On the weekend of March 23-24, Brunk Auctions hosted a sale of fine and decorative art, jewelry and more. The two-session sale totaled $1.49 million over a pre-sale estimate of $870,000 to $1.37 million. There were exceptional results in jewelry, Continental fine and decorative objects, and Chinese fine and decorative objects.

The top lot in the auction was a pair of rare 21.5 carat diamond earrings from the Georgian Era. Estimated at $50,000 to $70,000, these convertible Night and Day earrings brought the attention of several bidders in the room and over the phone. After enthusiastic bidding, these sold for $108,000 to an anonymous phone bidder.

An antique platinum, diamond, and sapphire pendant from the Estate of Nan Grosmaire sold for $60,000. The pendant was estimated at $15,000 to $20,000. Also, a platinum and diamond ring with a 3.15 carat round central stone sold for $19,200 against an estimate of $12,000 to $16,000.

In total, 97.8% of the 138 lots of jewelry in the auction sold. Brunk Auctions will seek to replicate these results in their upcoming May Auction, which features over 120 lots of fine and antique jewelry, most of which is from the Estate of Elizabeth Dunn Clark of Middleburg, Virginia.

Continental works also commanded exceptional results in the auction. A fine pair of Meissen blue and white porcelain urns with classical scenes were subject to strong interest. Bidding started with competing absentee bids at $22,000, which ultimately rose to $55,200, selling to a phone bidder. A painting in the Manner of Gustave Courbet, from the Estate of Charlotte Garson, also turned heads. A portrait of an older man in a blue jacket, this piece is accompanied by a letter of attribution by Pierre Courthion who was an expert on the artist. The lot was subject to competing bids on the internet and sold for $35,000.

There were also desirable objects for buyers interested in fine and decorative Chinese works. A pair of Chinese School ritual processional scenes circa 1800 sold for $28,800. The pair are apparently unsigned and depict the Guangzhou outskirts with meticulous detail. Also, a fine Ming Dynasty white jade carved belt plaque with dragon sold for $16,800 against an estimate of $2,000 to $4,000.

Overall, 95.6% of 838 lots sold, with an impressive 28.4% of lots selling above high estimate. All lots listed above include appropriate premiums.

Brunk Auctions will host their next catalog auction over the weekend of May 12, 2018. It will feature sporting art and jewelry from the Estate of Elizabeth Dunn Clark and fine modern and contemporary art from a New York Corporate Collection to be sold among other great estates and private collections. For more information or to request an auction catalog, contact Aaron Edwards at (828) 254-6846 or at aaron@brunkauctions.com