We are delighted to be offering the John T. Hinkley Collection at auction in early August. After almost 100 years, the renowned Sydney jeweller and diamond merchant John T. Hinkley is closing its doors, presenting its stock in trade at Leonard Joel in Woollahra.
Split into two parts, the John T. Hinkley Collection Part I will take place on Monday 5 August, 6pm, while Part II goes to auction the following day on Tuesday 6 August, 11am.
Part I is led by a sapphire and diamond bracelet by Tiffany & Co from the 1930s, Lot 70. Comprising of two hundred and thirty-four diamonds and twenty-one sapphires, set in platinum, it certainly is a piece emblematic of this glamorous era, and perhaps why it was selected to feature in a composition illustrating and celebrating Art Deco jewellery in Tiffany’s 150 Years.[1]
Another particularly fine piece is the ruby and diamond bracelet with nine floral panels, each comprising of five rubies, bordered with brilliant cut diamonds. Alongside the fine selection of ruby adorned pieces are a small number of items featuring Jade, which include an unusual brooch in the form of a finely carved opium spoon.
An interesting Cartier Art Deco brooch will also be offered. The striking rock crystal plaque provides a canvas for a clean geometric design, consisting of an array of coral amidst old cut diamonds, and set on a small square slice of deep black onyx.
In Part II, we present a broader selection of fine jewellery, decorative arts and artefacts from John T. Hinkley, which include a glorious selection of elegant South Sea pearl items, a large array of solitaire diamond rings in varying styles, joined by a varied range of Gentleman cufflinks and signet rings.
The final segment of the auction is a range of decorative arts that were on display in Hinkley’s showroom, which made up the rich decoration of the shop. A small 9ct gold trophy and a large Sèvres vase, bearing a painted scene of lovers on a river bank, will be particularly memorable to the jeweller regulars, while a sign from the original stores location is another piece of the Hinkley legacy on offer.
[1] John Loring, Louis Auchincloss, Tiffany’s 150 Years, Doubleday, New York, 1987
Hamish Clark / Head of Sydney Office
2019