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Five rare pieces of handcrafted jewelry made by legendary American sculptor Alexander Calder are heading to auction at Bonhams this fall. Together, the collection carries a combined estimate of nearly $300,000. Each piece was created as a personal gift for a woman in Calder’s own family, making the group exceptionally rare.
A Sculptor Who Was Also a Master Jeweler
Calder, widely known as “Sandy,” is best remembered for inventing the mobile — a kinetic sculpture driven by natural air currents. However, he was also a gifted and prolific jeweler. Throughout his life, he produced approximately 1,800 unique, handcrafted wearable pieces. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recognized this legacy in 2008, hosting the first museum exhibition dedicated entirely to his jewelry.
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His creations, often crafted in brass, copper, and silver, attracted collectors and celebrities alike. Admirers included socialite Peggy Guggenheim, painter Georgia O’Keeffe, and actress Anjelica Huston. More recently, in September, model Kendall Jenner wore a pair of his hand-hammered silver earrings at the Venice Film Festival. London gallerist Louisa Guinness confirmed the earrings originally belonged to the wife of graphic designer Ivan Chermayeff.
Family Pieces Unseen for Nearly 70 Years
The five pieces heading to Bonhams were each made for Calder’s sister, mother, or niece. Because Calder refused all offers to mass-produce his jewelry, every piece that reaches the market is considered a rare find. This particular group has remained in private hands for nearly 70 years, making it rarer still.
The highlight of the sale is a silver necklace Calder made for his sister, Margaret Calder Hayes, known as “Peggy.” She was a close confidante and a lifelong muse. Although Calder crafted the piece around 1940, its hand-wrought curves feel strikingly modern. Bonhams estimates it will sell for between $100,000 and $150,000.
What Else Is on Offer
Also included in the sale are sculptural silver earrings, estimated at $40,000 to $60,000, which Calder gifted to his sister Peggy. They closely resemble the pair Jenner wore at Venice. In addition, the collection features two silver brooches spelling out the initials of Calder’s mother, Nanette, and his niece, Eva. A spiral-shaped silver ring made for his niece rounds out the five lots.
Bonhams will display the collection at its new New York City flagship location from November 7. The pieces will then cross the auction block on November 19 as part of the house’s Post-War and Contemporary Art sale.
