Just in time for the holidays, The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc., will present a no reserve, holiday jewelry auction on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 10 am, featuring fine, antique and vintage estate jewelry from Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Hermès, Lawrence Vrba, Fendi, as well as statement costume pieces and more hailing from fine estates in Paris, London and Manhattan. 

“For our first holiday jewelry auction, we were fortunate to acquire a collection from a woman who grew up in Paris and had a passion for unique jewelry so this auction mostly features her — and her mother’s — jewelry collections as well as a lot of vintage estate jewelry from the 1930-50s,” said Pam Stone, owner and founder of The Benefit Shop Foundation, Inc. “While there may be fewer and smaller holiday gatherings this year, we have plenty of bling here to wear and many of the jewelry pieces are perfect for gift-giving.”

The timing of the auction is also apropos as the charities that Stone supports through auction proceeds are critically in need of funds this year, even more than ever, owing to the pandemic.

The auction boasts key designer names such as Chanel, led by a a vintage Gripoix glass bead necklace ($500/2,000) having the iconic interlocking double C logo, set on a 42-inch long chain, circa 1970s; another classic Gripoix glass and pearl necklace, also 42 inches long, circa 2005, having three Chanel logos in gold tone; and a gilt Medallion 31 Rue Cambon necklace ($500/1,000), circa 1995.

Van Cleef & Arpels is well represented with a pair of 18K gold rope hoop earrings ($1/4,000), circa 1976, and a group of eight circa 1971 carved pendants ($500/2,000) ranging from wood to jade; two are 18K textured.

Buyers who appreciate Modernist jewelry will want to note two brooches signed Burle Marx, featuring the artisans’ signature fondness for tourmaline. One brooch in brushed 18K yellow gold is centered with a large emerald-cut green tourmaline ($800/3,500) and the other is signed 18K gold free form livre watermelon tourmaline brooch ($500/2,000), circa 1970. Roberto and Haroldo Burle Marx are known for their imaginative gemstone jewelry and share an affinity for all hues of tourmaline.

The auction has a wide diversity not only in designers but also time periods and styles, ranging from a lot comprising four pairs of luxe 14K and 18K pearl earrings ($300/2,000) surrounded by a halo twisted rope pattern; a distinctive Tiffany Somerset sterling silver bracelet that is a half-inch wide, and an Art Nouveau platinum and amethyst brooch ($400/1,000) having

florals and etched leaves topped with natural clear stones.

Lawrence Vrba is also a desirable name among jewelry aficionados and several of his handmade pieces will cross the block, including a signed floral Buddha brooch ($200-800) with a carved meditating Buddha in the center surrounded by multi textile floral jewelry accents on twisted rhodium plated metal branches. “These are gorgeous pieces and very ornate, more like works of art,” Stone said. “This is the ultimate statement jewelry and most of his works have a tiered or layered design.”

Rounding out the auction will be a signed Hermes enamel bracelet ($300/1,000) depicting an intricate design with horses and carriages in muted blues and browns tones; a vintage Art Deco diamond sapphire ring ($500-1,000) with open scrollwork on the setting and a circa 1980s Fendi Sunburst 18K plated hinged cuff bracelet ($200-800) with sculptural pierced metal work and a motif of a sun face and rays. 

The monthly Red Carpet sales feature choice collections of antique, Midcentury Modern, brand furnishings, sterling, china, crystal, jewelry and fine art. With a mission of  “to donate, to discover and to do good,” the foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit and auction proceeds support community organizations. Consignors get a tax deduction, the buyer gets a great deal and local non-profits get much needed funds.

The auction gallery is at 185 Kisco Ave, Suite 201. For more information, https://www.thebenefitshop.org or 914-864-0707.