MajorsJun 27, 2022
George Holmes, Longtime Head Editor of JCK Magazine, Dies at 93 He first took a job at then Philadelphia-based Jewelers’ Circular-Keystone in 1963 and retired in 1996.
AuctionsJul 13, 2021
Jewels from Modernist Designer Art Smith, Sammy Davis Jr. Head to Auction
“California Jewels” will feature six of Smith’s pieces, bought at his Greenwich Village store by a friend and collector.
This pair of sterling silver earclips, designed by Art Smith (unsigned) circa 1950, is estimated to sell for between $1,000 and $1,500 at Bonhams L.A. next week.
Los Angeles—Bonhams L.A.’s upcoming “California Jewels” auction will feature pieces designed by modernist jeweler Art Smith as well as jewelry that once belonged to one of the greatest performers of the 20th century.
Smith (1917–1982) was known for making jewelry influenced by biomorphism—design meant to evoke nature and living organisms—and Surrealism, creating pieces dynamic in both style and form.
He typically worked in brass and copper and sometimes sterling silver, but rarely worked in gold.
Smith trained at Cooper Union in New York City and sold his jewels at his store in Greenwich Village from 1946 to 1979.
His work was featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and museums around the world have also collected Smith’s jewels, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Newark Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
The Brooklyn Museum’s 2008 exhibition, “From the Village to Vogue: The Modernist Jewelry of Art Smith,” helped bring interest in the Afro-Cuban artist back to the fore.
Smith is also the namesake for the endowment fund created in 2020 for Black students enrolled in, or looking to enroll in, the Fashion Institute of Technology’s jewelry design program.
See: The Art Smith Pieces Up for Auction
Smith (1917–1982) was known for making jewelry influenced by biomorphism—design meant to evoke nature and living organisms—and Surrealism, creating pieces dynamic in both style and form.
He typically worked in brass and copper and sometimes sterling silver, but rarely worked in gold.
Smith trained at Cooper Union in New York City and sold his jewels at his store in Greenwich Village from 1946 to 1979.
His work was featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and museums around the world have also collected Smith’s jewels, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Newark Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
The Brooklyn Museum’s 2008 exhibition, “From the Village to Vogue: The Modernist Jewelry of Art Smith,” helped bring interest in the Afro-Cuban artist back to the fore.
Smith is also the namesake for the endowment fund created in 2020 for Black students enrolled in, or looking to enroll in, the Fashion Institute of Technology’s jewelry design program.
See: The Art Smith Pieces Up for Auction
A gold and opal bead ring designed by Art Smith (estimated sale range, $2,000-$3,000)
A pair of sterling silver earclips (unsigned) ($1,500-$2,000)
A sterling silver and moonstone necklace ($4,000-$6,000)
A sterling silver collar and bangle set ($5,000-$7,000)
A sterling silver cuff bracelet (unsigned) ($1,500-$2,000)
The six Art Smith pieces on the block during the L.A. sale—three of which are unsigned—come from a collector who said her mother became friends with Smith in the late 1940s and bought several pieces at his Greenwich Village store.
“My sister and I grew up hearing stories of Art Smith, who was a larger-than-life character from Greenwich Village. In the late 1940s, my parents lived in New York City and became friends with (him),” she said.
“Mom’s memory of him was that of a tall (to her) openly gay Black man with a shaved head wearing an earring. He made an impression on her, selling his designs from his own shop on Cornelia Street. She explained to us what a rarity this was in the 1940s, and how much courage it took for him to live his life.”
The jewels in the auction are sculptural pieces of art.
There’s a sterling silver and moonstone necklace circa 1950; a sterling silver collar and bangle circa 1950; and a pair of sterling silver ear clips attributed to Smith circa 1950.
There will also be an 18-karat gold and opal bead ring circa 1950 designed by Smith, a sterling silver cuff bracelet circa 1950, and a pair of sterling silver earclips circa 1950.
Bonhams’ upcoming L.A. jewelry auction will also feature jewelry once owned by none other than Sammy Davis Jr.
Born in Harlem to Afro-Cuban vaudeville dancers, Davis spent his life in showbusiness, performing for the first time at the age of 3.
He broke down myriad racial barriers to become a successful comedian, actor, dancer, and singer.
See: Sammy Davis Jr.’s Jewelry
An “SD” monogram set comprised of an 18-karat gold and diamond ring (estimated to sell for between $3,000 and $5,000) and a gold, diamond, and enamel monogram necklace ($6,000-$8,000)
An 18-karat gold, fancy brown diamond and white diamond ring ($7,000-$9,000)
A Bueche Girod 18-karat gold bracelet watch ($4,000-$6,000)
A gold and diamond solitaire ring ($30,000-$40,000)
Sammy Davis Jr. was known, among other things, for his flair and fashion, including always wearing at least one big gold ring.
After starring as the lead in “Mr. Wonderful” on Broadway, Davis became friends with Frank Sinatra, forming the “Rat Pack” with Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, and appearing in movies like the original “Ocean’s 11” (1960) and “Sergeants 3” with them.
The Tony-nominated performer also had a flair for style from the get-go, always seen wearing a suit and donning at least one big gold ring.
In 1967, he was the first Black man to be featured on the cover of GQ, sporting that signature look.
Now, five pieces once in his collection will be up for auction at the Bonhams L.A. sale.
They include an 18-karat bicolor gold, diamond, and enamel monogram ring, and an 18-karat bicolor gold, diamond, and enamel monogram necklace.
The other three of his pieces in the jewelry auction are a Bueche Girod 18-karat gold bracelet watch; a gold and diamond solitaire ring; and an 18-karat gold fancy brown diamond and white diamond ring.
To view all the lots in the July 20 “California Jewels” auction, visit Bonhams.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJun 27, 2022
Mayors, Analog:Shift Team Up With GoopThe lifestyle platform will stock fine jewelry and watches from the retailers on its website and in store.
CrimeJun 27, 2022
JSA Warns of ‘Pandemic’ of Distraction Thefts Nationwide It cited two recent cases in California, plus incidents in Florida, Kansas, and Illinois.
Brought to you by
Preparing for Proposal Season with High-Quality, A.I.-Graded Natural Diamonds Rare & Forever is helping to create an enjoyable diamond buying experience for the millions of newly-engaged couples.
IndependentsJun 27, 2022
Lewis Jewelers Set to Open New Ann Arbor Store This SummerThe 10,000-square-foot location allows for expanded collections from design partners while continuing custom design and other services.
Weekly QuizJun 23, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
CollectionsJun 27, 2022
This Designer Has Found a New Way to Bring Gemstones to LifeSvetlana Lazar’s “Wishing Well” collection utilizes an innovative component to mimic the movement of water beneath them.
Brought to you by
Discover The Extraordinary Italian Jewelry In Las Vegas!Experience all the Italian Jewelry market has to offer in Las Vegas.
Recorded WebinarsJun 24, 2022
Vegas Jewelry Recap: The Editors Weigh InWatch the webinar in which National Jeweler’s editors talk about jewelry market week trends and their predictions for the rest of 2022.
MajorsJun 24, 2022
Banter by Piercing Pagoda Celebrates Pride with ‘SayGay’ NecklaceAll proceeds up to $25,000 will benefit the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth.
CollectionsJun 24, 2022
Piece of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Hidden Message LocketIt’s a reminder that life is best lived with discretion.
TechnologyJun 24, 2022
Cloud-Based POS Software Jewel360 Launches for Jewelry RetailersThe end-to-end software allows for real-time control over all sales, inventory, repairs, customer communications, and marketing.
EditorsJun 23, 2022
Antique Show Observations From a First-Time AttendeeAssociate Editor Lenore Fedow shares her impressions of the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show and a few of her favorite finds.
GradingJun 23, 2022
AIGS Launches Grading Report for ‘Santa Maria’ AquamarineThe Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences aims to set a color standard for the trade name.
SourcingJun 23, 2022
Rough Diamond Sales Rise Again for De Beers Sales were up 36 percent year-over-year in June and are pacing 24 percent ahead of last year at this point.
Lab-GrownJun 22, 2022
LVMH Luxury Ventures Sinks Money Into Lab-Grown Diamond Start-UpLVMH’s investment arm has taken a stake in Lusix, a lab-grown diamond company based in Israel.
CrimeJun 22, 2022
Leviev Diamonds Launches Bracelet to Help ‘Tinder Swindler’ Victims Profits will help them recoup financial losses.
MajorsJun 22, 2022
Swarovski Names First Non-Family CEORetail veteran Alexis Nasard will step in as CEO on July 4.
SourcingJun 22, 2022
Edward Asscher to Remain WDC President for Another YearThe organization also extended the terms of Vice President Feriel Zerouki and Treasurer Ronnie VanderLinden.
ColumnistsJun 21, 2022
State of the Majors 2022: Reflections on ResilienceAfter suffering a professional setback, columnist Peter Smith reflects on our ability to bounce back even when the hits keep on coming.
IndependentsJun 21, 2022
Jeweler Tommy Glatz, Known for Being Creative and Kind, Dies at 68Glatz owned and operated Glatz Jewelers in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania for more than 40 years.
Events & AwardsJun 21, 2022
24 Karat Club of Southern California Will Honor These Industry LeadersThe organization will present three awards at its annual dinner, dance, and gala in October.
MajorsJun 21, 2022
David Yurman Hires Chief of People, StrategyFormer McKinsey partner Emily Yueh marks new president Evan Yurman’s first hire.
TrendsJun 17, 2022
Britney Spears Wore Over $500K of Stephanie Gottlieb Diamonds at Her WeddingThe New York jeweler also made the pop star’s wedding bands.
AuctionsJun 17, 2022
5-Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Ring to Hit the Auction BlockIt’s predicted to sell for up to $484,000 during the Bonhams Hong Kong Jewels and Jadeite auction on June 22.
Events & AwardsJun 17, 2022
WJA Foundation to Offer Tech Scholarships for Women of ColorThe recipient will receive up to $17,500 toward a tech-focused certification or program of their choice.
CollectionsJun 17, 2022
Piece of the Week: Gemella’s ‘Stella’ NecklaceIt’s as versatile as it is glamorous.
