Dazzling Rare Colored Gemstones And Stunning Diamonds From Prominent Collectors Headline Freeman's | Hindman's December Important Jewelry Sale
Freeman’s | Hindman is proud to present the December 12th Important Jewelry auction in New York, featuring a dazzling showcase of rare colored gemstones, stunning diamonds, and remarkable jewelry from prominent collections nationwide. Highlights include treasures from the Estates of Armene Lamson Milliken of New York, the George Elkins family, Prominent Philadelphians, and Chicago actress and philanthropist Merle Reskin.
The auction will also feature pieces from iconic jewelry houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Marina B, and Tiffany & Co. Additionally, an exquisite H. Stern collection will be auctioned, with proceeds supporting the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Finally, the sale includes a unique collection of artist-designed pieces, including extraordinary works by William Harper from the Collection of Riva Margalit.
Speaking to the sale is April Matteini, Senior Vice President and Head of Department, Jewelry: “The Freeman's | Hindman December 12 Important Jewelry auction is all about color. From a rare color change sapphire, an exquisite set by H. Stern featuring a
spectacular tricolor tourmaline to the bold enamels of a collection of artist-designed jewelry, the sale offers an array of fresh to-the-market pieces from estates and private collections from California to South Florida.”
Also speaking to the sale is Dianne Batista, Senior Vice President, Jewelry & Watches. “We are thrilled to be offering this Important Jewelry auction at our New York City townhouse location on the Upper East Side alongside the world's finest jewelry boutiques on Madison Avenue. This auction allows our clients to shop for unique jewelry with fine provenance. Colored diamonds continue to be rare and sought after, and two of my favorites in this auction are a Colored Diamond and Diamond Bracelet (Lot 189) and a Diamond and Fancy Colored Diamond Pendant (Lot 116), both from the Shawver Art Trust Collection.”
Jewelry from the Estate of Armene Lamson Milliken of New York
Although born in Seattle, Armene Lamson Milliken, was a fixture of New York society. She had an eye for interior design and loved to entertain, whether with her friends at the Colony Club, in her home with family, or at one of the many gala events she was involved with supporting, including Memorial Sloane Kettering, The Boys Club of New York, The Central Park Conservancy and more.
In 1955, she graced the cover of LIFE magazine as Mrs. Averall Clark, Jr., bringing new elegance to the U.S. social scene. Her second husband, Mr. Averall Clark, Jr. was a Flying Ace in WW II and later President of Condor Mining Co.
One of the sale's top highlights is a Verdura, Diamond, and Platinum Ring (Lot 201) featuring an emerald-cut diamond weighing 8.10 carats, with trapezoid and baguette-cut accent diamonds weighing approximately 0.85 carats each. The jewelry showcased in this sale from Ms. Milliken’s collection exemplifies her glamorous and storied life.
Property of the George Elkins family, Prominent Philadelphians
The Elkins family's philanthropic legacy continues to enrich Philadelphia today, rooted in the vision of William Lukens Elkins (1832-1903), a Gilded Age businessman, art collector, and founder of the Philadelphia Orchestra. A pioneer in the oil industry and partner in the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, Elkins used his wealth to support the city's cultural development, including founding an American art prize and donating paintings to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Elkins' daughter, Eleanor, a Titanic survivor, later established the Widener Memorial Library at Harvard, which houses one of the nation's most significant book collections. His son, George W. Elkins, founded Abingdon Memorial Hospital, and his granddaughter Stella Elkins Tyler, a sculptor and patron, donated her estate to become the Tyler School of Fine Arts at Temple University.
Philadelphia's renowned J.E. Caldwell & Co., founded in 1839, became known for its fine jewelry and silver, including Art Deco designs, in the 1920s. The Elkins family frequently turned to Caldwell for their jewelry, and this important Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring (Lot 142) is a lasting symbol of their legacy in American and Philadelphia jewelry history.
Other Top Lots Include:
· Lot 206 | DIAMOND RING, 10.89 Carats | Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000
· Lot 188 | FANCY INTENSE YELLOW DIAMOND AND DIAMOND RING | Estimate: $70,000 - 90,000
· Lot 189 | COLORED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND BRACELET | Estimate: $60,000 - 90,000
· Lot 163 | WILLIAM HARPER, GROTESQUE SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS AN 'ENFANT TERRIBLE' BROOCH 1990 | Estimate: $10,000 - 15,000
How to Bid
Important Jewelry will be offered on December 12 at Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York saleroom. Bidding will be available in-person, via absentee and telephone bid, and online via our Digital Bid Room.