Bonhams will offer one of the most comprehensive collections of fine gemstone carvings as part of its Gems, Minerals & Lapidary Works sale on May 21 in Los Angeles, starring a Manfred Wild piece entitled The Merry Pig.
![]() This laboradite duck was also created in Idar-Oberstein, and will sell with a $3,000-4,000 estimate |
The rock crystal quartz and morganite Faberge-inspired egg is expected to sell for $60,000-80,000. It was created in the world renowned carving centre of Idar-Oberstein, Germany.
The offering comes from a private East Coast collector, and will be joined by other examples of exotic animals, domestic pets, large cameos of Biblical and Grecian-inspired scenes and objet d'art.
"Bonhams is the market leader in the field of gemstone carvings. We are honored to feature this private collection in our May auction and look to continued success with lapidary works of art in all genres," commented the auction house's Claudia Florian.
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