Highlights from the Jayne Wrightsman Collection

This past Wednesday, Sotheby's in New York auctioned a large handful of extraordinary jewels from the reclusive and eternally elegant Jayne Wrightsman. The collection consists of some of the finest jewels to come on the market in many years and includes pieces from Cartier, JAR, and Verdura. Many of the hammer prices are staggering when compared to the estimated prices. Alas, I did not bid on any of the pieces!

 Pair of 18 karat gold, platinum, ruby and diamond ear clips-Verdura, 1992

Estimated: $75,000-100,000

Hammer price: $266,500

 A platinum, natural pearl and diamond corsage ornament, circa 1910

Estimated: $800,000-1,200,000

Hammer price: $2,042,500

 A platinum, platinum topped gold, black seed pearl and diamond necklace- Verdura

Estimated- $30,000-50,000

Hammer price: $128,500

 Pair of platinum, 18 karat gold, emerald and diamond ear clips- Verdura

Estimated: $250,000-350,000

Hammer price: $446,500

Platinum, ruby and diamond wreath broach- Verdura, 1996

Estimated: $25,500-35,000

Hammer price: $59,375

A silver topped gold, conch pearl, cultured pearl and diamond brooch

Estimated: $15,000-25,000

Hammer price: $122,500

A pair of diamond Rivieres

Estimated: $800,000-1,200,000

Hammer price: $842,500

18 karat gold, emerald,ruby, spinel, cultured pearl and diamond necklace

Estimated: $175,000-225,000

Hammer price: $212,500

Platinum, carved ruby and diamond brooch with emerald pendant- Cartier, London

Estimated: $75,000-100,00

Hammer price: $674,500

Pair of platinum, carved coral, onyx and diamond ear clips- Verdura, 1996

Estimated: $7,500-10,000

Hammer price: $21,250