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Lot Essay
Martha Sharp Crawford, affectionately called 'Sunny,' was born in 1932 into of one of America’s most distinguished families as the sole child and heir of George W. Crawford, chairman of Columbia Gas and Electric. Sunny's legacy lives on through her unparalleled taste and style.
Immersed in the high society of New York City and Newport, Rhode Island, Sunny captivated the era with her quiet grace and sophistication, often drawing comparisons to the iconic Grace Kelly. Her elegance was epitomized by her iconic sense of fashion, which was further elevated by her refined and polished assemblage of jewelry. Works from her exceptional haute couture have become part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, having been part of many public exhibitions.
Sunny's legacy extends beyond her important jewelry collection, as evidenced by her daughter, Ala’s philanthropic endeavors. Annie-Laurie Isham, or ‘Ala,’ formerly Princess Annie-Laurie Auersperg, co-founded the National Center of Victims of Crime and the Brain Trauma Foundation to honor her mother’s memory. Inheriting Sunny’s refinement and passion for design, Ala's artistic journey culminated in the creation of Ala von Auersperg (AvA), her celebrated clothing and accessories collection with a resort sensibility. Combining artistic designs with philanthropy, Ala pays homage to her mother's spirit by supporting causes close to her heart.
Lots 97 – 113 showcase the pinnacle of high jewelry from the mid-20th century rarely seen today. Ranging from a remarkable Van Cleef & Arpels carved emerald, ruby and diamond pendant-necklace to a fine ‘tourbillon’ brooch, each of the pieces are a supreme example of ultra-rare jewelry designs that the icon adored, serving as a window into the chic world of the society set in the mid-20th century.
Sunny’s discerning eye for beauty was evident in this comprehensive curated collection presented by Ala, which includes examples of mid-century high jewelry from renowned jewelry houses.
Immersed in the high society of New York City and Newport, Rhode Island, Sunny captivated the era with her quiet grace and sophistication, often drawing comparisons to the iconic Grace Kelly. Her elegance was epitomized by her iconic sense of fashion, which was further elevated by her refined and polished assemblage of jewelry. Works from her exceptional haute couture have become part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, having been part of many public exhibitions.
Sunny's legacy extends beyond her important jewelry collection, as evidenced by her daughter, Ala’s philanthropic endeavors. Annie-Laurie Isham, or ‘Ala,’ formerly Princess Annie-Laurie Auersperg, co-founded the National Center of Victims of Crime and the Brain Trauma Foundation to honor her mother’s memory. Inheriting Sunny’s refinement and passion for design, Ala's artistic journey culminated in the creation of Ala von Auersperg (AvA), her celebrated clothing and accessories collection with a resort sensibility. Combining artistic designs with philanthropy, Ala pays homage to her mother's spirit by supporting causes close to her heart.
Lots 97 – 113 showcase the pinnacle of high jewelry from the mid-20th century rarely seen today. Ranging from a remarkable Van Cleef & Arpels carved emerald, ruby and diamond pendant-necklace to a fine ‘tourbillon’ brooch, each of the pieces are a supreme example of ultra-rare jewelry designs that the icon adored, serving as a window into the chic world of the society set in the mid-20th century.
Sunny’s discerning eye for beauty was evident in this comprehensive curated collection presented by Ala, which includes examples of mid-century high jewelry from renowned jewelry houses.