Auctions

19 Hemmerle Pieces From a Private Collection Head to Auction

AuctionsMar 15, 2021

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.

Hemmerle header resized.jpg
Sotheby’s New York will have 19 Hemmerle jewels from one collection up on the block next month, which it said is the brand’s largest private collection to appear at auction.
New York—Hemmerle lovers are in for a treat with one upcoming jewelry auction at Sotheby’s.

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. 
The Hemmerle collection will be part of the live auction on April 22 at Sotheby’s New York, alongside a selection of Smith’s artwork. 

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. 

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Still from Worth the Wait natural diamond marketing campaign
SourcingOct 23, 2024
De Beers, Signet Lean Into Finding ‘The One’ in New Natural Diamond Campaign

Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.

Pnina Tornai New York Bridal Fashion Week
EditorsOct 23, 2024
The Modern Bride’s Approach to Wedding-Day Jewelry

Editor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 23, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Jade Trau and Harrods pop-up shop
IndependentsOct 23, 2024
Jade Trau Sails Overseas

The New York-based brand is expanding outside of the U.S., with a pop-up shop in London and plans to distribute internationally.

Weekly QuizOct 18, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
20241023_Bruce Wayne Kryptonite header 1.jpg
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
See Scott West Jewelry’s ‘Kryptonite’ and ‘Joker’ Rings

They’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.

Timex Waterbury 170th anniversary edition watch
WatchesOct 23, 2024
How to Get a Timex Watch for $1

The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

GemFair diamond toolkit
SourcingOct 23, 2024
GemFair Buys 10,000th Diamond

Launched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.

Model wearing Daystar earrings and Ouche necklace
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
Robinson Pelham Releases New Jewels Just in Time for the Holidays

The new “Ouche” collection brings sculptural designs to the brand, while the expanded “Daystar” collection brings a rainbow of colors.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsOct 22, 2024
The Smart Lab: Tips for Preparing for Your Best Q4 Yet

From prioritizing the customer experience to optimizing inventory, columnist Emmanuel Raheb shares the keys to a successful holiday season.

Priya Raj
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2024
WJA Foundation Names First Winner of Hedda Schupak Scholarship

Journalist Priya Raj plans to use the scholarship funds to further her media qualifications and amplify marginalized communities.

WNBA Finals Championship trophy and Tiffany & Co. basketball
MajorsOct 22, 2024
WNBA Champions New York Liberty Take Home Tiffany & Co. Trophy

It marks the first championship win in the team’s 28-year history.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Fort Smith Arkansas
IndependentsOct 22, 2024
Sissy’s Log Cabin To Open Seventh Store

The Arkansas-based jeweler’s first store in the state’s northwest region is set to open next year.

Stock image of rough diamonds
SourcingOct 21, 2024
De Beers to List Single Country of Origin for Some of Its Diamonds

It will start with rough diamonds that are larger than 1.25 carats and later expand to rough diamonds that are above 1 carat.

Pandora Stranger Things campaign
CollectionsOct 21, 2024
Pandora Turns Things Upside Down in New ‘Stranger Things’ Collection

The capsule collection is inspired by friendship and connection, with a nod to ‘80s fashion.

20241018_Appraising lab grown diamonds webinar.jpg
Recorded WebinarsOct 18, 2024
Watch: 2 Experts on the Challenges of Appraising Lab-Grown Diamonds

Texas jeweler Susan Eisen and NAJA’s Gail Brett Levine discuss how lab-grown diamonds have altered the landscape for jewelry appraisers.

Retiring JSA President John Kennedy
CrimeOct 18, 2024
The End of an Era: John Kennedy Reflects On 32 Years at JSA

On the verge of retirement, Kennedy recounts the most stressful stretch of his time at JSA and reveals what he’ll miss about the industry.

Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos
MajorsOct 17, 2024
Retailer Hall of Fame 2024: Gina Drosos

Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.

Shirley Bassey’s Cartier Baignoire watch
AuctionsOct 17, 2024
Shirley Bassey’s ‘Baignoire’ Breaks Auction Record

Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.

Alan Hodgkinson
GradingOct 17, 2024
Renowned Gemologist and Author Alan Hodgkinson Dies at 87

He dedicated his life to researching, writing, and speaking about gemstones in the hope he could inspire others to share his passion.

Ethical Gem Fair Brooklyn
Policies & IssuesOct 17, 2024
Ethical Gem Fair Returns to Brooklyn

The event is slated for Oct. 17-19.

Travelers on Gem Legacy Adventures Trip
SourcingOct 17, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip

12 spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.

Mountz Jewelers in Colonial Park/Harrisburg and Ron and Tonia Leitzel
IndependentsOct 16, 2024
Retailer Hall of Fame 2024: Ronald Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh

Though they didn’t grow up together, siblings Ronald Leitzel and Tonia Leitzel Ulsh have grown together as co-owners of Mountz Jewelers.

Crime handcuffs stock photo
CrimeOct 16, 2024
Two Arrested in Home Invasion Murder of 72-Year-Old Detroit Jeweler

The men allegedly posed as employees of a local energy company to gain entry to Hussein Murray’s home and then killed him in the basement.

Tiffany With Love Since 1837 campaign image
FinancialsOct 16, 2024
LVMH Jewelry, Watch Sales Down 5 Percent So Far This Year

Sales slipped 4 percent in the third quarter in an environment the company described as economically and politically uncertain.

Stock image of mini shopping cart with gifts
SurveysOct 16, 2024
Here’s What the NRF Expects This Holiday Season

The U.S. presidential election, inflation, and the aftermath of recent hurricanes could all have an impact on spending.

×

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