Christie’s
You can now accessorize like a Rockefeller.
Four stunning pieces from the famed American family’s collection are going under the hammer at Christie’s New York later this year. The Rockefellers have amassed quite a treasure trove of opulent jewels over the decades (and beautiful homes to boot). The rarities currently up for grabs were once owned by John D. Rockefeller III and his wife, Blanchette Ferry Rockefeller; their daughter Sandra, who passed away last year, went on to preserve the items in her collection.
The star of the show is what has been dubbed the “Rockefeller Kashmir,” a Cartier Art Deco ring with a massive 18-carat Kashmir sapphire perched atop a platinum band glittered with single-cut diamonds. Dated circa 1925, the piece has had quite the journey throughout the Rockefeller family. Jeweler Raymond Yard appraised the ring back in 1946 for John D. Rockefeller Jr. (son of the Standard Oil Family founder John D. Rockefeller, one of the richest men in American history), and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. The professional gave the sapphire his highest praise, calling it simply a “gem.” From there, the ring was passed down to John D. Rockefeller III. It is expected to sell for between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
A circa 1950 Cartier wristwatch is also up for grabs.
Christie’s
Of course, that won’t be the only Cartier treasure up for grabs. Also on offer is an Art Deco bracelet from 1925 that includes rectangular and square step-cut emeralds, as well as marquise, rectangular, square, old, and single-cut stones. It is estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000. Other highlights include a diamond-encrusted Cartier wristwatch (estimate $7,000 to $9,000) and a pair of multi-gem parrot clip brooches created by Yard ($20,000 to $30,000).
Christie’s
The Rockefeller jewels will be offered at the Magnificent Jewels auction, which will fittingly take place at the Rockefeller Center on December 10. The family also happened to be purveyors of fine art, some of which will also be up for grabs via Christie’s this winter across its various auctions. That includes a Kurama granite sculpture by Isamu Noguchi ($2 million to $3 million) and Sunset Over the Palisades on the Hudson by Sanford Robinson Gifford ($1.2 million to $1.8 million).
