Sotheby's to sell Largest Collection of Hemmerle Jewelry
March 18, 21
(IDEX Online) - A collection of Hemmerle jewelry - with their trademark gems set in unorthodox materials - is to be sold by Sotheby's New York.
The 19 lots, all owned by the late philanthropist, art patron and passionate collector Michelle Smith, represent the largest private collection of Hemmerle jewelry to appear at auction.
They're among more than 400 lots of 20th and 21st century design, fine art, jewelry, and handbags to be sold at two auctions.
Among the highlights are a peridot, tourmaline, brass and wood cuff bracelet, with a $40,000-$60,000 estimate (pictured).
Hemmerle, a family-run German jeweler, is known for its imaginative combinations of colors, textures, and stones.
In 2019 a Hemmerle jasper cameo pendant, surrounded by emeralds and tsavorites smashed its pre-sale estimates of $18,500 to $24,600, and sold for $144,855 at Sotheby's London.
There will be a dedicated live auction in New York on 22 April with a concurrent online sale open for bidding from 16 - 27 April.