Unusual jewellery pieces and the Serpentina private collection

Exciting competition between international bidders and high hammer prices in the auction of Jewellery and Wristwatches proved a very successful start to the season at Lempertz’s Cologne headquarters.

Historical jewellery, traditionally a special domain of the house, enjoyed great popularity in the auction. Early jewellery from two private collections in the Rhineland and the Serpentina Collection were particularly sought-after and were sold almost in their entirety. A Victorian snake bangle, for example, densely set with diamonds, achieved an outstanding result of € 47,880 via numerous international telephone and online bidders and became the highlight of the section. A spiral-shaped Art Nouveau snake bangle made of gold mesh rose from € 3,000 to a hammer price of € 8,000 (gross € 10,080) and an extravagant snake ring by the Venetian Gioielleria Cadognato with a large carved emerald sold for € 12,600.

Hearts are trumps, and the small late Victorian heart medallion with diamonds eventually changed hands after a lengthy bidding battle for € 12,600.

Lempertz always dedicates a special chapter to author’s jewellery. Here, amongst others, the kinetic water ring by the Cologne goldsmith and artist Falko Marx was very popular amongst collectors and fetched € 10,000 (gross € 12,600).

The star of the artist's jewellery was a necklace with pendant by Arnaldo Pomodoro. The unique piece from 1969 is one of four versions that the artist made of this design and is listed in the catalogue raisonné. The sculptural necklace was knocked down for € 34,000.

As expected, the Rolex Cosmograph ‘Daytona’ in steel was the highlight of the afternoon, selling for € 50,400.

In total, the auction realised a hammer price of almost one million euro.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0221/92 57 29-57.

Jan Bykowski
Press and Public Relations
info@lempertz.com