Tony Bennett's Verdura Night and Day Dress Set

Classy guy, that Tony Bennett. His friends Jeanne and Herb presented the Bennetts with an extraordinary dress set in 2015. The cufflinks and matching studs were designed by Fulco di Verdura inspired by Cole Porter's song "Night and Day" from the show "Gay Divorce" (1932) and the movie version "The Gay Divorcee" (1934). The song was a popular hit and endured as one of the standards performed by many, including Frank Sinatra and Bennett. The cufflinks were first presented to Porter in 1941.

Fulco di Verdura
Julien's Auctions listing ended April 18, 2024

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/tony-bennett-verdura-night-day-dress-set-156-c-3a641a7859?objectID=187809572&algIndex=undefined&queryID=164faaad18297e946cb1f549b6a6c442

On the day of the auction, presale bidding was far below the estimate:

Sold!

Fred Astaire

"Night and Day"

From "Gay Divorce" (1932)

Leo Reisman and his Orchestra

Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers

"Night and Day"

From "The Gay Divorcee" (1934)

Frank Sinatra

"Night and Day" (1957 version)

Tony Bennett

"Night and Day"

Perfectly Frank

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga

"Night and Day"

04644

Verdura Dragon Brooch

Fulco di Verdura apparently spared no expense in designing this dramatic brooch in the shape of a Chinese dragon. I would guess it's quite rare. Five years ago it was sold at Christie's for approximately three times its high estimate.

**A MULTI-GEM AND DIAMOND DRAGON BROOCH, BY VERDURA 

The dragon's body set with a cabochon turquoise and circular-cut yellow diamonds, with a fancy-cut sapphire mane and pavé-set diamond legs and head, enhanced by cabochon ruby eyes and a carved coral tongue, mounted in 18k gold and platinum, in a Verdura pale blue suede case

Signed Verdura 

Price Realized

$66,000
• Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.

Estimate

$15,000 - $20,000

Sale Information

Sale 1675 Lot 196 Important Jewels 8 June 2006

New York, Rockefeller Plaza

Special Notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Pre-Lot Text

THE PROPERTY OF A LADY

Literature

Patricia Corbett, Verdura: The life and work of a master jeweler, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 2002, page 139 

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/a-multi-gem-and-diamond-dragon/4715564/lot/lot_details.aspx?from=searchresults&pos=8&intObjectID=4715564&sid=903d4c63-583b-4037-b623-21240ebab144&page=3

****

Here is a 1948 Verdura magazine ad featuring a different--more playful and mythical, rather than oriental--dragon design which retailed for $4,000:

Advertisement from 1948 for a Verdura Mythical Dragon Brooch, $4,000

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1948-gold-pear-diamond-dragon-pin-photo-Verdura-jewelry-vintage-print-ad-/140670197700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c098dfc4#ht_2130wt_1180

****

A yellow and white diamond, ruby and black enamel dragon brooch by Verdura.

Image added April 13, 2013

http://jewelsbijouxjoyas.blogspot.com/2012/03/duke-of-verdura.html

190

A Verdura Emerald and Diamond Necklace

On November 16, Christie's Geneva will be offering this stunning emerald and diamond necklace designed by Fulco di Verdura. It seems rather stately, no?

AN EMERALD AND DIAMOND NECKLACE 

The necklace designed as a torsade of alternating baguette-cut diamond scrolls, brilliant-cut diamonds and pavé-set diamond elements, suspending a later added detachable pear-shaped pendant centering upon a drop-shaped cabochon emerald in a circular-cut diamond surround, mounted in platinum and gold, 36.0 cm
Necklace signed Verdura (2)

Estimate

CHF48,000 - CHF72,000
• ($53,185 - $79,777)

November 16, 2011 Update:  Unsold

CONDITION
- Overall condition good. Normal signs of wear. Secure clasp with safety catch. Weight: 63 gr.
- Emerald measuring approx. 21.8 x 17.5 x 9.9 mm, of yellowish-green hue, with typical inclusions, some reaching the surface.
- Diamonds in the pendant for approx. 9-10 carats, diamonds in the necklace for approx. 18-22 carats (1 diamond deficient), on average G-H colour, VS-SI clarity.

• Sale Information

Sale 1385 Lot 89
Geneva Magnificent Jewels 
16 November 2011
Chrisite's Geneva http://www.christies.com/lotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=5499116


Note:  My previous post on jewelry is here.
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