John Moran Auctioneers concluded their 2010 auction season on a high note with a sale billed as its "largest decorative and fine arts sale of the year."
The two-session November 30 auction comprised 586 lots of which half were fine and costume jewellery from private collections and estates, and achieved an impressive 90% sell-through rate. Buyers hailing from four continents participated, bidding in person, by phone and online.
Bidding for the jewellery was especially brisk according to John Moran, propelling sales for that category to 96%.
 This circa 1920 gold Patek Philippe watch doubled its estimate at $13,200 |
Much of the interest centred on Art Deco and Victorian items, including an Art Deco platinum and natural Burmese ruby ring that doubled its pre-sale estimate, bringing $14,400 (all prices include 20% buyer's premium), and a lot of two Victorian charm bracelets suspending intricately etched watch keys that realised $6,600 (over an $1,000-1,500 estimate).
An Art Deco sapphire pendant sold solidly at $17,150. Buyers' appetite for signed pieces was also strong, with pieces by Schlumberger, Erté, Buccellati, and David Webb doubling pre-sale estimates. Diamonds were the top price earners, including a white gold and 3.96 carats marquise-cut diamond ring that realised $18,000 and a pair of old European diamond ear studs weighing 3 carats each that realised $30,625.
Watches included many top makers, such as Rolex and Piaget. A circa 1920 yellow gold Patek Philippe wristwatch with a rectangular face was among the leading items, settling at double its estimate at $13,200.
 An Art Deco sapphire pendant, sold for $17,150 |
Fashion aficionados also found much to covet in Moran's sale, as prominent design houses were represented in the selections of both costume jewelry and vintage clothing.
Excellent results were achieved for items by Chanel, including the label's iconic strands of faux pearls, wool suits and coats, and for separates and accessories by Hermes. A group of classic Chanel Boutique jackets and suits doubled its estimate, selling for $3,675.
John Moran will be holding an Antiques & Decorative Arts Auction on January 11, including European & American Furniture and Decorative Arts, Paintings and eclectic estate items.
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