Clive Kandel

By Clive Kandel Sotheby's New York specialist in charge and Director of Jewelry Gary Schuler told Clive Kandel: "As our first jewelry sale of the fall season we are encouraged by the very solid results achieved.  The trends of the past few seasons certainly continue, with strong international interest in both stones and signed jewelry. We had spirited bidding for natural...

By Clive Kandel Some men prefer blondes, I prefer Cartier. However, I do enjoy writing about Fabergé and the Russians. The Imperial Russian Jeweler deserves a 1,200-page novel describing the emotions and escapades caused by his brilliant artistry. No other jewelry or objets d'art have ever brought out so much emotion based in fortune, greed and misery. However, this tale...

By Clive Kandel In January 2009, eleven pieces of an Imperial Russian suite of furniture were found and were offered at auction by Bukowski's Auction House in Helsinki, Finland. However, due to an ownership dispute they were withdrawn just before the sale began. The resulting national publicity in Scandinavia helped another owner recognize that she owned an identical 12-piece set....

By Clive Kandel Several items of Audrey Hepburn's iconic couture collection sell for £268,320. A dress by Givenchy worn in "How To Steal a Million" sells for £60,000. A packed saleroom saw more than 40 items from Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe sell for £268,320 December 8 in an auction at Kerry Taylor Auctions at La Galleria, 30 Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, London...

By Clive Kandel December is thought of as the month when jewelers are most busy. Auction houses try and hold high quality sales with tempting selections. Whilst jewelry stores can plan their purchases, auctions are dependent on sellers. Sotheby’s, 9 December, has several spectacular period and modern jewels. Among them are Cartier jewels formerly belonging to Mrs. Cole Porter, then...

By Clive Kandel I received a telephone call last week from a friend in London, who works for a world-famous jeweler directly opposite Graff Diamonds. He was excitedly telling me that a robbery had just taken place about 10 minutes earlier, and Bond Street had turned into the Wild West for all of two minutes. Since then, I have received...

By Clive Kandel Antique shows have nearly reached terminal stage in New York due to the economy and scarcity of suitable venues. The most favored show venue that was profitable and prestigious over the last fifty years was the Seventh Regiment Armory at Park Avenue and 66th Street. I say “was” because recently, under the care of the Conservancy, rents...

By Clive Kandel The last of the great Indian Maharanis, Her Highness Maharani Shri Gayatri Devi Sahiba, Rajmata of Jaipur, died a few days ago. I had been introduced to her by a very close mutual friend, an Indian prince who had known the Rajmata since childhood. Although the Rajmata had been in poor health for some time, I was...

By Clive Kandel The Old Bolshevik cliche was 'what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine'. The New Oligarchs seem to be thinking the same way as The Old Guard. The Russian bears are looking for their Faberge honey and they have huge sticky paws. The Tsar would purchase a couple of eggs every year from Faberge and later...