The Estate of Margret Craver Withers (1907-2010) is a highlight of the sale. Margret Craver was a self-taught modernist jeweler and metalsmith. She was introduced to metalsmithing at the University of Kansas in the late 1920s. In 1938 she traveled to Sweden to study with Baron Erik Fleming, silversmith to the King. Under his tutelage, Craver refined her craft and sharpened her skills. During the war Craver taught metalwork to veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital. She has been recognized with numerous awards and her work is represented in as many museums. Skinner is pleased to offer selections from her estate that range from her designs to collected works of others, such as fellow innovator John Paul Miller.

Craver’s work is beautifully represented with the Solar-Lunar Cosmos series from the late 1970s. Each transparent glass pendant is set with either gold or silver foil symbolizing the relationship between sun (gold) and moon (silver). Each is suspended from a simple, clear acrylic torque that creates an interaction between wearer and viewer: the pendant changes with the light as the wearer moves. Eleven of the 12 pendants from this series will be offered. Lots 441 through 451 are estimated at $600-$800 each. Also being offered is a silver and rock crystal dress clip, lot 460, which shows Craver’s strong interest in gemology and lapidary work. The piece is estimated at $1,500-$2,000.

Skinner hosted a gallery talk and reception at the Boston gallery entitled “Margret Craver: A Singular Silversmith and Jeweler of the 20th Century” presented by Jeannine Falino, Curator, Museum of Arts and Design, New York City. 

Choice timepieces at auction include an antique gilt-metal and rock crystal crucifix watch, signed by Jaques Joly, lot 606, estimated at $3,000-$5,000; an Art Deco platinum, gem-set figural wristwatch, attributed to Eszeha, lot 841, estimated at $10,000-$15,000; and lot 822, an Art Deco onyx, enamel and diamond “Pendulette” by Cartier, Paris, circa 1920, estimated at $10,000-$15,000. A Patek Philippe man’s 18kt gold “perpetual calendar” wristwatch with moonphases, lot 580 and estimated at $20,000-$30,000, is also expected to entice active bidding.

The auction features solitaires ranging from 2.00 carats to over 10.00 carats including a platinum and diamond solitaire set with a square emerald-cut diamond weighing 10.62 carats, accompanied by a GIA report stating G color, VVS2 clarity. Lot 826 is estimated at $550,000-$650,000. Another stunning stone is a pear-shaped diamond weighing 9.13 carates, accompanied by a GIA report stating E color, VVS1 clarity. That lot, 845a, is estimated at $475,000-$525,000. An 18kt gold and fancy light yellow diamond solitaire, set with a rectangular-cut diamond weighing 8.95 carats, with GIA report, lot 821, is estimated to sell between $75,000 and $100,000. And, an Art Deco platinum and diamond solitaire set with a square-cut diamond weighing 2.96 carats, lot 851, rounds out the sale and is estimated at $20,000-$25,000.

Top quality rubies are becoming increasingly scarce these days. A beautiful antique 18kt gold, ruby and diamond ring, lot 845, accompanied by an AGL report stating the ruby is of Burmese origin, with no evidence of heat treatment, is indeed a find. The estimated value is $15,000-$20,000.

Numerous signed pieces of jewelry by famous makers will also be showcased including works of Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Buccellati, David Yuman, David Webb, Vachron & Constantin, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier’s “La Nouvelle Vague” collection.

For anyone planning a summer wedding, Skinner is offering a pair of antique diamond earpendants, lot 810, and estimated at $2,500-$3,500, and a beautiful empire seed pearl tiara, Paris, 1809-19. Crowning the head with delicate seed pearl feather motifs on textured gold, the tiara, lot 621, is valued at $1,000-$1,500.