Christie’s as an auction house has built a reputation of dealing in the very top end of which ever segment it takes up. However their New York headquarters is taking up four categories in June and has named it ‘Luxury Week’. They would be offering over 1,000 items in jewelry, watches, wine and 20th century design. The auctions spread over June 12 to June 15 are expected to achieve over $23 million in sales. The Luxury Week will start on June 12 at 2 PM with the Important Jewels auction. Over 180 items has been carefully curated for the auction. Items on offer include investment-quality diamonds, rare gemstones, and period jewels. There are several clear stones that have been rated D, E or F, the finest color quality possible. A diamond ring by David Webb features a 22.46 carat rectangular-cut E-color diamond is expected to fetch $1.2 to $1.8 million. The New York Important Jewels auction is expected to pull in a total sale in excess of $10 million. Some of the other important pieces on offer include an Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier circa 1930 and a selection of designs by Van Cleef & Arpels, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Marina B. You can view the collection on offer between 9th and 11th June.
The important Watches auction will be held on June 13 between 10 am and 2 pm. Christie’s have put together a varied collection of over 300 timepieces including investment-quality Patek Philippe wristwatches. An 18k gold world-time Patek Philippe wristwatch with two crowns, manufactured in 1963 and an 18k pink gold split-seconds chronograph watch manufactured in 1950 may even surprise the auctioneers by going much beyond their estimates. There are several other important pieces, both vintage and modern from Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet. The range on offer includes pocket watches, dress and sports watches, and jeweled wristwatches for women and even antique desk clocks. There is something or the other to interest both old and new collectors.
Important 20th Century Decorative Art and Design auction will start at 10 am on June 14. As expected the auction house has curated an important collection. However, the highlight of the collection is the Dretzin Table which was made by the celebrated artist Isamu Noguchi for Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Dretzin in 1948. It is considered one of the most important work by the artist and was one of the three pieces he made for Dretzins’ house. The other most valuable items in the collection on offer are the seven leaded glass lamps from circa 1910 and have a combined estimated value of $2 million.
The climax of the Luxury Week auctions will be on June 15 with the auction of Fine and Rare Wines. Over 450 lots have been curated carefully from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône, Italy, and the New World. There are many blue chip collectible wines on offer that would attract aggressive bidding. There are Château Margaux, Latour and Lafite ranging in value from $6,000 to $15,000. There is a strong line up of Burgundy including La Tâche of 1990 vintage and a case of 1999 Domaine Leroy Latricières-Chambertin. All collections will be open for viewing from June 9.
Via: forbes
