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 

 

Love for Sale

A favorite piece - The Duchess of Windsor necklace. 

Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Pearls set in 18kt gold

Hold onto your hot sauce friends, this is an APB for the style conscious.  Coming April 18^th 2011, Bonham’s on Sunset Blvd. will be auctioning a collection of one of a kind jewelry designed by Tony Duquette & associate Hutton Wilkinson; most of it unseen by the public.  So, settle that insurance claim, dip into that 401 k, and send those kids to public school because there are some Baroque Baubles that need a new home.

Duquette has been experiencing a Renaissance for the past 10 years thanks to the Hollywood Regency style popularized by Kelly Wearstler and her ilk. 

While I j’adore his Interiors, his jewelry designs have always made my windows fog up.  What makes his work so incredible is that he was able to translate hallmarks that were usually seen in bombastic Interiors into something as utterly intimate as jewelry. 

Coral, Insects, Shells, Malachite, Cabochons, Baroque pearls, and golden Starbursts combine with influences from India, Russia and Europe to create works that are unmistakably Duquette and divinely decadent. 

A Cocktail Ring of Citrine and Peridot in 18kt Gold.

Cocktail rings that could choke a horse, Maltese Cross brooches that could moor a boat, jeweled collars that should require a consultation with a chiropractor are all part of the repetoire.  The catalog of items has yet to be released, but I've included some of Duquette's greatest hits for your perusal.

If the pieces up for auction are as stunning as the ones I have already seen, this event will require a few cigs and a cuddle afterward.

-Ian

A lethal looking Starburst Brooch of Green & Purple Amethyst with Diamonds

Mandy Moore wearing the Duchess of Windsor necklace

 

 

 

 

Moore in a Collar and Cuff of Cabochon Saphires by Duquette