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RAPAPORT... Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers will hold its semi-annual auction at The Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 St. Thomas Street, in Toronto's Yorkville district on June 23. One highlight of the auction is a collection of jewels from the estate of Brenda Davies, the wife of Canadian cultural icon, novelist, playwright and academic, Robertson Davies (1913 to 1995), who passed away in January 2013 at the age of 95.
The Davies collection features fine gold and excellent gem cameos, intaglios and polychrome enamels from the 19th and 20th centuries. Most of the pieces signify a story with intricately carved scenes from mythology, figures from antiquity, picturesque birds and enameled foliage. Also featured at the sale is the silver and paste ring that Robertson Davies slipped off his finger and placed on that of the former Brenda Mathews as an engagement ring backstage at the Old Vic theater in London, England, where they met. 
Other pieces up for auction include a rare gentleman's stainless steel single button chronograph wristwatch by Omega, made for the Royal Canadian Air Force, circa 1960; an antique coral, diamond and gold bracelet, by J.E. Caldwell & Co, circa 1895; an art deco enamel and diamond piano power compact, circa 1930, from the estate of concert pianist, Ellen Ballon and a Gold 'Fish' Bangle Bracelet designed by Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co.
"At Dupuis, we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to offer a great range of fine jewels to the public," said Duncan Parker, the vice president of Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers. "This spring auction is especially exciting, not only because of the excellent offering of diamonds, gems and watches, but because the depth of history and workmanship in each is a joy to see. We're also thrilled to be presenting the Brenda Davies collection - something that won't come along again."
Parker stated that it was in 1940 that Robertson Davies and his Australian bride, Brenda Mathews, were married; she was his muse and confidante, and was proud to be Mrs. Robertson Davies for the remainder of her life. Stories were central to their relationship, spanning theater, newspapers, publishing, playwriting, academic life, and, of course, important novels of international acclaim. The Davies' home was in Canada, but they returned to England often, each visit adding to a growing collection of fine European jewels, particularly excellent gem cameos, intaglios and polychrome enamels.
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