Past Auctions

Ruby necklace composed of three graduated strands of bead rubies, average size of these round rubies is 3mm-4.5mm and the strands measure by average 17, 18, and 19, necklace has an 18K yellow gold clasp set with 3 square cut emeralds on each side of the clasp, clasp has French eagle marks for 18K. Provenance: Helen Leeming Thirkield to present owner. From Family: In the early 1920’s, Helen Leeming, daughter of wealthy New York banker, Thomas Leeming, was the object of affection of Gilbert Thirkield, who was much older than she. He repeatedly proposed, and she refused him. He went off to Europe on bank business. During that time, Helen’s father was murdered as a result of refusing to give in to a blackmailing scheme. Helen had been extremely close to her father and was devastated. She wired Gilbert in Europe and said that yes, now she would marry him. She and a chaperone sailed to France, and met up with Gilbert in Paris, where they were wed. As a wedding gift, he bought her this ruby necklace at a jeweler in Paris. Over the years, she grew to love him deeply, and they had three children.

Estimate: $3000 - $5000