Art Jewelry & Jewels

At the auction on June 18, 2026, Quittenbaum will present an exceptionally curated selection of over 130 pieces, including studio jewelry, art jewelry, and high-quality gems from renowned brands. A special focus is placed on the creative and material power of gold, which runs like a common thread through the collection.

In the realm of studio jewelry, the German centers of Munich and Düsseldorf are represented with significant pieces. An early bangle by Hermann Jünger from 1968 (estimate €8,000–10,000), crafted in gold and set with stones, impressively embodies his early, now iconic style. Friedrich Becker makes a statement with his precisely crafted pieces. His famous ball ring with interchangeable stone elements (estimate €3,000–4,000) is among the artist’s key works and was awarded the Bavarian State Prize in 1959—a milestone in modern jewelry design. Fine craftsmanship is also evident in his early goldsmith works. A brooch with a mask motif from the 1930s by Johann Michael Wilm demonstrates this quality in meticulous granulation work (estimated price €4,500–5,500).

Italian positions traditionally play a prominent role in art jewelry. Annamaria Zanella’s designs captivate with their poetic use of materials, as seen in her “Venetian Yellow” necklace (estimated price €2,500–3,500). The necklace, crafted from iron shells set with glass microbeads, is a play of light and form that creates a vibrant surface. Pierfrancesco Raveane is equally impressive with an intricately crafted necklace of movable gold links (estimated price €8,000–10,000). The opulent bracelet by Maurizio Fusari makes a visual statement; its combination of gold, lapis lazuli, and watermelon tourmaline has an extraordinary presence (estimated price €25,000–30,000). With Sevan Biçakçi, often referred to as the “knife maker of Istanbul”, the international selection gains additional significance. Two rings by the artist are featured, including an exceptional piece with finely crafted devotional images and an artfully cut citrine (estimate: €10,000–12,000). This almost Byzantine-looking work of art exemplifies the narrative depth for which Biçakçi is internationally acclaimed.

Artist-designed jewelry powerfully highlights the connection between visual art and wearable objects. Works by Pol Bury, including a kinetic necklace in white gold (estimated price €11,000–13,000), are featured alongside designs by Keith Haring, René Magritte, and César Baldaccini. The spectrum ranges from sculptural and architectural concepts to painterly-inspired jewelry pieces. The auction is rounded out by classic jewels from renowned houses such as Cartier, as well as a coveted Kelly Bag from Hermès. Pieces by Paul Binder, Zurich—whose work stands for the highest quality and design sophistication—and the Munich-based house Sévigné, known for its extravagant creations, deserve special attention.

This offering combines museum-quality pieces with wearable art and is aimed equally at collectors and lovers of exceptional jewelry art. The preview begins on June 11, 2026—an opportunity to experience the works in all their glory.