Also set to cross the auction block is one of the world’s most important Rolexes, an extremely rare 18k pink gold automatic triple calendar wristwatch with star dial and moon phases, manufactured in 1950 and expected to fetch up to $500,000. In keeping with his personal commitment to philanthropy, Mr. Bethune has pledged proceeds from the sale of five watches, including the two mentioned above to benefit the United We Care Employee Relief Fund, the United Scholarship Fund, and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Mr. Bethune spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy prior to launching his business career.
Among all the items on offer during December Luxury Week, an extraordinary rectangular-cut, D-color, and potentially internally flawless 50.01-carat diamond mounted in a platinum setting designed by famed jeweler Graff is expected to realize the highest price with an estimate of up to $10 million. Offered for sale from an important private collection, the ring also features two baguette-cut diamonds flanking the center stone.
On the design front, the starring lot is a modernist desk by French ébéniste (cabinet-maker) Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, first shown in the Paris Salon des Artistes Décorateurs of 1929 and hailing from the Steven A. Greenberg collection, expected to realize up to $3 million. | 
rss
