DAVID WEBB: AN 18K GOLD 'ANCIENT WORLD' PENDANT BROOCH
Of a geometric design with center quatrefoil emblem and surrounding scroll motifs, all of hammered gold, signed David Webb, measures 3 3/8 x 3 3/8 in.
Footnotes:
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity dated June 2, 2014, style number 16326C.

Philanthropist Peggy Cravens (1931–2022) was a dynamic and stylish advocate for higher education and the arts in Palm Springs, California. She spent much of her time fundraising for local nonprofit organizations—which gave her plenty of opportunities to wear her extensive jewelry collection. Among those who worked with her on organizing benefits and galas, Cravens was famous for what friend Sandra Woodson called her 'devilish attention to detail,' 'naughty wit,' and get-things-done approach.

Some of her charitable efforts included the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Palm Springs Opera Guild, the Palm Springs International Piano Competition, and ACT for Multiple Sclerosis. With her late husband, Donald Cravens, a renowned photojournalist for Life magazine, she donated the Donald and Peggy Cravens Student Services Center at College of the Desert and the Donald and Peggy Cravens Hangar at the Palm Springs Air Museum, which houses aircraft from World War II. 'Peggy Cravens was a local treasure who lived her life in service to others,' said College of the Desert President Martha Garcia said. 'We are grateful for her kindness and leadership in creating a bright future for students in the Coachella Valley.'

A childhood star, Cravens grew up in North Bergen, NJ, and made her first radio appearance at age 3. At age 10, she won a national competition 'Major Bowes Amateur Hour,' that was the 'American Idol' of the 1930s and 1940s. As a teenager, she appeared in 'Where's Charley' on Broadway opposite Ray Bolger. She worked under the stage name Peggy Willard until marrying Irving Koerner, a New York investment banker, in 1961. She quickly became active with major New York charities, helping to present Frank Sinatra's benefits for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at the Metropolitan Opera and Rockefeller Center. She chaired a benefit for the Museum of the City of New York and was a supporter on several boards of the Metropolitan Opera.

Peggy and Koerner loved vacationing in Palm Springs, eventually moving there in 1981. After Koerner's death, Peggy met Donald Cravens at the White House while attending a Ford's Theatre Foundation benefit. They were married from 1992 until Donald Cravens died in 2013.

From gala-ready diamond jewelry including an important ring, to easily wearable gold and pearl pieces, Cravens's collection of jewelry includes pieces that match the rich texture of her elegant life. Signed pieces by David Webb, Tiffany, Gucci, Cartier, Cellino, Baccarat, and Chanel are included, as well as unsigned pieces. To continue her legacy for giving, the proceeds from this sale will be distributed amongst her favorite charities.

'She was a woman of grace, character, compassion, brains and beauty,' said former Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon, who served with Cravens on the COD Foundation board, 'She wanted everyone around her to be better off.'

Peggy Cravens: A Legacy for Giving
Courtesy of Sarah Davis


OVERALL CONDITION:
Metal stamped and tested for 18k gold; clasp secure; superficial wear in the form of minor scratches; overall good condition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Approximate gross weight: 82.3 grams

This condition report is provided for your convenience based on the opinion of our gemologists. Bonhams is not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions.