Auctions

Bonhams LA Offering 20th Century Jewelry Sale

AuctionsOct 05, 2021

Bonhams LA Offering 20th Century Jewelry Sale

“Wearable Art: Jewels from The Crawford Collection” has more than 300 pieces from Pablo Picasso, Art Smith, and more.

20211004_BonhamsLA-header.jpg
Art Smith Modernist necklace (estimate $6,000–8000) and “Baker” cuff (estimate: $7,000-9,000)
Los Angeles—A vast collection of twentieth century jewelry will soon hit the Bonhams Los Angeles auction block.

“Wearable Art: Jewels from The Crawford Collection” has more than 300 pieces from more than 30 distinguished artists. Byron and Jill Crawford collected the assortment over a lifetime, Bonhams said, with several pieces appearing in books and exhibitions over the years.

There are works from fine artists like Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, and Jean Arp; American Modernist masters such as Art Smith, Betty Cooke, and Sam Kramer; Scandinavian makers such as Georg Jensen, and Björn Weckström; Native American artists Charles Loloma and Jesse Monongya; and Taxco jewelry from William Spratling and Antonio Pineda.

20211004_BonhamsLA-3.jpg
Gold and multi-stone “Night Sky” cuff, Jesse Monongya ($10,000 - $15,000)

Bonhams said the auction boasts one of the largest private collections to be offered at auction for Loloma, Smith, Cooke, Spratling, and Margaret De Patta.

Jill Crawford said, “It has been my great passion and pleasure to own and wear the jewelry in my collection. I have spent a lifetime searching for the greatest examples by artists I admire.”

20211004_BonhamsLA-2.jpg
Two gold figurative rings, Bruno Martinazzi ($12,000 - $18,000)

“When I am wearing a great piece of jewelry, I feel connected to the artist, and I become part of the story a piece is telling. Jewelry is meant to be worn, and in the hands of a passionate collector it becomes transcendent.”

20211004_BonhamsLA-1.jpg
The Pablo Picasso 23-karat gold “Grande Fawn” comes with its original box. ($60,000 - $100,000)

Pablo Picasso was known best for his painting, but also worked in ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry. His “Grand Fawn” in high-karat gold matches lithographs he made. 

More than 20 pieces from Art Smith will be available. The Afro-Cuban immigrant was a champion of African American rights and gay rights, Bonhams noted. He believed jewelry should be accessible and crafted his pieces in brass or copper accordingly. 

Museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; The Newark Museum; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum have collected Art Smith works. In 2008, the Brooklyn Museum of Art staged an exhibition in his honor: “From the Village to Vogue: The Modernist Jewelry of Art Smith.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Active at the same time was William Spratling, considered to have helped put Taxco, Mexico on the map as a center for high-quality silver designs.

20211004_BonhamsLA-6.jpg
A William Spratling sterling silver “Helena Rubenstein” necklace circa 1942-43 ($8,000 - $12,000)

The Crawford Collection is the product of years of travel. Representing Scandinavia is Björn Weckström, known for his asymmetrical figurations and textured surfaces.

20211004_BonhamsLA-4.jpg
20211004_BonhamsLA-4: A gold bracelet, Björn Weckström for Lapponia, Finland, 1973 ($4,000 - $6,000)

Native American artists are also represented with works from Charles Loloma and Jesse Monongya. Their pieces inject vivid color into the auction assortment through gems like lapis lazuli and turquoise.

Loloma’s work features in many important collections, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s. President Lyndon B. Johnson used Loloma’s jewelry as state gifts.

20211004_BonhamsLA-5.jpg
Charles Loloma (1921-1999) 14-karat gold, turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli cuff circa 1975 ($40,000 - $60,000)

The Wearable Art: Jewels from the Crawford Collection auction will be held on Oct. 12. at Bonhams Los Angeles.

The Latest

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Kessler watch battery recycling program
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy