Vintage and Antique Jewelry on the Auction Block

The next couple of weeks will bring loads of vintage and antique jewelry to the auction block in several cities around the world. But first, lets talk about an exhibit of ancient jewelry.

1st Century BCE Parthian Earrings
Gold, garnet, and turquoise

The National Jewelry Institute is presenting "Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization". The exhibit has pulled 135 pieces of jewelry from museums around the world, some more than 7,000 years old. The exhibit is open at the Forbes Galleries on Fifth Avenue, New York through December 31 and then will travel to The Field Museum in Chicago where it will be on display February 13-July 5, 2009.

1930's cherry amber Bakelite
4 strand necklace with 88 beads

Estate Roadshow Auctions in Mount Pleasant, SC will conduct an auction on December 7 of vintage and antique jewelry from the estate of Connecticut antique dealer Louise Mondani Graham. The collection includes fine and costume jewelry, most of which was purchased in the 1950's and 60's, put away in boxes and never opened again. About 40 percent of the collection consists of costume jewelry by such designers as Miram Haskell, Christian Dior, Jorgen Jensen, and Alice Caviness. The best part? You can bid online at the Estate Roadshow website! The entire catalog is on view now and you can start bidding today.

20th century amethyst necklace
owned and worn by Deborah Kerr

Bonham's, London will bring to auction 132 lots of fine jewelry on December 4. Included in the auction will be 5 lots of jewelry from the estate of actress Deborah Kerr, who died on October 16, 2007. The entire catalog is available for online viewing at the Bonham's website. Preview in London begins November 30.

Diamond and ruby floral clip, 2" diameter

Weschler's Auctioneers in Washington, D.C. will conduct an auction of jewelry, coins, and watches on December 6. Included will be 204 lots with a wonderful selection of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Victorian jewelry. The entire catalog is on view at the Weschler website. Preview in D.C. begins November 30.

Verdura onyx and multi-gem
Maltese cross bracelet

Christie's, New York will offer an auction of fine jewelry on December 11. The sale includes 283 lots featuring such designers as Bulgari, Cartier, Lalique, Tiffany, Harry Winston, and Verdura. The entire catalog is available for view at the Christie's website and preview in New York begins December 6.

18K gold, Lapis lazuli and diamond earrings

Joseph DuMouchelle will offer an auction of Jewels, Time Pieces, and Artwork on December 7 in Dearborn, MI. The complete catalog is available online at the DuMouchelle website, and you can bid online. Preview begins December 4.