Bidders battle over Belperron jewelry
Seven examples of fine jewelry by noted designer Suzanne Belperron captured bidders’ attention during Fortuna’s Spring sale. The Belperron selection of lots brought more than $541,250 in a sale that saw 100% of the lots sell.
NEW YORK —Fortuna’s auction of the jewelry collection of Bokara “Bo” Legendre achieved overwhelming success with a sale total of more than $1.6 million and selling 100% of the lots. Fortuna, a New York City-based auction house specializing in fine jewelry and timepieces, hosted the auction on April 25 in the firm’s Fifth Avenue showroom.
Belperron Jewelry Shines
Highlighting the sale were seven lots by Suzanne Belperron. The lots sold for a combined total of $541,250, 70 percent more than the combined presale high estimate of $319,000. The most exciting was a citrine and diamond cuff attributed to Suzanne Belperron. The piece achieved $150,000, against a presale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. In addition, a rare carved blue “Cambodian” chalcedony cuff sold for $137,500. Plus, a carved chalcedony leaf motif bombé diamond ring sold for $65,625. This drastically exceeds the presale high estimate of $15,000.
The sale was led by an Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet by Cartier, which sold for $237,500, against a presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000. Plus, an Art Deco ruby and diamond necklace, also by Cartier, sold for $150,000. The piece carried a presale estimate of $80,000-$120,000 into the sale.
Adding to the sale’s success was the global participation, with registered bidders from 46 countries across six continents. “The success of this sale is a reflection of the passion and talent of our team. As well as our ability to reach the top collectors around the world. From Hong Kong and Dubai to France and Brazil,” said Fortuna Co-CEO and Head of Jewelry Seth Holehouse. “As the auctioneer, it was the most intense bidding atmosphere that I’ve ever experienced. It was phenomenal watching many of these pieces go for double, triple and even quadruple their initial estimates.”
100% Sell Thru
“We aren’t a 300-year-old auction house that sells everything from art to furniture. What we do is jewelry. We focus on it and we are obsessed with making sure that when jewelry is sold at Fortuna, it sells for the highest possible price,” said Fortuna Co-CEO John Saxon. “There is room in the marketplace for an auction house like Fortuna, and our exponential growth and success with every sale is an indicator of that.”
Fortuna Auction is the world’s only no-risk fine jewelry auction house. It was founded with the mission of building a trusted platform that would allow jewelry collectors to buy and sell from anywhere in the world. Fortuna’s team offers free valuations on fine jewelry, gemstones, and timepieces, with no obligation to consign or sell. Fortuna is based in New York City.
For more information about Fortuna, visit FortunaAuction.com or call 212-389-9040.
