"Magnificent Pearls From The Collection Of Kelly & Calvin Klein" 2007 soldes Sothebys

Sothebys

2007

11" x 8 1/2"

Fine/ Fine

On December 4, 2007, Sotheby's will offer for sale three lots of magnificent natural pearl and diamond jewels from the collection of Kelly and Calvin Klein Jewelry. Of historic importance, the Single-Strand Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, a Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant, and the Pair of Black and White Natural Pearl and Diamond Earclips, were purchased by the Kleins in 1987 at Sotheby's legendary auction of The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor in Geneva. In the 20 years since the Windsor sale, few pieces from that incomparable collection have been re-offered at auction, and none as significant as the iconic natural pearls acquired by Kelly and Calvin Klein. Prior to the December exhibition and auction in New York, the pearls will be featured in an extensive presale exhibition around the world with stops in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and in the US. In addition, the collection will be exhibited at Sotheby's New York premises in months leading up to the auction. The necklace, pendant and earclips will be offered as three lots in Sotheby's December sale of Magnificent Jewels and carry a combined estimate of $2.2/3.1 million*.

World-renowned for his leading influence on fashion and lifestyles, Calvin Klein bought the natural pearl jewels from the Duchess of Windsor's collection for Kelly because of their extraordinary quality and provenance, and classic style. In the four decades she had the natural pearls, the Duchess of Windsor was often photographed wearing the necklace and pendant as complements to her fashionable wardrobe and all three pieces subsequently became treasured accessories for Kelly Klein. In addition to this exceptional provenance for all of the items, the Single-Strand Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace by Cartier, Paris, once belonged to Queen Mary, wife of King George V, who gifted it to her son, the Duke of Windsor.