LOT #55454 |
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Bernard Passman Black Coral, Diamond, . Gold Necklace . ...
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Sold on Sep 29, 2025 for:
$11,875.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
Bernard Passman Black Coral, Diamond,Gold Necklace
Stones: Carved black coral; full-cut diamonds
weighing a total of 5.50 carats
Metal: 18k gold
Marked: for Bernard Passman
Collection: Sunrise
Gross Weight: 137.30 grams
Dimensions: 17 inches x 3/8 inch
Accompanied by a Bernard Passman Replacement
Valuation dated August 17, 2008, stating a valuation
of $54,000, and limited edition number L.E. #1
Property of a Nevada Collector
NOTE: CITES compliance applies to this lot. International bidders may not have the lot shipped to them. Transport of such lots require special licenses for export, import or both. Bidders are responsible for any licenses and /or permits. California State law prohibits the importation of any product containing Python skin into the State of California, thus no lot containing Python skin will be shipped to or invoiced to a person or company in California. Fossil Ivory is currently banned or restricted in the following U.S. States: New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, Illinois and New Hampshire.
Condition Report*:
Diamonds:
Avg Color: G-H-I
Avg Clarity: VS
Shape(s): Full-Cut
Count: 100+
Colored Gems:
Type(s): Black Coral
Shape(s): Carved
Count: 26 - 50
Avg Quality: Good
Metals:
Gold
Overall Condition: Very Good
Condition Notes: Carved from the spirit of island mornings, Bernard K. Passman’s Sunrise Collection blends sculptural form with striking contrast. This double-row Sunrise necklace is a standout within the collection, distinguished by its two parallel lines of pavé-set diamonds on each link, offering a brighter, more layered presence than the standard single-row version.
Passman was a sculptor before he was a jeweler, and his respect for materials was rooted in responsibility. He was among the first in luxury design to insist on using only naturally fallen black coral, collected under government permits, with no disruption to living reefs. His commitment to ethical practices was not a marketing choice, but a foundational principle, reflected in the careful sourcing and handcrafting of each piece.
This necklace bears the BKP mark for Bernard K. Passman and 18k, and closes with a hidden double push-button clasp, backed by two figure-eight safety latches. The coral on the reverse bears natural features while the obverse bears a polish. Minor wear patterns are present but overall this is in great condition. Included with the Bernard Passman valuation is a copy of a segment from the New Orleans Hospitality newspaper, which highlights Bernard Passman’s legacy and his deep creative connection to black coral.
Bernard K. Passman: Bernard K. Passman (1916–2007) was a decorated World War II veteran who built early success as a stockbroker and investor before making his second fortune as a real estate developer during Miami's mid-century renaissance. In the early 1970s, he relocated with his family to Grand Cayman, where he launched a groundbreaking career in luxury design.
In 1975, Passman founded a fine jewelry workshop in the Cayman Islands, pioneering the use of sustainably harvested black coral. He established the first luxury retail brand originating in the Caribbean, renowned for combining hand-carved black coral with 18-karat gold and diamonds. His work drew international acclaim, attracting clients including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Pope John Paul II, and President Ronald Reagan.
From refined wearable pieces like the minimalist Dainty collection to intricate figurines and nautical sculptures, Passman’s designs reflected exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision. Though he passed away in 2007, his legacy lives on through highly prized original works, licensed reissues, and ongoing production in the Cayman Islands. His name remains synonymous with luxury black coral jewelry—rich in Caribbean heritage and celebrated worldwide. Avg Color: G-H-I
Avg Clarity: VS
Shape(s): Full-Cut
Count: 100+
Colored Gems:
Type(s): Black Coral
Shape(s): Carved
Count: 26 - 50
Avg Quality: Good
Metals:
Gold
Overall Condition: Very Good
Condition Notes: Carved from the spirit of island mornings, Bernard K. Passman’s Sunrise Collection blends sculptural form with striking contrast. This double-row Sunrise necklace is a standout within the collection, distinguished by its two parallel lines of pavé-set diamonds on each link, offering a brighter, more layered presence than the standard single-row version.
Passman was a sculptor before he was a jeweler, and his respect for materials was rooted in responsibility. He was among the first in luxury design to insist on using only naturally fallen black coral, collected under government permits, with no disruption to living reefs. His commitment to ethical practices was not a marketing choice, but a foundational principle, reflected in the careful sourcing and handcrafting of each piece.
This necklace bears the BKP mark for Bernard K. Passman and 18k, and closes with a hidden double push-button clasp, backed by two figure-eight safety latches. The coral on the reverse bears natural features while the obverse bears a polish. Minor wear patterns are present but overall this is in great condition. Included with the Bernard Passman valuation is a copy of a segment from the New Orleans Hospitality newspaper, which highlights Bernard Passman’s legacy and his deep creative connection to black coral.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
Auction Info
2025 September 29 Fall Fine Jewelry Signature® Auction #5572 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2025
29th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 233
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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