The Richemont-owned company is investing in its jewelry production and watchmaking workshops.
19 Hemmerle Pieces From a Private Collection Head to Auction
It will be the largest single-owner collection of the German brand’s jewels to appear at auction, Sotheby’s said.
The auction house will offer what it says is the largest single-owner collection of the German brand’s jewels to appear at auction next month.
Nineteen Hemmerle jewels will appear in “A Vision: Property from the Collection of Michelle Smith” at Sotheby’s New York.
This is seven more than were featured at a 2019 Sotheby’s auction—at the time the largest private collection to go up for sale—where all but one lot exceeded its pre-sale estimate and some went for five times those amounts.
Next month, the jewels will be at the center of the Sotheby’s New York auction comprising 400 lots across two auctions—20th and 21st century design, fine art, jewelry, and handbags from the collection of the late philanthropist and art patron Michelle Smith.
She was the daughter of the late renowned businessman, real estate developer, and philanthropist Robert Smith—who developed large parts of the Crystal City outside of Washington, D.C.—and artist Clarice Smith.
She served as vice president of product design and development for Charles E. Smith Residential Realty and its successor, Archstone-Smith, becoming one of D.C.’s most respected figures, known for her exacting eye, kindness, and championing of various organizations and educational institutions.
Among those she supported are the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institute, the Aspen Institute, the New York Historical Society, and many others.
Smith died in September.
The Hemmerle pieces in her collection that are heading to auction were gathered over the course of decades, offering a look at the brand’s distinct style, using innovative combinations of colors, textures, and stones.
Highlights include a pair of diamond and copper stud earrings, a bronze and sea urchin necklace, and a peridot, tourmaline, brass, and wood cuff bracelet.
Smith’s jewelry collection also features several pieces from iconic jewelry houses, including a “Ludo Hexagone” bracelet ($60,000-$80,000) and a “Chevalerie” demi-parure ($40,000-$60,000) from Van Cleef & Arpels, and a selection of diamonds and pearls from Graff.
An online sale of jewelry, design and Hermes handbags will complement the live component, running from April 16-27.
Lots will travel to Sotheby’s Paris from March 11-15 before returning to New York for exhibition at Sotheby’s York Ave galleries starting April 16.
The Latest
Manoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.
The designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
The retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.