For the 21st Century Raja

To follow up on an earlier post about the Duquette jewelry auction happening at Bonham's on Sunset, I am presenting you with a selection of items going under the hammer.  In my modest opinion, these are the 5 most beautiful pieces, ones that would justify cat fights, name calling, and mildly violent physical contact.

What I find wonderful about these is that none of them are ludicrously expensive, considering their pedigree and their material content.  For the faint of heart & pocketbook, who still want a piece of the action, there were some $300.00 braided gold cuffs, and a few $500.00 quartz torsade necklaces, all of which were beautiful and eye-catching.  You can view the full catalog at http://www.bonhams.com/.

I also love that these are pieces you won't be afraid to wear; you don't have to worry about a diamond popping off in an elevator or losing a pave stone in the car.  As well, statement pieces like these could not be more in style right now.  They're all so very editorial, and could be worn with anything; a de la Renta suit by day, Gottex by the pool, Marchesa by night.  Think of them as an investment in pride and envy, but in the best possible way.

- Ian

For a larger view, click on the image.  All photos and descriptions courtesy of Bonham's.




A blue topaz, kunzite, moonstone, colored pearl and vermeil necklace
signed Tony Duquette
length 20in (50.8cm)

Estimate: $1,800 - 2,500 

  




'Symbolizing Adventure and The Eternal Journey', early 1990s

A carved bone, coral, carnelian, silver and vermeil necklace, signed Tony Duquette
with original box
length 19in (48.2cm)

Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000 

  




'Symbolizing Wealth in All Matters, Spiritual Strength, Integrity and Love and the Past, Present and Future Nature of Material Strength', 1990s

An amethyst bead, paua shell and vermeil 'fan leaf panel' collar
with original box
length 23in (58.5cm)

Estimate: $2,500 - 3,500 

  



'Symbolizing Birth, Death and Rebirth', 1990s

An amethyst, peridot, amber, cultured pearl, rose quartz, black coral and vermeil necklace
with original box
length 21 1/2in (54.5cm)

Estimate: $3,000 - 4,000 

 



'Symbolizes the Beauty Found in Nature', 1990s

An amethyst, inlaid shell, quartz, plastic and vermeil necklace
signed Tony Duquette 1995
length 24in (61cm)

Estimate: $1,500 - 2,000