Inside the NYC Winter Antiques Show
A de facto opener to the winter social season in New York, the annual Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory provides an opportunity to peruse a dazzling array of arts, antique and design objets from over 70 expert dealers. The selection can be overwhelming, so we’ve rounded up some of the more unusual pieces whose pedigreed pasts could spark a future spot in your jewelry box or on your mantle. An added reason to check out the show, which runs from January 22nd to 31st? All net proceeds benefit the East Side House Settlement, a non-profit that provides education and technological training to impoverished students in the South Bronx. Visit WinterAntiquesShow.com for information on hours and ticket purchases.
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![Faberge-Case-01[4]](https://imgix.bustle.com/wmag/2016/12/15/5852df44d3b7a5db18f38afe_Faberge-Case-014.jpg?w=760&h=803&fit=crop&crop=faces&dpr=2)
Wartski. Imperial Enamel and Diamond Presentation Case. Carl Faberge.
“Part of the excitement about the work of Carl Fabergé are the often extraordinary provenances which come with an object. This case takes us from the Russian Imperial family to the great and good of English and American society.” – Thomas Holman
Decorated with a sunburst engraving and embellished with a rose cut diamond thumb piece by Carl Fabergé. Offered by Wartski, it was formerly in the collection of William Furness, whose mother Lady Thelma Furness (neé Morgan) was Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt’s twin sister.
Price upon request.
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Historical Design Inc. Dolores del Rio Cuff Bracelet. Paul Flato. 1940.
“Glamour for some Hollywood stars can be effortless, but wearing big, juicy stones is timeless.”— Daniel Morris, Historical Design Inc., New York
“Dolores del Rio” cuff bracelet comprised of three large citrines (approximately 450-plus carats) and pave diamonds set in 18k yellow gold and platinum, c. 1940. Offered by Historical Design, it is attributed to Paul Flato, an American jeweler known for his art deco work, a favorite of movie stars. It was previously owned by the Mexican actress and socialite Dolores del Rio.
$80,000
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Donzella. Generation. Philip & Kelvin LaVerne. America. 1964.
“I’ve handled many rare and sought-after designs by this artist duo over the years, and this one in many ways outshines them all. It is highly unusual to see so many of their signature techniques represented in a singular work such as this.” —Paul Donzella
Offered by Donzella, this table, according to Kelvin LaVerne, was originally commissioned by Dorothy Carnegie, widow of Dale Carnegie, the American writer-lecturer known for his work “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
$55,000
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Elle Shushan. “Portrait of George IV as Prince Regent.” Henry Bone, R.A. Britain. 1821.
“A sumptuous portrait jewel, commissioned by the King as a gift, made especially personal to the recipient by the inclusion of a lock of the King’s hair, is like holding a bit of history in your hand.”—Elle Shushan
Gold, enamel and diamond jewel set with a miniature of King George IV by Henry Bone, R.A. This was King George’s favorite image of himself, so he had Bone paint many of them as enamel on gold, to give as royal gifts throughout his life. The recipient of this particular jewel is unknown, but it was likely a close friend of the King’s given it includes a lock of his hair.
$22,000
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Macklowe Gallery. Ring. America.1915.
“The ‘Moi et Toi’ ring was conceived as the ultimate love jewel. Two perfect diamonds nestle against each other, symbolic of the love shared by two souls.” —Benjamin Macklowe
American Art Deco platinum and diamond crossover ring, comprised of two round old European-cut diamonds and 10 smaller ones. With signed Tiffany & Co. box, c. 1915. Offered by Macklowe Gallery, it is from the collection of Mrs. Wendy Gordon Rockefeller, an environmental entrepreneur married to Laurance Rockefeller, a great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller.
$80,000
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Didier, Ltd. 18ct textured gold abstract pin set with rubies and diamonds by the Italian sculptor Franco Cannilla, from the collection of Dame Elizabeth Taylor, c. 1970.
“Elizabeth Taylor was well-known for her love of large pieces of bling and being encouraged out of bed to the film set by gifts of jewels. Yet amongst her collection were some very fine artistic pieces including this abstract brooch by the Italian sculptor Franco Cannilla from c. 1970, which was once also modeled by Brit Ekland. A jewel worn not by one but two great beauties of the 20th century.” – Didier Haspeslagh
Gold, ruby and diamond brooch designed by Roman sculptor Franco Cannilla and made in collaboration with Mario Masenza. Offered by Didier Ltd, it once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor.
$67,500
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Didier, Ltd. “The Persistence of Sound.” 18ct gold melting telephone earrings with emeralds, rubies and diamonds, Designed by Salvador Dali and made by Alemany and Ertman Inc. New York. 1949.
“These iconic Salvador Dali melting telephone earrings are one of best examples of Surreal art in a wearable form. Designed back in 1949, they even predicted our modern era where mobile telephones seem permanently glued to everyone’s ears – for Dali they symbolized the ‘transmission of thought at the speed of light.’” – Didier Haspeslagh
Designed in the Dolce Vita era by Salvador Dali in 1949. Offered by Didier Ltd, these earrings belonged to an anonymous Roman socialite, and their design was based on Dali’s “Enigma of Hitler” painting, in which Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler are depicted in 1937 having a phone conversation trying to avert WWII.
Price upon request.
