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
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.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
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.
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.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
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.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
