Anne Bass, a renowned philanthropist and longtime patron of the arts, left behind a legacy of grace, generosity, and exquisite taste. Now, a major part of that legacy—her remarkable jewelry collection—is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s New York this June.
Bass, who passed away in April 2020, was best known for her quiet but impactful support of key cultural institutions. These included the New York Botanical Garden, the Museum of Modern Art, and most notably, the New York Public Library and its Jerome Robbins Dance Division. As The New York Times noted at the time of her death, her giving was “large but unflashy.” However, those who saw her at high-profile galas would remember her unmistakable presence. Even when wearing dazzling jewels, she remained poised and refined.
“She had one of the most perfect jewelry collections I’ve ever seen,” said Claibourne Poindexter, vice president and senior jewelry specialist at Christie’s. “In my ten years here, this is my favorite collection to work with.”
The upcoming sale features extraordinary pieces by legendary houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and David Webb. Highlights also include rare natural pearls and standout Art Deco designs. Of particular note are several jewels by Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known as JAR, whose work is prized for its bold artistry and craftsmanship.
“Every item in this collection represents the best of its kind,” Poindexter added. “Anne Bass assembled one of the most significant private collections of JAR jewelry. Many of the pieces were featured in the original JAR Volume I publication from 2002. For collectors, this auction offers a rare chance to acquire something truly extraordinary.”
This jewelry auction follows a successful 2022 Christie’s sale of Bass’s art collection, which included masterworks by Claude Monet, Mark Rothko, and Edgar Degas. Future sales of her furniture and decorative arts are also planned.
Anne Bass’s eye for excellence extended across all the arts she loved. As this collection heads to auction, it stands as a testament to her refined taste and lifelong dedication to beauty—something that will not be forgotten by those who saw her shine, quietly and elegantly, in any ballroom or at the ballet.
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