The “Light of Africa” diamond is not the only big attraction in the upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale at Christie's in New York. Also at the top of the June 8 auction are 12 pieces of JAR jewelry from the Ann Getty collection.
Joel Arthur Rosenthal - commonly known by his initials, JAR - is the exclusive American designer that discerning collectors love. Rosenthal opened his Parisian studio in 1977 where he created one-of-a-kind jewelry. Most often these reference nature, as well as historical architectural elements and fabric-like motifs.
JAR has proven to be one of the most sought-after contemporary jewelry artists at auction.
A typical example is Rosenthal's “Branch Under Snow” bracelet. Last year it sold for $1.9 million at Christie's, although its high estimate was only $600,000.
Although he does not produce more than 100 pieces a year, the highly individual designer has won a lot of recognition from major art institutions. He was the first living jeweler to be granted a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2013.
Getty has been a longtime JAR collector, who has lent pieces from her collection to such exhibitions. In addition to the Met, she lent to a JAR exhibition at Somerset House in London in 2002. Also to the “Masterpieces of French Jewelry” exhibition at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco in 2007.
Married into the famous Getty family, Ann was a philanthropist, socialite and publisher. Born Ann Gilbert, she was the daughter of farmers in northern California, Christie's said.
He studied biology and anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. She even participated in anthropological digs, and had a passion for them throughout her life.
“Ann Getty was a scientist whose personal JAR collection reflected her innate curiosity. She also had impeccable taste in jewelry that was so beautifully made. Jewelry full of memories of her family and research trips abroad.” So said Christie's Americas head of jewelry, Daphne Lingon.
“Her jewelry is the story of a woman's pursuit of ideal beauty and the lifelong appreciation of artisans. Only JAR's work achieves the balance of nature, color and form that she so loved.”.
Christie's said the 12 pieces from the Getty's collection could fetch a total of $1.5 million. But based on past performance, that estimate is probably conservative.
On June 8, the presentation will take place at Christie's in New York. Prior to that, there will be a public exhibition in Geneva from 6 to 10 May. Also in Hong Kong from 25 to 27 May and in New York from 3 to 7 June.
JAR's “Parrot Tulip” brooch is among the 12 jewels. The brooch features rubies, sapphires, garnets, tourmalines and diamonds and the JAR Paris signature. It was made in 1990 and is estimated to sell for between $200,000 and $300,000.
See all twelve jewels here.
