"Two Matildas" Live Sale Raises Over $17m
June 14, 26
(IDEX Online) - Lots from a vast family-owned jewelry collection - including many Faberge, Cartier and Tiffany items - raised $17.3 million at the live section of a Christie's New York auction.
Ninety-four lots from The Stream Family Collection were sold on 10 June. A further 285 lots are currently being sold online (closes 17 June).
The collection was assembled initially by Matilda Geddings Gray (1885-1971), an oil heiress and major art collector from Louisiana, USA, and later by the niece she mentored, Matilda Gray Stream (1924-2023).
The top lot at the sale was a 49.91-carat very light green-yellow diamond ring, VS1-clarity, old European brilliant-cut, which sold for $2,027,000, more than four times its low estimate.
A Tiffany & Co. Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet realized $1,905,000, more than six times its low estimate.
And a Cartier coral, diamond and gold bracelet sold for $482,600, against a low estimate of $50,000.
Among the Faberge items was a gem‑set silver rhinoceros automaton, circa 1900, which achieved $762,000 (estimate: $300,000 to $500,000).
Christie's said the auction was 99% sold by lot and 231% sold by low estimate.
Capera Ryan, Christie's deputy chairman said: "The Stream Family Collection reflects the vision of two extraordinary women, Matilda Geddings Gray and Matilda Gray Stream, who surrounded themselves with objects of the highest caliber.
"Their commitment to excellence and their instinct for acquiring works of lasting significance have resulted in a collection that has only grown more rare and resonant with time."