From Gilded Age Grandeur to Modern Mastery, Heritage’s May 22 Silver Auction Is a Journey Through Silver’s Most Expressive Forms

A magnificent Tiffany & Co. presentation cup, notable works from Gorham’s celebrated Martelé line and a single-owner Georg Jensen collection are just a few of the highlights in the spring event DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PRESS KIT DALLAS, Texas (May 4, 2026) — Heritage’s May 22 Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu Signature® Auction is a richly layered sale that explores silver as both a cultural language and a design medium, moving from the symbolic grandeur of the 19th century through the refined modernism of the 20th, culminating in a major private collection of Georg Jensen. “The auction unfolds in two complementary catalogs: the first devoted to masterworks of fine silver and objects of vertu, and the second to an important private collection of Georg Jensen silver assembled by Yousif and Myrna Hamati,” says Karen Rigdon, Vice President of Fine Silver & Decorative Arts at Heritage Auctions. “It’s a chance to explore silver’s evolution — not only in design, but as a collecting field that has withstood the volatility of the silver market.” The first catalog offers a compelling journey through silver’s most expressive moments, from grand statements of prestige to refined works of modern design. Leading the auction is a magnificent Tiffany & Co. presentation cup that captures the complexity and symbolism of Gilded Age craftsmanship. It was created for David Nevins, a principal figure in one of the largest cordage and bagging enterprises of the period. Bearing the inscription “O pass the loving cup of friendship round,” the vessel alludes to the communal ritual of the loving cup, a tradition rooted in celebration and fellowship. Presented in 1898, shortly before Nevins’ untimely death, the cup stands as a virtuoso example of Tiffany’s artistry, as well as a poignant reflection of the era’s cultural language of honor and achievement. Global perspectives and technical innovation further define the catalog. A monumental covered urn by Wang Hing exemplifies the scale and refinement of Chinese export silver, underscoring the dynamic exchange between Eastern craftsmanship and Western markets. Notable works from Gorham’s celebrated Martelé line highlight a distinctly American achievement: the fusion of hand-wrought artistry with industrial ambition, resulting in richly textured surfaces that remain among the most innovative in silver production. Highlights include a partial Martelé tea and coffee set, a Martelé footed bowl and a Martelé three-handle trophy cup. Capping the first catalog is a pioneering tea service by Henry van de Velde, a founder of the Belgian Art Nouveau movement. Conceived as a series of individual yet interrelated forms, the service is defined by attenuated curves and rising profiles that suggest movement held in equilibrium. It marks a critical shift toward modern design thinking, where form, function and artistic unity converge. The second catalog is devoted entirely to Georg Jensen silver from the Collection of Yousif and Myrna Hamati, assembled over decades with increasing passion and connoisseurship. This collection reflects the full breadth of Jensen’s creative output in the first half of the 20th century, from lush naturalism to the emergence of sculptural modernism. Among the highlights is a rare and complete Blossom pattern dinner service for 12, alongside iconic Grapevine forms that exemplify Jensen’s early organic aesthetic. The enduring appeal of the Pyramid pattern signals a turn toward geometric clarity, while standout works such as Harald Nielsen’s Fish Platter with Dome demonstrate the firm’s mastery of both form and spectacle. The collection is further distinguished by exceptional works from Henning Koppel, including a commanding centerpiece bowl and his celebrated pitchers — the Swan and the Pregnant Duck — which embody the fluid, sculptural modernism that defines Jensen’s later evolution. “Together, the two catalogs present a vivid portrait of silver’s evolution across continents and eras,” Rigdon says. “From ceremonial grandeur and social ritual to the distilled elegance of modernist design, this auction invites collectors into a world where craftsmanship, culture and innovation converge.” For images and info on all lots in Heritage’s May 22 Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu Signature® Auction, go here. Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world's largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Heritage also enjoys the highest Online traffic and dollar volume of any auction house on earth (source: SimilarWeb and Hiscox Report). The Internet's most popular auction-house website, HA.com, has more than 2 million registered bidder-members and searchable free archives of 7,000,000 past auction records with prices realized, descriptions and enlargeable photos. Reproduction rights routinely granted to media for photo credit. For breaking stories, follow us: HA.com/Facebook and HA.com/Twitter . Link to this release or view prior press releases . Hi-Res images available: Rhonda Reinhart, Communications Specialist 214-409-1798; RhondaR@HA.com