Francisco Costa and Fred Leighton, A Diamond, Colored Diamond, Quartz, Wood and Gold Necklace

The necklace created by Fred Leighton and Francisco Costa is a unique jewel and art-piece, integrating its diverse elements in an alluring and beautifully crafted statement. Breu resin from the Amazonian Almacega tree wrapped in medicinal leaves paired with acai seeds from the healing necklaces of the Amazon's Yawanawa People are set into the impressive 86" long necklace along with antique cut diamonds and yellow diamond briolettes, 19th Century gold chains, druzy, quartz crystal, and gold hammered rods that add architectural notes. Sensual, finely made with attention to every detail, the necklace is infused with Costa’s modern and minimal aesthetic. Each of its elements is celebrated – and given space and place – in this necklace's unique design and environmental message of conservation and sustainability.

ABOUT FRANCISCO COSTA

Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Francisco Costa has been an instrumental force in defining the look and feel of modern beauty. During his 13-year tenure as the creative director of the womenswear division for Calvin Klein Collection, Costa introduced strong architectural codes and a tactile sensuality to one of the most iconic American brands of the past century. The CFDA Award (2006, 2008) and Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt (2009) Award winning designer has dressed admired women as Lupita Nyong’o, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lawrence and Julianne Moore. And over the years, he has collaborated with an array of creative forces, including the artist Ellsworth Kelly, the contemporary ballet choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and the architect John Pawson. In 2019 Costa created Costa Brazil, an eco-beneficial skincare and fragrance line that combines the raw power of the natural world with Costa’s unparalleled eye for beauty. An avid environmentalist, Costa serves on the board of Conservation International, a non-profit organization devoted to protecting nature. Since its launch in December 2018, Costa Brazil has partnered with CI, and continues to work with them to protect and sustain the Amazon, and support its indigenous population.

ABOUT FRED LEIGHTON

Established in New York City in the 1970s, Fred Leighton is one of the world's most important houses of fine antique jewelry. Innovative and audacious, Fred Leighton brings exceptional vintage jewels to Madison Avenue, showcasing these rare designs in a unique and luxurious boutique. Since the firm’s acquisition by Kwiat, New York’s renowned diamond jewelers since 1907, its influence has continued to grow. Fred Leighton’s clientele—which includes international celebrities, socialites, and tastemakers—and its presence on the red carpet and in the pages of the most important fashion publications, have established Fred Leighton as the premiere destination for extraordinary jewels.

The Consignor is donating 100% of the hammer price from the sale of this and other designated artworks, to be sold during Sotheby’s Contemporary Discoveries online sale held from September 23 – October 3, 2022, to Instituto Terra, a not-for-profit Brazilian organization devoted to conservation and reforestation. In addition, in relation to these designated artworks, Sotheby’s will donate 100% of its Overhead Premium to Instituto Terra and its Buyers Premium, after deducting expenses. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible. For more information about Instituto Terra, visit www.institutoterra.org.