AuctionsOct 15, 2021
The Duchess of Windsor’s First Anniversary Gift Is Going to AuctionAuctionsOct 18, 2021
See the Results of ‘Wearable Art: Jewels from the Crawford Collection’
Pablo Picasso’s “Grand Faune” pendant was the jewelry auction’s top lot.
This Pablo Picasso 23-karat gold “Grande Faune” pendant was the top lot at Bonhams Los Angeles’ “Wearable Art: Jewels from the Crawford Collection” auction last week.
Los Angeles—Bonhams Los Angeles’ “Wearable Art: Jewels from the Crawford Collection” auction last week highlighted jewelry as a medium of choice for artists like Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst.
It also featured works from artists who considered jewelry the main vehicle for their artistry, like renowned Hopi Native American artist Charles Loloma.
The single-owner collection featured more than 300 pieces of jewelry from over 30 artists, all crafted in the 20th century and collected by Byron and Jill Crawford over a lifetime. Ninety-five percent of lots were sold to total more than $1.7 million.
The sale’s top lot was Pablo Picasso’s “Grand Faune” pendant (pictured at top), which fell within its pre-sale estimate range, garnering $62,813.
The auction’s unmistakable star, however, was Charles Loloma, with his pieces accounting for eight of the top 10 lots.
According to Bonhams, Loloma’s top-selling piece, which was the second highest overall in the sale—a gold and multi-stone inlay cuff circa 1975 (above)—set a record for the artist’s work at auction when it sold for $56,563, within its pre-sale estimate.
The No. 3 top-selling lot was Loloma’s gold and turquoise ring, which trounced its $5,000-$7,000 estimate when it sold for $40,313.
“It was such a pleasure to work with a sale featuring more than 300 pieces of wearable sculpture representing a cross-section of important and beautiful 20th-century artist jewelry from more than 30 master makers,” said Bonhams Los Angeles Director of Jewels Emily Waterfall.
“This sale was an education in great studio jewelry rarely seen at auction from Betty Cooke and Margaret De Patta to William Spratling, Pablo Picasso, Charles Loloma, and many more. With the excitement and success of the sale, and the new auction records established, we have opened up an important new area for Bonhams.”
Bonhams noted an auction record was set for a Jesse Monongya work, with the artist’s gold and multi-stone “Night Sky” cuff (above) earning $21,562, well above its high-end $15,000 estimate.
Likewise, an auction record was set for William Spratling jewelry for the silver and amethyst “Jaguar” necklace and brooch, which went for $15,300.
A gold convertible necklace from Baltimore artist Betty Cooke, who currently has a retrospective at The Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, sold for $9,562, though its high-end estimate was only $5,000.
Full results are available at Bonhams.com.
Related stories will be right here …
It also featured works from artists who considered jewelry the main vehicle for their artistry, like renowned Hopi Native American artist Charles Loloma.
The single-owner collection featured more than 300 pieces of jewelry from over 30 artists, all crafted in the 20th century and collected by Byron and Jill Crawford over a lifetime. Ninety-five percent of lots were sold to total more than $1.7 million.
The sale’s top lot was Pablo Picasso’s “Grand Faune” pendant (pictured at top), which fell within its pre-sale estimate range, garnering $62,813.
The auction’s unmistakable star, however, was Charles Loloma, with his pieces accounting for eight of the top 10 lots.
Charles Loloma (1921-1999) 14-karat gold, turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli cuff circa 1975
According to Bonhams, Loloma’s top-selling piece, which was the second highest overall in the sale—a gold and multi-stone inlay cuff circa 1975 (above)—set a record for the artist’s work at auction when it sold for $56,563, within its pre-sale estimate.
The No. 3 top-selling lot was Loloma’s gold and turquoise ring, which trounced its $5,000-$7,000 estimate when it sold for $40,313.
“It was such a pleasure to work with a sale featuring more than 300 pieces of wearable sculpture representing a cross-section of important and beautiful 20th-century artist jewelry from more than 30 master makers,” said Bonhams Los Angeles Director of Jewels Emily Waterfall.
“This sale was an education in great studio jewelry rarely seen at auction from Betty Cooke and Margaret De Patta to William Spratling, Pablo Picasso, Charles Loloma, and many more. With the excitement and success of the sale, and the new auction records established, we have opened up an important new area for Bonhams.”
Gold and multi-stone “Night Sky” cuff, Jesse Monongya
Bonhams noted an auction record was set for a Jesse Monongya work, with the artist’s gold and multi-stone “Night Sky” cuff (above) earning $21,562, well above its high-end $15,000 estimate.
Likewise, an auction record was set for William Spratling jewelry for the silver and amethyst “Jaguar” necklace and brooch, which went for $15,300.
A gold convertible necklace from Baltimore artist Betty Cooke, who currently has a retrospective at The Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, sold for $9,562, though its high-end estimate was only $5,000.
Full results are available at Bonhams.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
