Auctions: Couture and jewelry on block at Freeman's

On June 8 and 9, Freeman's will offer women's designer clothing and the jewelry to go with it.

Actually, the jewelry - more than 240 lots of it - will be sold first, beginning at 2 p.m. June 8 at 1808 Chestnut St. Several pieces carry five-figure presale estimates, according to the sale's catalog.

The top item ($60,000 to $80,000) is a platinum bracelet with diamonds weighing a total of 26.60 carats. The piece comes from the estate of philanthropist Mariam Hayes of Concord, N.C., daughter of Charles Cannon, founder of Cannon Mills. Also from her estate is an art deco platinum-and-diamond flexible bracelet ($10,000 to $15,000).

Both a yellow-gold-and-diamond engagement ring with a main stone of about 3.09 carats and an art deco white-gold circular openwork diamond brooch are expected to sell for $30,000 to $40,000. A necklace of 18-karat yellow gold, sapphire, diamond and pearl is expected to bring $26,000 to $32,000. Other pieces include a retro platinum, sapphire and diamond demi-parure ring ($15,000 to $25,000); a platinum-and-diamond "drop" brooch ($10,000 to $15,000), and a 14-karat yellow-gold solitaire diamond ring of European cut dating to the 1920s ($15,000 to $20,000).

Among watches with five-figure presale estimates are a rare stainless-steel automatic triple-calendar Rolex with moon phases, made about 1950 ($45,000 to $60,000); a Rolex Oyster Cosmograph ($20,000 to $40,000), and a Lange automatic Octa Reserve de Marche dating to 2003 ($20,000 to $40,000).

On the other hand, the sale also features more affordable items, including enamel flower pins from a Main Line collector ($75 to $250 each), an 18-karat yellow-gold and rose-quartz cameo pendant dating to about 1900 ($300 to $500), a 14-inch cultured-pearl necklace ($300 to $400), a playful 14-karat yellow-gold-and-diamond "bee" pin ($550 to $750), and two yellow-gold lorgnettes ($100 to $300 each).

The designer clothing to be offered at 10 a.m. June 9 also is generally affordable. Only two or three of the roughly 400 lots of dresses, gowns, coats and suits, shoes, accessories, costume jewelry and handbags are expected to bring four-figure prices.

One such item is a Louis Vuitton outfitted steamer trunk dating to about 1930 and bearing a French Line label ($4,000 to $6,000). Another is a 2005 Chado Ralph Rucci strapless alligator-and-silk gown (size 10) that is expected to bring $2,500 to $4,000.

Winding up the sale will be more than 130 lots consigned by Ann Brenner Ritt, chair of the Ann B. Ritt Charitable Trust, which will be the beneficiary of their proceeds. The trust supports local organizations, including the Academy of Vocal Arts, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the Ronald McDonald House.

The Ritt collection includes such designers as Scaasi, Bill Blass, Givenchy and Carolyn Roehm. The top presale estimate, $600 to $800, is for a three-piece Chanel pastel tweed skirt suit made in 2004 and described in the catalog as a size 38.

Previews are Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 215-563-9275 or view the catalog at

» READ MORE: www.freemansauction.com

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Real estate in Bucks County.

Barry S. Slosberg Inc. Auctioneers will sell a Georgian mansion and its contents at a two-day on-premises sale June 7 and 8 just south of Doylestown.

According to Slosberg associate Al Le Coff, the house, built in the early 18th century, stood at the intersection of Route 611 and Furlong Road until 1974, when the current owners moved it several hundred yards to 112 Edison-Furlong Rd.

The sale's first session, beginning at 10 a.m. June 7, will be devoted to decorative objects and paintings, including hunting prints and a series of J. Gould bird prints.

The second session, beginning at 10 a.m. June 8, will be devoted to furniture and outdoor items including tractors, a vintage sleigh and garden fountains, and statuary.

The real estate will be sold at 1 p.m.

Previews are 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to sale time. Information: 215-425-7030 or

» READ MORE: www.bssauction.com

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