Put a Bow on It: 20 Festive Jewels for the Holidays

Put a Bow on It: 20 Festive Jewels for the Holidays

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  So Very Victorian

  The strongly tied bows of the nineteenth century have a charming asymmetrical quality about them. Often fashioned in silver-topped gold and set with diamonds and/or semi-precious stones, these designs were ideal for adorning the exaggerated bustled looks of the era. When worn today, these bows add a unique twist to formal ensembles.
  
  Ruby and diamond brooch, late 19th century. Estimate £4,500–6,500 ($5,500–8,000). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 13 December in London.
  
  

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  So Very Victorian

  Diamond ribbon brooch, circa 1900, (together with a diamond, sapphire and pearl brooch not pictured). Sold for HK$75,000 ($9,671) in Important Jewels and Jadeite in Hong Kong on 28 November. 
  
  

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  So Very Victorian

  Silver-topped gold, turquoise, diamond and pearl brooch, 19th century. Estimate $7,500–10,000. To be offered in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York. 
  
  

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  Exquisitely Edwardian

  The undulating nature of the bow at the turn of the century mimics the S-shaped silhouettes prominent during this time. Corsets pronounced the bodice, allowing jewels to be easily piled on for social events. These soft, flexible designs were perfect for ultra-feminine fashions and continue to be admired for their delicate nature.
  
  Diamond devant-de-corsage, early 20th century. Estimate £30,000–40,000 ($36,600–48,800). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 13 December in London.
  
  

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  Exquisitely Edwardian

  Emerald and diamond necklace, circa 1910 and later. Sold for CHF47,500 ($47,394) in Magnificent and Noble Jewels on 16 November in Geneva.
  
  

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  Exquisitely Edwardian

  Platinum and diamond brooch, France. Estimate $10,000–15,000. To be offered in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York. 
  
  

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  Deco Delights

  As women’s fashion became more columnar and geometric, bows too changed shape and form. Similar to Cubist paintings being debuted at the time, the bows during the Art Deco era were more abstract and free form.
  
  Amethyst and diamond brooch, 1920s. Estimate £3,000–5,000 ($3,700–6,100). To be offered in Fine Jewels on 13 December in London.
  
  

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  Wrapped Up in Retro

  As the silhouettes of the 1920s increased in volume, bows also became more sculptural and bold. The stylised nature of the Deco years was still prevalent, and bold gold designs reflected the joyous nature of the post-war years.
  
  Suite of 18-karat gold and diamond jewellery, Sterlé, Paris, circa 1950. Estimate $40,000–60,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Wrapped Up in Retro

  Platinum, ruby and diamond double clip-brooch, Trabert & Hoeffer – Mauboussin, circa 1940. Estimate $20,000–30,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Wrapped Up in Retro

  Pair of platinum and diamond earclips, circa 1940. Estimate $7,000–9,000. To be offered in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York. 
  
  

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  Verdura’s Bow to the Queen

  Verdura’s vibrant ‘Wrapped Heart’ designs have captured collectors’ hearts since about 1940. Inspired by the court jewels worn in Elizabethan England, Verdura carefully studied the art of rope work, weaving and knot making to create his ‘Wrapped Heart’ brooches and similarly twisted designs. These timeless creations are often seen in the most coveted jewellelry collections – the amethyst and diamond brooch above is from the family of Betsey Cushing Whitney and John Hay Whitney, while the sapphire design on the following slide is from the collection of Marjorie S. Fisher.
  
  18-karat gold, amethyst and diamond ‘Wrapped Heart’ Brooch, Verdura, circa 1950. Estimate $8,000–10,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Verdura’s Bow to the Queen

  18-karat gold, platinum, sapphire and diamond ‘Wrapped Heart’ brooch, Verdura. Estimate $30,000–40,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Sashes in the Sixties

  During the late 1950s and 1960s, bows remained highly stylised and took on a new, textural quality. Bold loops and pointed details are juxtaposed with smooth pearls and cabochon stones, resulting in uniquely spirited jewels. 
  
  18-karat gold, platinum, turquoise and diamond brooch, Jean Schlumberger, France. Estimate $6,000–8,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Sashes in the Sixties

  18-karat gold, cultured pearl and diamond brooch, Sterlé, Paris. Estimate $15,000–20,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Sashes in the Sixties

  18-karat gold, turquoise and diamond clip-necklace combination and earclips, Cartier, Paris, circa 1955. Estimate $25,000–35,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Tied Up in the 21st Century

  Today's bows possess a modern versatility. Pendant-earclips that can be switched from day to night and brooches that can be fastened on a lapel, bag or hat offer the modern-day collector boundless possibilities for wear and admiration.
  
  Pair of platinum and diamond ‘Bowknot’ earclips by Verdura, with cultured pearl and diamond pendants. Estimate $25,000–35,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York. 
  
  

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  Tied Up in the 21st Century

  Platinum, diamond and sapphire brooch, Tiffany & Co. Estimate $10,000–15,000. To be offered in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
  
  

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  Tied Up in the 21st Century

  Pair of platinum, 18-karat gold, diamond and cultured pearl pendant-earclips, Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Estimate $6,000–8,000. To be offered in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York.
  
  

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