Clars is pleased to announce its upcoming Summer Antique Jewelry Salon Auction on June 18th, featuring an exceptional selection of fine antique and estate jewelry, rare gemstones, and historically significant decorative arts.

The highly curated sale will showcase an elegant array of Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, and contemporary jewelry designs, highlighting remarkable craftsmanship, important gemstones, and timeless sophistication. Collectors will encounter an exciting selection of antique diamond jewels, colored gemstone creations, fine goldwork, and rare collector pieces drawn from distinguished private collections.

Leading the sale is a spectacular diamond, gem-set and 18k gold suite, estimated at $25,000–$35,000, alongside an impressive Retro diamond and 18k gold bracelet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000. Additional highlights include a jade, diamond, platinum and 14k gold pendant necklace, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a Retro ruby, diamond, and 18k gold brooch estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and an antique diamond and 14k gold brooch carrying an estimate of $2,000–$4,000.

The sale further features a striking Retro ruby, diamond, and 14k gold ring, estimated at $5,000–$7,000; an elegant diamond, sapphire and 18k gold brooch, estimated at $3,500–$5,500; and a refined pair of diamond and platinum brooches, estimated at $4,000–$6,000 and $2,000–$3,000 respectively.

Collectors of antique jewelry will also appreciate a diverse selection of Victorian and Art Nouveau treasures, including a Victorian guilloche enamel, diamond, and 18k bi-color gold pocket watch, estimated at $1,000–$2,000; an antique quartz, ruby, mother-of-pearl and 14k gold pendant-brooch, estimated at $500–$700; and an antique peridot, seed pearl and 9k gold lavalier necklace, estimated at $500–$700.

Additional offerings include antique jade, coral, amethyst, sapphire, and seed pearl jewelry, as well as mourning jewelry and decorative pendants that reflect the rich artistry and symbolism of 19th and early 20th century design. Among them are a coral and jade worry bead necklace, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a carved jade and 22k gold pendant, estimated at $800–$1,200; an amethyst and 14k gold pendant, estimated at $250–$350; and a Victorian coral, turquoise and gold-filled figa seal, estimated at $300–$500.

Concluding the sale is The Irene Deitsch Collection of English Victorian and French Posy Holders, an extraordinary collection of more than 130 antique tussie-mussies and posy holders, many of which are being offered at auction for the first time. These delicate and highly decorative objects, once fashionable accessories of the Victorian era, were designed to hold fragrant floral bouquets and symbolized refinement, romance, and sentiment.

Following the Important Fine Art session, the May Gallery Auction continues with a diverse and compelling selection across multiple collecting categories.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Furniture & Decorative Arts offerings include a Bernhard Rhone for Mastercraft low table, estimated at $300–$500; a fine French Régence ormolu-mounted commode, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; a French Neoclassical polychrome and parcel-gilt console table, estimated at $1,000–$1,500; and a Stickley Audi bow arm Morris chair with ottoman, estimated at $1,200–$1,800.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry section features an antique turquoise and 15k gold necklace and earring suite, estimated at $4,000–$7,000, alongside distinctive antique brooches including lava stone and gemstone snake examples.

Asian Art

Asian Works of Art highlights include a Chinese blue and white ‘qilin’ charger from the Transitional period, estimated at $3,000–$5,000; a famille rose ‘hundred bats’ charger bearing a Guangxu mark, estimated at $2,000–$4,000; and an 18th-century huanghuali chest, estimated at $4,000–$6,000.

The Warehouse Auction: May 16th

The series concludes on Saturday, May 16th with The Warehouse Auction, an eclectic and accessible sale offering decorative arts, furnishings, collectibles, and estate material. Known for its breadth and opportunity, this auction provides bidders with the chance to discover unique pieces and exceptional value across numerous collecting categories.

When the press publicizes a jade bangle bracelet or necklace fetching millions of dollars at auction, collectors worldwide wonder if their jade is also valuable. What is jade and where does it come from?

The term jade gets its meaning from the Spanish term “piedra da ijada”, or loin stone. The ancient Chinese revered jade as the “Stone of Heaven”. In Mesoamerica, the local jade available was jadeite and its spread throughout the New World has been documented. Even though Jadeite in China would not be known of for thousands of years, once discovered, Burma jade was the only jade China used.

In jewelry, typically, there are two varieties of jade: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is the most valuable. It comes in a multitude of colors, from deep greens to lavender, white, gray and black. What gives jade its value primarily is the degree of translucency and the evenness of color.

Jadeite has also been found in many places, including near Omi Province, Japan; in San Benito County, California; in Kazakhstan; and in the Ural Mountains, Russia. The most valuable color is an intense, vibrant green, often called imperial or apple green jade. Fashion jewelry will often use a range of colors in a single jewelry piece. Currently “ice and water jade” known for its crystalline or watery translucency is a very popular variety. Guatemala and Burma are the primary sources for modern jadeite. The most important source of jadeite is the large deposit near Taw Maw, Myanmar (Burma).

Nephrite comes in an even greater array of colors. It is the lesser valuable variety and is more commonly used for carvings, and in some jewelry. Typically, nephrite is dark olive green in color with black or gray specks, having a range of translucency. Some nephrite rings have a creamy white color known as ‘mutton fat’ in Chinese, which was mostly used before the 1800s in China as well as New Zealand and the Atlantic Coasts and Pacific Coasts. Notable nephrite jade deposits can be found in Australia, Brazil, China (Sinkiang), Canada, Russia, Taiwan, Zimbabwe and the Western United States.

The value of jade takes into consideration many factors:

• Translucency: is probably the most important factor. The ability to transmit light is an example of how finely structured the atoms are. The texture or crystalline visibility represents the conditions in which it formed. No matter what color a piece of jadeite is, the ability to transmit light without visible crystal texture is ideal (be aware that “treaters” are aware of this and have the abilities to improve formerly opaque material to virtually translucent material). * See treatments below.
• Color: desirability, like fashion, goes in and out of favor. However, the apple green color often called imperial jade is the most prized. Somewhat recently in the US, the absence of color like the water or ice white jadeite has been picking up demand. Losing in popularity today is the lavender variety. Next, the evenness of color, how mottled or variegated the color or colors are is also important. Ideal in today’s market would be a saturated, even apple-green color.
• Form: another important factor is the carving or carver’s talent and age or origin of the piece. Too often an item of jade is scrutinized for its gem quality before determining the age or carving quality. In creating a bead or bangle there is major weight loss while carving from the rough stone, which increases the end cost of the object. Quetzal jade is a bright green stone from Guatemala that was treasured by the Mesoamerican cultures and still held in high value today because of the quality of the carvings.

Typically, having at least one or more of the best of all of these factors is good. But the best examples displaying all of these factors are the ideal, and that is when the million dollar marks are reached.

In today’s Jadeite market, with advances in science and technology, jadeite is being put through processes to “improve” its color and translucency. This is a difficult process to detect and only a few laboratories have the highly technical equipment to detect treatments. Fine quality jadeite sold today typically is accompanied by an independent laboratory report stating that there is no evidence of such treatments.

Jadeite treatments either add color and polymer or just polymer to improve its appearance. The classification system that is used to grade jade, is as follows (Source: Mason-Kay):

• ‘A’ JADE: Natural, untreated jadeite jade. Only beeswax is used to fill the stone’s microscopic surface pores – as has been done for centuries.
• ‘B’ JADE: Acid-bleached, polymer-impregnated jadeite jade
• ‘C’ JADE: (GIA – ‘B’+‘C’) Acid-bleached, polymer-impregnated, dyed jadeite jade – the dyed form of ‘B’ jade
• ‘D’ JADE: (GIA – ‘C’) Dyed jadeite jade. ‘D’ jade almost always pre-dates the polymer treatment era (no polymer present).

Clars will present a two-day auction series beginning with the Gallery Auction on Friday, April 17th, followed by the Warehouse Auction on Saturday, April 18th. The upcoming sales bring together a curated selection of fine art, Asian works of art, jewelry, and decorative design, offering collectors access to a wide range of significant works spanning international markets and periods.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts category features significant examples of studio furniture and refined European-inspired design. An Arthur Espenet Carpenter double music stand, estimated at $2,000–$4,000, demonstrates the designer’s sculptural approach to utilitarian objects. Also included is a Rose Tarlow chinoiserie lacquer coffee table estimated at $3,000–$5,000, blending traditional Asian-inspired motifs with contemporary luxury design.

Additional highlights include a Reed & Barton sterling silver flatware service in the “Francis I” pattern estimated at $15,000–$20,000, a large Neoclassical style giltwood pier mirror estimated at $1,500–$2,500, and a Florentine scagliola table top by Emilio Martelli estimated at $3,000–$5,000, showcasing decorative techniques rooted in European craftsmanship traditions.

Fine Art

The Fine Art department presents a strong group of American and international modern works, led by William Wendt’s Untitled (Laguna Hills), 1912, estimated at $10,000–$15,000. This piece is a plein air composition capturing Southern California’s rolling terrain with Wendt’s characteristic tonal structure and impressionist influence.

Aubrey Beardsley’s The Toilet, circa 1895, estimated at $6,000–$9,000, exemplifies the artist’s highly stylized Art Nouveau line work and includes provenance from the Joan and Lester Avnet Collection. Dr. Atl’s Volcano, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, reflects the artist’s dramatic engagement with natural forces through expressive charcoal technique.

Additional works include Victor Higgins’ Untitled (Near Taos) estimated at $10,000–$15,000, Granville Redmond’s Untitled (After the Storm) estimated at $4,000–$6,000, and Percy Gray’s View of Mount Tamalpais estimated at $3,000–$5,000, each contributing to a broader narrative of early 20th-century landscape and tonal modernism.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches selection is led by a commanding Jadeite, diamond, ruby, and 18k gold dragon pendant, estimated at $10,000–$15,000, exemplifying traditional symbolic motifs rendered in high-carat gold and vibrant gemstones. Jadeite continues to be a strong category within the sale, represented by a bead necklace estimated at $3,500–$5,500 with evenly matched stones and elegant gold accents, a pendant estimated at $800–$1,200 highlighting minimalist design and natural translucency, and a bracelet estimated at $1,000–$1,500 featuring polished jadeite elements set in 14k gold.

The horology selection includes a Hublot Classic Fusion 77e Bol D’or Mirabaud edition #01/77 in 18k rose gold and enamel, estimated at $6,000–$10,000. It’s notable for its limited production and commemorative racing inspiration. To be offered alongside is an Audemars Piguet ladies 18k gold watch #01/02 estimated at $7,000–$10,000, reflecting refined Swiss craftsmanship and collectible rarity.

Asian Art

The Asian Works of Art category is anchored by finely executed Chinese porcelain and Japanese printmaking. Highlights include a blue and white figural rouleau vase estimated at $2,000–$4,000, notable for its detailed narrative figural decoration and classical form, and a blue and white and celadon ground “horse” vase estimated at $3,000–$5,000, distinguished by its striking contrast between cobalt motifs and soft celadon glazing.

Also featured is Kawase Hasui’s Morning at Tsutanuma Pond, estimated at $2,000– $4,000, a serene woodblock print reflecting Hasui’s mastery of light and atmospheric landscape within the Shin-hanga tradition. Additional highlights include a finely embroidered Chinese silk “Shaoulao and Magu” panel estimated at $2,000–$4,000 which depicts auspicious Daoist figures associated with longevity, and a Japanese cloisonné enamel “carp” plaque estimated at $600–$900 — a decorative work symbolizing perseverance and good fortune.

The Warehouse Auction: April 18th

On Saturday, April 18th, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

The March Gallery Auction on March 20th, beginning at 9:30 AM will offer a dynamic selection that spans Asian works of art, fine art, furniture, and decorative arts.

Fine Art

The Fine Art section offers an eclectic and compelling selection spanning multiple periods and styles. Among the standout highlights is a set of twelve works on board by California-born multimedia artist Lita Albuquerque (b. 1941). Composed of gold leaf and pigment, the panels are installed in two vertical columns that create a striking sense of movement and spatial rhythm. Albuquerque is widely recognized for her large-scale environmental installations in locations such as the South Dakota Badlands and Death Valley, often incorporating the same deep indigo pigment seen in this untitled wall sculpture. The work is estimated at $15,000–$20,000.

Also featured is an original 1909 Little Nemo in Slumberland comic panel by Winsor McCay (American, 1866–1934). McCay achieved prominence as a cartoonist for the New York Herald in the early twentieth century, where he created the beloved comic strips Little Sammy Sneeze and the iconic Little Nemo in Slumberland, chronicling the fantastical dreams of a young boy. This early panel includes Nemo alongside recurring characters Flip and Doctor Pill and is estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

Additional offerings include works by Margaret Keane, Allen Dean Cochran, Fletcher Benton, Dennis Hare, and other notable artists.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department will present notable Chinese works from a Carmel estate, led by an elegant 18th-century huanghuali kang table admired for its refined proportions and beautifully figured hardwood. A five-piece cloisonné enamel altar service from the Republic period will also be featured, showcasing vibrant enamels and traditional craftsmanship.

Additional highlights include two famille rose landscape porcelain plaques attributed to Republic-period artists Wang Yeting and Zhang Zhitang, as well as a finely carved huali rosewood ‘dragon’ floor screen exemplifying the sophistication and artistry of Chinese decorative traditions.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts selections further enhance the breadth of the sale. Highlights include a Rob Tribble hand-blown glass vase and a collection of Stan Bitter for Hans Sumpf stoneware pottery, with estimates ranging from $400 to $3,000. Silver offerings include a Mexican sterling platter by Alfredo Ortega & Sons, a Mexican sterling bowl by Zunita (Platería Zunita), and an impressive pair of Gorham Martele silver lamps. Together, these works reflect a rich diversity of craftsmanship, design, and artistic expression across cultures and eras.

The Warehouse Auction: March 21st

The March auction series concludes on Saturday, March 21st with The Warehouse Auction, an eclectic and accessible sale offering decorative arts, furnishings, collectibles, and estate material. Known for its breadth and opportunity, this auction provides bidders with the chance to discover unique pieces and exceptional value across numerous collecting categories.

On March 19th at 2 PM PDT, Clars Auctions presents Antique Diamonds: A Collector’s Auction, led by an exceptional Art Deco platinum ring set with a 4.92-carat F color, VS2 clarity cut-cornered square step-cut diamond.

The center stone is framed by 26 single-cut diamonds and delicate etched scrollwork, with an estimated total diamond weight of 5.20 carats and a gross weight of 4.85 grams — an elegant example of refined craftsmanship and design.

The sale also includes select Property from San Francisco Opera and a curated selection of antique and vintage jewelry. Highlights span the Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco, and Retro periods, featuring diamond solitaires, colored gemstone jewels, and finely crafted gold pieces that reflect the distinctive character of their eras.

Among the standout pieces is a dramatic Facadoro diamond and 18k gold opera-length necklace, notable for its scale and sophistication. From important antique diamonds to distinctive twentieth-century designs, this March auction offers collectors and new buyers alike the opportunity to acquire rare jewelry defined by quality, presence, and enduring appeal.

The February 20th Gallery Auction will present an accessible and diverse selection of furniture and decorative arts, jewelry, and fine art for both seasoned and emerging collectors.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The sale includes property from the Estate of Emily Taylor Andrews and Adolphus “Dolph” Andrews Jr., prominent figures in San Francisco’s cultural and social life. Descendants of California pioneers and members of a distinguished local family, the Andrews exemplified a tradition of stewardship, philanthropy, and connoisseurship, including service as trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Highlights from the estate include a Continental hand-colored print diorama; a set of eight 18th century Staffordshire pottery stirrup cups; an English 19th-century silver-mounted coconut cup; an Asprey & Co. 18k gold-mounted bloodstone bowl; a refined 19th-century French vermeil and banded agate desk set; and an important 18th-century Russian icon depicting the Resurrection of Christ and the Descent into Hell.

Additional offerings from the Andrews estate include objets de vertu, militaria such as a Civil War infantry drum, fine textiles ranging from 17th-century Baroque to Art Deco, and luxury luggage by Louis Vuitton and Fortnum & Mason.

Further highlights of the Gallery Auction include a Tiffany Studios Acorn lamp, an extensive collection of sterling silver including examples by Tiffany & Co., modern and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, and a wide range of American, English, and Continental antiques.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

In addition, the jewelry section of the Gallery Auction will be offering jade pendants and Bangles — featuring lavender jade and ice jade examples — with estimates ranging from $600 to $2,000.

The Warehouse Auction: February 21st

On Saturday, February 21st, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

Clars Auctions is pleased to announce its January 23rd Gallery Auction, presenting an exceptional selection of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Art, Asian Works, Jewelry, and Watches. The auction brings together distinguished design, fine craftsmanship, and notable works by artists and artisans across cultures and periods, offering compelling opportunities for collectors and institutions alike.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts department is led by a fine selection of Louis Majorelle furniture, including an elegant salon suite that exemplifies the refined artistry of the French Art Nouveau master. Also featured is a fine group of four Mira Nakashima tables, including rare burled oak examples estimated at $7,000–$10,000.

Additional highlights include a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne table estimated at $5,000–$7,000, a group of Chinese export 950-silver table articles estimated at $1,500–$2,000, and a large and early Meso American polychrome fresco fragment with an estimate of $10,000–$15,000.

Fine Art

The Fine Art selection offers a strong range of sculpture and paintings. Highlights include Running Cheetahs, a bronze sculpture by Loet Vanderveen (Dutch, 1921–2015), measuring 8 inches by 27 inches and estimated at $2,000–$4,000. Also featured is The Four Directions, an oil on canvas by Craig Tennant (American, born 1946), estimated at $3,000–$5,000. Completing the department highlights is Cactus 59 by Bibi Zogbe (Lebanese, 1890–1975), an oil on masonite, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

Asian Art

The Asian Art department presents a diverse and thoughtfully curated group of works spanning China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Chinese offerings include a famille rose porcelain plaque estimated at $1,000–$1,500, along with a set of four famille rose porcelain plaques estimated at $1,500–$2,500.

From Southeast Asia, highlights include a sandstone fragment of an Asura warrior estimated at $1,000–$1,500, a red sandstone figure of Buddha estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and an Indonesian stone frieze estimated at $1,000–$1,500. The department is further distinguished by a set of two Japanese silver doves with a bronze stand, estimated at $2,000–$4,000.

Fine Jewelry & Watches

The Fine Jewelry & Watches department features an attractive selection of fine and collectible pieces. Highlights include an aquamarine, diamond, and 18k gold necklace, estimated at $10,000–$20,000, offering both elegance and strong gemstone appeal.

Also included is a Spratling amethyst and silver necklace estimated at $1,000–$2,000, exemplifying mid-century modern design. Watch collectors will note an important 18k gold Bulova Accutron wristwatch from 1965, estimated at $4,000–$6,000, representing a landmark in horological innovation.

The Warehouse Auction: January 24th

On Saturday, January 24th, Clars Auctions will host its Warehouse Auction, presenting a broad and eclectic selection of property offered at accessible price points. The sale features a wide range of categories, including art, prints, photographs, modern and antique furniture, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, and an array of decorative objects.

The Asian Art section offers Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and folding screens, while the jewelry selection includes an appealing assortment of affordable diamond and silver necklaces. The auction is further complemented by a diverse offering of modern and antique furniture, home décor, and collectible toys, making the Warehouse Auction an inviting opportunity for collectors of all levels to discover distinctive and meaningful pieces.

The August 15th Fine Jewelry & Watches Auction will include a strong selection, offering a range of diamond, colored gemstone, and gold jewelry.

Among the top highlights is a stunning 7.86-carat VS2 diamond and platinum ring, notable for its brilliance and rarity, with an estimate of $40,000–$60,000. Also featured is an exceptionally rare Tiffany & Co. brooch composed of a natural saltwater pearl, diamonds, and platinum-topped 18k gold, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.

This sale presents both timeless classics and exceptional finds across a range of price points, appealing to new buyers as well as seasoned jewelry collectors.

Clars is thrilled to present our upcoming special Spring Fine Jewelry & Watches Auction on Friday, April 18th. This auction, being the department’s largest quarterly sale, features a remarkable collection of high-end jewelry, showcasing a diverse range of stunning pieces that capture the artistry and sophistication of the world’s most sought-after gemstones and precious metals.

Clars’ spring sale is sure to present an impressive assortment of jewelry and watches to cater to every collector’s preference. The auction will showcase a stunning assortment of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, each crafted to dazzle with its radiant elegance and charm. Highlights include an antique diamond and silver-topped 14k gold brooch, featuring extraordinary rose-cut diamonds, estimated at $10,000–$20,000, a Columbian emerald, seed pearl, diamond and 18k gold necklace, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and an exceptional color-changing alexandrite ring, estimated at $3,000–$6,000. We will also be showcasing a variety of fine jade pieces and an array of fine, rare, and limited-edition Rolexes.

Whether you seek the timeless elegance of a diamond, or the striking appeal of a gemstone, there is something for every jewelry enthusiast in this sale. This auction is a must-attend for both fine jewelry and timepiece collectors. In search of a standout addition to your collection or a one-of-a-kind gift? This sale offers a stunning selection of exquisite and timeless treasures. Be sure to save the date and join us for an unforgettable event filled with elegance, style, and unmatched beauty.