SKINNER FINE JEWELRY AUCTION FEATURES STRIKING COLLECTION OF GENTLEMEN’S WRISTWATCHES, ARTIST-INSPIRED PIECES AND A BRILLIANT TIFFANY DIAMOND SOLITAIRE

September 14, 2010
10:00 am	to	4:00 pm

Skinner, one of the world’s leading auction houses, will host an auction of Fine Jewelry on Tuesday, September 14th in the Boston gallery at 10 a.m.  The sale features an impressive wristwatch collection from the estate of Tyler Morris Knapp including a number of Cartier and Patek Philippe pieces.  Bidders can expect to find one-of-a-kind pieces from a variety of artists including Boston designer Janiyé and contemporary German designer Michael Zobel to classic diamonds from Tiffany and Harry Winston.

The first collection of note comes from the estate of Tyler Morris Knapp, a descendent of prominent banker, Arthur J. Morris, founder of Morris Plan Bank.  An avid collector of fine watches, more than 20 are featured from Knapp’s collection including a stainless steel IWC Schaffhausen chronograph “Pilot” wristwatch, estimated at $800-$1,200; a Cartier 18k gold “Torture” wristwatch, estimated at $5,000-$7,000; and a Patek Philippe 18k gold “Gondolo” wristwatch estimated at $6,000-$8,000.  In addition, this sale features nearly 50 lots of rare and impressive gentleman’s wristwatches including an 18k gold perpetual calendar chronograph Patek Philippe watch estimated at $50,000-$70,000.  A number of Cartier watches make an appearance as well.

Bidders can expect to find a wide variety of artist designed jewelry including a Roy Lichtenstein, pop art “modern head” pendant/brooch, estimated at $1,500-$2,000; an Ed Wiener 1950’s sterling silver cuff bracelet, estimated at $800-$1,200; and a Sam Kramer sterling silver and banded agate ring, estimated at $300-$500.  Boston designer Janiyé also makes an appearance at the sale including 24k and 18k gold and baroque pearl earclips, estimated at $800-$1,200; an18k gold and ancient luristan bronze necklace, estimated at $600-$800; and a 14k gold, amethyst and seed pearl brooch, estimated at $400-$600.

Works by contemporary German designer Michael Zobel are also featured.  His jewelry combines aspects of the wearable and the theatrical and can be found on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, among others.  This sale boasts a mixed metal and opal cuff, estimated at $800-$1,200; a mixed metal and opal suite including a brooch and earclips, estimated at $1,000-$1,500; and 18k gold and quartz earclips estimated at $600-$800.

As always, the sale will include a number of brilliant diamonds and important pieces guaranteed to impress including a Tiffany Art Deco platinum and diamond solitaire, weighing 5.36 cts, estimated at $75,000-$100,000.  Harry Winston platinum and diamond earpendants featuring 80 diamonds, weighing 17.09 cts, estimated at $30,000-$40,000; an Art Deco Egyptian revival gem set plaque brooch, estimated at $8,000-$12,000; and a rare F.G. Hale arts & crafts opal and gem-set pendant necklace, estimated at $12,000-$18,000.

Catalog and Preview Information
Previews for the auction will be Sunday, September 12th, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Monday, September 13th, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.  Illustrated catalog #2515B is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3000 x3240.  It is also available at the gallery for $32.  Prices realized will be available at Skinnerinc.com during and after the sale.  Skinner’s site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogs, and bid live in real-time through Skinner-Live.