Staff Picks from the Designer Goods Charity Collection


Jewelry & Fashion | PUBLISHED 11.26.22 | Jennifer Ventresca
A woman in a designer hat is surrounded by an assortment of luxury goods and designer fashions | BRG

"It's not often that we acquire such an outstanding single owner collection of barely used designer fashion, jewelry, and luxury goods," explains Christie Spooner, managing partner for Black Rock Galleries. "The fact that the collection's owner is donating all her proceeds to two animal rescue charities is an extraordinary bonus!"

What inspires you?

With so many wonderful pieces in the collection, Christie challenged the models, catalogers and photography team to choose their favorites.

"I hope you enjoy our staff picks!"

BRG Blog

Stacey Lopez (Photographer)

Stacey is one of Black Rock Galleries' staff photographers. She specializes in capturing the beauty, textures, colors, and patina of the tens of thousands of lots she photographs.

Roberto Cavalli Stunning Brown Leather & Gold Embroidered Jacket (Bejeweled)

Item #227769

What a look to either dress up or down in. Could totally wear these with some black stretch pants and long boots. The leather is supple and the chocolate color is so rich. It just oozes style.

BRG Blog
BRG Blog

Vicini by Giuseppe Zanotti Unique Orange Leather Crab Motif Criss-Cross Sandal

Item #227656

Not only cute to shoot, but this adorable sandal would be the talk of the room when you step into these. Perfect for some summer parties.

BRG Blog

Mariah Damico (Cataloging & Research Associate)

Mariah is a BRG cataloging and research associate. She is one of a team of catalogers who are responsible for writing the descriptions, conditions and measurements you see in our auction catalogs. She also researches those lots that need deeper details.

Sterling & 18K Gold Pink Sapphire, Diamond & Pearl Drop Earrings

Item #231215

This was a tough one, there were so many great pieces to choose from. I'm going to go with these earrings. They have a certain quality you can’t help but be drawn to. The bright pink is subdued by using it in smaller sizes together with a single pearl. Pearls are always a go-to and put in the spotlight in these earrings.

BRG Blog

BRG Blog

Gucci Chic Green Lizard Grain Peep-Toe Mule with Gold Tone Studded Heel

Item #227650

Any chance to find vintage Gucci pieces is a lucky one. These mules are classic yet unique to the designer. Their color and structure provide both function and fun.

BRG Blog

Sue Leeper (Gemologist)

Sue Leeper works in BRG's jewelry department and is one of our staff gemologists. She graduated from Southern CT State college with a degree in geology. She jokingly refers to herself and her colleagues as the "jewelry nerds in the attic."

Chances are good that if there's a BRG jewelry lot processed in the Northeast, it came across Sue's desk at one point or another.

Florence Leather School Handsome Black Leather Half Moon Shape Shoulder Bag

Item #229044

My picks for this very unique and fantastic auction include the shoulder bag. The clean and timeless design of the shoulder bag allows it to be paired with any outfit and any occasion....

BRG Blog
BRG Blog

Naturalizer Handsome Burgundy Leather Tall Zip Riding Boot, Stacked Heel

Item #229046

... and the Naturalizer Burgundy Leather Riding Style Boots. These boots have a handsome and contemporary appearance that can dress up a simple casual look.

BRG Blog

Kim Leiman (GIA Graduate Gemologist)

Kim Leiman is also one of BRG's "jewelry nerds in the attic" and is based in our Southport location. She is a GIA Graduate Gemologist who has decades of experience in the jewelry and watches/timepieces arena. Much like her BRG counterparts, there's a solid chance that if a BRG jewelry lot was processed in the Northeast, it came across Kim's desk at some point.

Hand-Painted Amy Kahn Russell Sterling Silver, Onyx, Jade & Peridot Dragonfly Tile Necklace

Item #227519

So as a cataloguer, I LOVED doing this auction! The colors and the conditions are magnificent, the styles unique.... But my favorite of my favorite picks are the hand painted dragonfly necklace, with the peridots and black onyx — it is so striking and so distinctive...

BRG Blog
BRG Blog

Amy Kahn Russell Sterling Silver Intricately Carved Cinnibar, Lapis, & Howlite Bracelet

Item #227516

... and the Amy Kahn Russell carved cinnabar and lapis bracelet. It is a piece that anyone can wear, and it is a show stopper!


BRG Blog

Gemma Panarese (Model)

Gemma is one of the lovely models who showcased a variety of the lots in this collection. She also happens to be one of the daughters of BRG's managing partners.

Rare & Stunning Burberry Glove Leather Gladiator Trench

Item #232986

BRG Blog
I chose these two pieces because they’re so pretty and they give me the smiles when I look at them....
BRG Blog

Judith Leiber Unusual Gold Tone Bejewelled Rhinestone Shrimp Motif Belt

Item #231877

About the Collection

This impressive lifetime collection of luxury goods, designer fashions, and jewelry hails from the home of a renowned former NYC opera singer. She decided to downsize her collection. She is donating her proceeds to two of her favorite animal rescue charities: Rescue Dogs Rock NYC (in New York) and Horse Plus Humane Society (in Tennessee).

The owner wore or used most of the pieces in this collection only once or twice. These items have been lovingly maintained and are in excellent condition.

What are your favorites? Why?

View the entire collection. Let us know what pieces are your favorite designer fashion finds on instagram (@blackrockgalleries).


Keywords: staff picks, designer fashion, luxury goods, barely used designer fashion, animal rescue charities, horse plus humane society, rescue dogs rock NYC, NYC opera singer

Staff Picks from the Designer Goods Charity Collection. Black Rock Galleries provides high end estate liquidation services through online estate auctions and a 50,000 sq ft designer showroom. estate liquidator, estate sale, online auction, antiques, fine art, liquidation, clean outs, auction, consignment, interior design, fine jewelry, collectibles, appraisals, estate appraisals, estate services, decor, furniture, furniture consignment, antique center, consignment shop. We offer appraisal services and specialize in fine art, jewelry, antiques and decorative arts. Sell with us. Black Rock Galleries is the tri-state's largest estate liquidator serving New England and the greater New York City area. We are the trusted source for expert appraisals, auction services, estate sales, and consignments. Black Rock Galleries is the east coast's largest and most trusted estate liquidator, with locations in Connecticut, greater Boston, MA and Raleigh, NC, Fairfield, Southport, Apex, TX. We are the best source for expert appraisals, auction services, estate sales and consignments. We have served thousands of families and estates with compassion, professionalism and expertise. BRG works with attorneys, executors, realtors and families to bring the greatest return on personal and estate property in the current market. Our unique combination of services make us the easy choice to get the job done in a timely and stress-free manner. We are with you from the initial consultation to the final clean out. Our house-built online auction software platform offers clients a dynamic approach to liquidating their personal property. This venue is most successful in bringing the best return with the least amount of disruption for our clients. See our services page for a complete description of this offering. Staff Picks from the Designer Goods Charity Collection
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