Diamonds, Sapphires, and a Brooch Worn by Jackie Kennedy Dazzle at Freeman's | Hindman’s Inaugural New York Important Jewelry Auction
Diamonds, sapphires, and a brooch worn by an iconic American woman led Freeman’s | Hindman’s inaugural Important Jewelry auction in the firm’s New York saleroom on December 12, realizing a sale total of $3.8 million and sell-through rate by value of 92%. The day's top lot was a Diamond and Platinum Ring, fetching $190,500 against a low estimate of $80,000. The ring was offered amongst a dazzling display of sapphires, colored stones, and jewelry from notable private collections, including Property from the Estate of Armene Lamson Milliken, The Shawver Art Trust Collection and Property of the George Elkins Family, Prominent Philadelphians. The auction attracted 670 participants from 20 countries, with 11% of bidders new to the firm.
Lot 206 | DIAMOND AND PLATINUM RING | Sold for $190,500
Continuing the day’s success was a Cartier, Art Deco, Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring that sold for $107,950. The Art Deco marvel from a private southern New Jersey collection skyrocketed past its estimate due to a trifecta creating a perfect storm: the Art Deco period, Cartier, and an unheated Kashmir sapphire. Other standout lots of the day included a Fancy Intense Orangy Pink Diamond Ring, smashing its estimate of $15,000 with a price realized of $47,625, and an Emerald, Yellow Gold and Greek Coin Brooch once owned and worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, selling for $20,955 against a low estimate of $6,000.
Lot 18 | OWNED AND WORN BY JACQUELINE KENNEDY, EMERALD, YELLOW GOLD AND GREEK COIN BROOCH | Sold for $20,955
Speaking to her impressions of the sale is April Matteini, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Jewelry. “Yesterday’s auction in New York was a testament to the continued demand for high-quality jewelry with excellent provenance. We were particularly pleased with the results of the top lots. Sapphires, rubies, and diamond prices were buoyed by spirited bidding in the saleroom and from around the globe. We are looking forward to continuing the momentum into 2025.”
Reflecting on the sale is Senior Vice President Jewelry and Watches, Dianne Batista. “The inaugural New York City Important Jewelry auction held at the Beaux Arts Upper East Side gallery on East 67th Street welcomed a bevy of bidders, creating excitement and bidding competition. The collection of jewelry from the estate of Armene Lamson Milliken, a New York society fixture, featured the Verdura diamond and platinum ring that sold for $127,000. Sapphires continue to bring strong prices at Freeman’s Hindman with two in the top ten.”
Additional Highlights | Important Jewelry Auction
· Lot 201 | VERDURA, DIAMOND AND PLATINUM RING | Sold for $127,000
· Lot 197 | DIAMOND RING | Sold for $101,600
· Lot 142 | J.E. CALDWELL, ART DECO, COLOR CHANGE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING | Sold for $88,900
· Lot 109 | BURMESE RUBY AND PLATINUM BRACELET | Sold for $82,550