a pastime for well-to-do young courting couples to venture into the countryside under the pretext of tending sheep, which this scene depicts.

Folk art courting scene New England, early 19th century, school girl watercolor, 17 ½ x 20 in. sight. Estimate: $1,400-$18,00. Jasper52 image

 

Figural cast-iron doorstops were popular during the Depression era in American and elsewhere. This collection features an American-made full-bodied pheasant doorstop. The beautifully painted game bird is more than a foot long.

Full-bodied pheasant doorstop in beautiful paint, 1920s-1930s, 9 1/8 in. x 12 ¾ in. Estimate: $1,600-$2,500. Jasper52 image

 

A decorative element from a vintage carousel will turn a lot of heads. The cast aluminum figure of a robed woman is signed “CW Parker, Leavenworth, Kan.,” who manufactured amusement park and fair carousels during the early 20th century.

Early 20th-century cast aluminum carousel figure, original paint, signed ‘CW Parker, Leavenworth, Kan.,’ 29 in. x 17 in. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Jasper52 image

 

An unusual hand-wrought copper weather in the sale vane depicts a Viking ship with the bow in the shape of a dragon’s head. Including the directional arrow, the weather vane is nearly 20 inches long.

Handmade weather vane depicting a serpent ship, circa 1920, sheet copper. 13 5/8 in. high x 19 7/8 in wide x 1 ½ in. deep, natural verdigris surface. Estimate: $1,200-$1,500. Jasper 52 image

 

The outstanding example of tramp art in the sale is the large mirror frame highlighted by many finely carved figural decorations. This extraordinary frame is dated 1912.

Tramp art mirror dated 1912 embellished with stars, shields, animals, wreaths, vines, weapons and human forms, 30 in. x 34 in wide. Estimate: $1,900-$3,000. Jasper52 image

 

Noting last month’s solar eclipse that crossed the continental US, the sale features a crescent-shaped cast-iron windmill weight embossed with the word “Eclipse.” Vintage farm-style windmills that pumped water came in two basic varieties. Vaned windmills used a tail, or vane, to guide the wheel into the wind. Vaneless mills depended on a counterbalance weight, perched at the end of a wood beam, to perform that function.

Nineteenth century cast-iron windmill weight. 6 in. high x 10in. long x 2 ¼ in. thick. Estimate: $400-$600.Jasper52 image

 

These artisan objects vary from outsider art, paintings, ceramics and more formal Americana. This collection of 19th-20th century rural life will create a unique sense of welcome in any home.

Decorative Arts Highlighting the Lap of Luxury

The brilliance of Murano and Steuben art glass contrasts with fine bronze and spelter figures in this week’s curated decorative arts auction. Take a look at six stand out pieces in this collection.

The auction opens with Steuben glass that includes a rare 10-inch Art Deco vase of blue Aurene over yellow jade glass, shape #8491, which is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

Steuben 10-inch art glass vase, circa 1925. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000 Jasper52 image

 

Murano selections include the affordable Sommerso hand-blown jar decanter in smoky blue, which changes color under fluorescent light. The jar is in the manner of the Cenedese company.

Murano Sommerso hand-blown glass container, 8¼ in. high. Estimate: $125-$175. Jasper52 image

 

Elegant glassware in the sale includes a German Art Nouveau liqueur set containing a decanter, four glasses and a matching silver tray.

German Art Nouveau liqueur set with tray. Estimate: $500-$750. Jasper52 image

 

A signed Pierre Chenet bronze figure of a charging bull is signed ‘P. Chenet’ and likely from the 20th century.

Pierre Chenet bronze, 11 x 16 x 5 inches, signed: P. Chenet. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Also estimated at $1,000-$1,500 is a Eugene Marioton spelter sculpture of a woman, which is titled La Reconnaissance est le souvenier du bienfait (translated: Gratitude is the recollection of kindness). The signed figure dates to the 1890s.

Eugéne Marioton spelter sculpture on marble base, 1890s, 22 in high. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

Another affordable lot in the sale consists of two hand-painted Clyde Edward Gray (Texas/Illinois, 1907-1989), two signed painted porcelain tiles.

One of two painted porcelain tiles by Clyde Edward Gray (Texas / Illinois, 1907-1989), this size 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 and the other 4 ½ x 8 ½ in. Estimate: $100-$150. Jasper52 image

 

Peruse the full collection of decorative arts and bid on your favorite finds. 

 

5 First Editions and Scarce Posters That You Will Love

This weekend we’re conducting a trio of auctions featuring books and ephemera. Major attractions of the curated collections include signed first edition books and rare advertising posters. Let’s take a look at 5 standout items from these sales.

Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel Lonesome Dove is among the stars of the Literature and Editions Books Auction. The first state, first edition book is signed by the author on the front flyleaf.

Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove, signed first edition, first state, 1985, est. $700-$800

 

Though not a first, a 40th Anniversary Edition of To Kill a Mockingbird signed by author Harper Lee is certain to attract much attention.

Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird, 1999 40th anniversary edition signed by author, est. $400-$500

 

Memorable images by Annie Liebovitz, who began her illustrious career, as a staff photographer of Rolling Stone magazine, fill her book titled Photographs 1970-1990. Liebovitz signed the title page of this first edition, first printing coffee table book, which is included in the Art, History and Reference Books auction.

Also included in this auction is another desirable book, Louise Saunders’ Knave of Hearts, which is illustrated by Maxfield Parrish. This is the Charles Scribner’s Sons 1925 first edition in spiral binding. All plates are present, bright and in remarkable condition.

Louise Saunders, The Knave of Hearts, illustrated by Maxfield Parrish, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925, first edition in spiral binding, est. $500-$600

 

More than a dozen advertising and event posters are included in the 19th-20th Century Historic Ephemera Pop Culture auction. A classic bus/streetcar-size poster advertising Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum is a stone lithograph. The 1940s poster by Otis Shepard, a highly regarded American illustrator and artist for the Wrigley family and the companies, depicts a healthful young couple at the beach.

Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum bus/streetcar poster, circa 1940s, est. $1,200-$1,500

 

Formula One racing fans will be keeping their eyes on a poster for the 1970 Monaco Grans Prix. Michael Turner’s color stone lithograph juxtaposes the beauty of sailing with the exhiliration of road course racing.

Monaco Grand Prix May 9-10 poster, 1970, est. $1,200-$1,500

 

A Treasure Chest of Viking Jewelry

It would not be too surprising if when perusing through this curated catalog of Viking and Medieval jewelry you think you’re raiding a treasure chest from the 9th century. The collection is truly an adventure for the ages, so let’s dig in to our favorite picks.

Rings and pendants once worn by Viking warriors are abound in the auction. Leading the charge is a Viking warrior’s ring having heart bezel decorated with an incised floral design. For Vikings the heart stood for bravery, fortitude, loyalty, integrity – all attributes of a warrior. The warrior’s heart ring defines the very essence of his place in society and the spiritual world. The large ring in the auction carries an estimate of $250-$275.

Viking warrior’s heart ring, circa 900-1050, heart bezel with incised floral design, size 10 1/2. Estimate: $250-$275. Jasper52 image

 

Also popular in Viking culture was the coil ring with nearly three full coils with tapering terminals. This large example dates to A.D. 850-1050.

Viking coil ring, circa 850-1050, size 12. Estimate $250-$280. Jasper52 image

 

Another classic form in the sale is an ancient Viking lunar pendant, circa A.D. 850-950. Exhibiting fine patina, the crescent-shape pendant is topped with spheres representing celestial bodies. As expert navigators, the constellations signified mystery and power to Vikings. The moon was personified as Mani, brother to Sol, the Sun, and is abundantly represented in Norse literature. Lunar pendants were won as pectorals as well as suspended from belts, other clothing and horse harnesses.

Ancient Viking lunar pendant, circa 850-950, nearly 1 in. wide. Estimate: $100-$200. Jasper52 image

 

Dolphins were both feared and revered by Romans, and are highly visible in Roman mythology. A gilt bronze dolphin pendant dating to the second century is expected to sell for more than $600.

Roman dolphin pendant, second century, gilt bronze, 2 1/8 in length. Estimate: $600-$675. Jasper52 image

 

A silver bronze Jerusalem Cross pendant worn by a Crusader nearly 1,000 years ago is another star lot in the auction. The nearly 1-inch round pendant depicts five crosses in one, representing the five wounds of Christ. The form is said to have originated with Godfrey of Bouillon, a Frankish knight of the First Crusade.

Crusader’s cross pendant, silvered bronze, 11th-13th centuries, just under an inch in diameter. Estimate: $310-$350. Jasper52 image

 

Another fine medieval French pendant is a stunner. Flanked by foliage, the pendant is formed with a connecting central band detailed with a fine circle motif.

Medieval French pendant, 13th-15th centuries, gilt bronze, 1 1/8 in. diameter. Estimate: $210-$240. Jasper52 image

6 Exceptional Silver Treasures

Sterling silver treasures spanning the past three centuries are the focus of this week’s curated auction antique and vintage silver pieces. This expertly crafted collection is devoted to American, European, and Continental silver, featuring globally renowned names in the art of silver-making, including Gorham and Georg Jensen.

American-made silver includes a set of 12 wine goblets made in 1900 by A.G. Schultz & Co. of Baltimore. Each goblet is stamped sterling and has the maker’s mark.

Set of 12 sterling silver goblets, made in the United States by A.G. Schultz & Co., 1900, 2,428 grams. Estimate: $5,500-$6,000. Jasper52 image

 

English silver is highlighted by a covered entrée dish made by Waterhouse, Hodgson & Co. of Sheffield. The handle on the lid unlocks, and the lid can be used as a second dish. The dish is hand engraved on both sides of the lid with a lion crest. This substantial piece was retailed in Dublin by West & Co.

Georgian shell and gadroon sterling silver covered dish, 1826, Waterhouse, Hodgson & Co. and retailed in Dublin By West & Co., 12 1/4 x 10 x 5 1/2 in, 2,300 grams. Estimate: $6,400-$7,300. Jasper52 image

 

A set of 12 fish knives and forks in the popular Kings pattern is a modern entry in the 56-lot catalog. Gee & Holmes, also fo Sheffield, England, made the set, which is fully hallmarked and dated 1961.

Set of 12 English sterling silver fish knives and forks, Kings pattern, Gee & Holmes, dated 1961, 1,320 grams. Estimate: $4,300-$4,800. Jasper52 image

 

Yet another Sheffield item is a sterling silver epergne made by Thomas Frost in 1911. The base and each of its three baskets bear full English hallmarks.

Sterling silver epergne, 1911, made in Sheffield, Thomas Frost, 1,500 grams. Estimate: $4,200-$4,800. Jasper52 image

 

German silver includes a pair of candelabra by Theodor Julius Guenther and Robert Freund crafted crica 1910, as well as a rare bull and cow milk jug and creamer set from the 1880s.

Pair of German silver candelabra made by Theodor Julius Guenther and Robert Freund, circa 1910, 800/1,000, 22 in. high. Estimate: $9,900-$11,000. Jasper52 image

 

The pair of Cow Creamers is rare as it is highly unusual to have a Bull Creamer and a matched Cow & Bull Creamer set. Designed in the style of the late 1700s silver smith John Schuppe, the pieces include hinged lids set in the backs with a small insect finial decorating the tops and curved tails as handles.

Rare German bull and cow cream and milk jug set, 1880, 1,480 grams, German hallmarks on tails. Estimate: $6,500-$7,500. Jasper52 image

 

Explore the full catalog of the hand-selected silver pieces and place your bids today.

 

Antique Maps Putting World Views Into Perspective

Beautifully illustrated maps of the world are drawing collectors to this week’s antique map and atlas auction, specially curated by category experts. Take a look below at the highlights from this worldly collection attracting travelers and historians alike.

Topping the nearly 100-lot catalog collection is a lavish world map by J. Elwe, which was printed in Amsterdam in 1792. It is a re-issue of a map first published in 1694 by Alexis-Hubert Jaillot. The map is beautifully decorated with a rich allegorical background. The female representations of the four continents adorn the corners with figures representing the virtues of Justice with her ax and scales, Truth holding a mirror while being attacked by a serpent, Fortitude with a broken column, a Temperance mixing wine and water.

1792 Elwe world map, ‘Mappe Monde ou Description du Globe Terrestre & Aquatique,’ cartographer: J. Elwe after A. Jaillot, 1792, Amsterdam, 18 x 24 in. Estimate: $3,200-$3,600. Jasper52 image

 

One of the most famous and iconic world maps is published in the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which is considered the world’s first modern atlas. It was first published in 1570 in Antwerp. The map is the work of Abraham Ortelius, one of the most famous cartographers in history. This atlas was the most expensive book ever published on any subject up to that date. Of the 3,850 copies produced by 1587-1612, there are an estimated 395 of these atlases still intact. There are an estimated 556 loose examples of the map known.

World map, 1587-1612, cartographer: Abraham Ortelius, original hand color, 16 x 21 in., from the world’s first modern atlas, German edition. Estimate: $4,000-$4,500. Jasper52 image

 

The 1720 map of the world by Johann Baptist Homann is one of the most decorative maps of its kind of the 18th century. The double hemisphere shows the latest discovery of an incomplete Australia and New Zealand, and inaccurate depictions of Pacific Northwest and Japan.

Map: of the world, 1720, cartographer: J.B. Homann et Heirs, hand colored copperplate engraved, 21 x 24 in. Estimate: $1,500-$1,700. Jasper52 image

 

Also published by the Homann family in Nuremberg is a 1740s celestial chart. The hand-colored copperplate engraving is based on the works of astronomers Doppelmayr, Heelius and Halley. The double hemisphere celestial chart shows the constellations of the northern and southern skies depicted as animal figures. There are three diagrams showing the planetary modes by Brache, Ptolemy and Copernicus. Three other diagrams show the moon and sun, revolution of the earth around the sun and the effects of the moon on tides.

Celestial chart, Homann Heirs, Nuremberg, circa 1740s, hand-colored copperplate engraved, 22 x 25 in. Estimate: $1,300-$1,500. Jasper52 image

 

For those travelers following Horace Greeley’s advice, Colton’s 1872 folding map of the Western United States is essential. This large and colorful map on banknote paper indicates overland routes and projected railroad lines.

‘Colton’s Map of the States and Territories West of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean Showing the Overland Routes, Projected Rail Road Lines,’ cartographer: J. Colton, 1876, New York, 29 x 42.5 in. Estimate: $1,800-$2,000. Jasper52 image

6 Fine Jewelry Pieces Waiting For You

Quality and beauty form a gleaming partnership in this week’s auction of fine jewelry and gemstones. The 67-lot selection comprises a mix of loose gemstones and jewelry – antique through contemporary – with that unmistakable look of superiority that can only come through astute connoisseurship.

Pendants are among the most versatile of jewelry items. They’re equally at home when suspended from a long, sleek chain or added to a charm bracelet. An irresistible example is this late 1940s 14K yellow gold pendant with four cabochon-cut lapis lazuli stones in a setting that recalls Faberge’s fine work. With a total weight of 6.8 dwt, the pendant is expected to attract a winning bid of $300-$350.

Mid-century 14K yellow gold and cabochon lapis charm pendant, .585 gold, 6.8 dwt total weight, est. $300-$350

 

Another eye-catcher is a 14K yellow gold, diamond and ruby-encrusted lobster slide pendant. The fancy crustacean is fully articulated, a testament to the workmanship that went into its design. Even the antennae are mounted on springs, allowing them to move. There are 12 full-cut diamonds in each claw, 10 full-cut diamonds in the tail section, as well as two full-cut diamonds under the eyes and 12 in the thorax carapace. The cabochon rubies serve as its eyes, and 4 more adorn the antennae. Additionally, there are 48 pave-set diamonds and 34 channel-set rubies. Truly, this is a modern masterpiece that should easily reach or surpass its $825-$925 estimate.

14K yellow gold, diamond and ruby lobster slide pendant, est. $825-$925

 

There’s no mistaking a fine tanzanite, with its blue/violet coloration. Offered in this collection is a 4.02-carat loose tanzanite gemstone that has been certified by a reputable European laboratory. Faceted to show off its rich hues, the stone is the perfect size to set in a ring.

4.02-carat tanzanite stone, 22.75 x 8.54 x 638mm, est. $650-$750

 

This 14K yellow gold brooch and drop-earrings suite, set with pearls and natural sapphires is stunning. The total sapphire is weight is .36 carats, and the AAA Akoya pearls are 5mm in diameter. This ultra-chic offering is estimated at $750-$850.

Ladies 14K yellow gold brooch and drop earring set with Akoya pearls and .36ct natural sapphires, est. $750-$850

 

Simplicity is the keyword defining this pair of gentleman’s mid-century 14K white gold and diamond cufflinks. Each cufflink is styled as a flat oval and accented with a central diamond. Total diamond weight: .14 carats. Quietly elegant and suitable for daywear or evening attire, this pair of cufflinks is expected to attract bids in the $500-$550 range.

Pair of mid-century gentleman’s 14K white gold with diamonds cufflinks, .14ct total weight diamonds, in New York jeweler’s case, est. $500-$550

 

Diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend, especially when set in a 14K gold antique ring of timeless design. This piece fits that description, and features a .80-carat G/VSI diamond. This stunning sparkler is a size 4-3/4 and is estimated at $2,700-$3,000.

Ladies antique 14K yellow gold ring with .80-carat, G/VS1 diamond, size 4-3/4, est. $2,700-$3,000