PREVIEW: JEWELLERY 13 SEPTEMBER

This flamboyant design by American jeweller William Ruser (1908-94) is typical of the novelty objects that made him the darling of the Hollywood jet set.

A whimsical lipstick holder to be included in Noonans’ 13 September auction, is modelled with a cherub to one side, complete with blue gem-set eyes and textured hair and carries an important clue in the initials engraved to its top.

JGS are the initials of Jean Granger Simmons (1929-2010), the celebrated British actress, star of the screen in 1950s Hollywood, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Ophelia in the 1948 production of Hamlet opposite Laurence Olivier, won a Golden Globe for her role as Sergeant Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and starred opposite Kirk Douglas as the female lead in Spartacus. She married the film actor Stewart Granger in 1950.

This charming lipstick holder dates from the 1950s when Ruser was at the height of his popularity, designing jewels and accessories for his glamorous clientele.

“It is a captivating trinket both in terms of its design and historic links,” says Noonans’ Head of jewellery Frances Noble. “It is the ultimate conversation piece from the Golden Age of Hollywood.”

Signed ‘Ruser’ and ‘14K’, the 5cm long lipstick holder is estimated at £2,000-3,000.

The auction will also feature an early 20th century diamond ring, formerly the property of Mrs Flora Abraham Sassoon, estimated at £20,000-30,000 and a late 15th century pilgrim’s gold ring, excavated in February 2022 in Essex. (See separate article for more details).

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