A stunning Tiffany brooch created by the celebrated designer Jean Schlumberger is amongst the highlights of an upcoming jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
The multi-stone, diamond and gold dolphin Brooch is just one of more than 1,300 lots on offer in New York, at the company’s first major Fine Jewelry Auction of the year on April 19.
Schlumberger was a French designer who found international acclaim whilst working for Tiffany & Co. in New York, from the mid 1950s until the late 1970s.
His whimsical designs, often featuring animals and natural forms, earned him a dedicated following from clients such as Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, the Duchess of Windsor and Jacqueline Kennedy.
He remains one of just four designers in the history of Tiffany & Co. to have been allowed to sign his work, along with Paloma Picasso, Elsa Peretti and Frank Gehry.
The brooch on offer at Heritage features round-cut sapphires weighing a total of approximately 5.45 carats, enhanced by round-cut demantoid garnets, single-cut diamonds and ruby cabochons, and is expected to sell for $10,000-$15,000.
"The market demand for large, colorful pieces is particularly strong and at 5.45 total carats, the iconic Jean Schlumberger Dolphin brooch is likely to spark serious interest," said Jill Burgum, Senior Director of Fine Jewelry at Heritage Auctions. "This auction is bursting with colorful showpieces."
Leading the lots are a number of diamond rings, including a pear-shaped diamond weighing 6.69 carats, estimated at $90,000-$120,000, and a fancy deep yellow diamond, platinum and gold ring weighing 5.02 carats, estimated at $55,000-$75,000.
Further standout pieces will include an antique Tiffany & Co. diamond, platinum-topped gold necklace estimated at $55,000-$75,000; an unmounted, fancy intense yellow cushion-cut diamond weighing 2.01 carats, estimated at $50,000-$70,000; and a diamond, quartz and gold necklace, valued at $35,000-$45,000.
