Giant diamond goes on the auction block

QUEENSBURY – A rare 10-carat diamond ring estimated to have a value of up to $300,000 headlines the estate state and auction of the late Josie Beckos Wood, wife of the late entrepreneur Charles R. Wood who created the Lake George theme park Storytown, U.S.A./the Great Escape.

The estate sale and auction will take place over the next two weeks online and in person, according to Mark Lawson Antiques of Colonie and Saratoga Springs which is handling the sale of the estate.

“A 20th-century classic, Josie Beckos Wood and her second husband Charles R. Wood lived the American dream. As the children of good people who had worked hard to make a life for themselves in the early 20th century United States, they had grit, and principles, and were not afraid of hard work,” according to Mark Lawson Antiques’s announcement of the sale and auction.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wood achieved exceptional success in their respective careers with creativity, a sense of fun, and perseverance. They helped establish the Double H Ranch with Paul Newman, and were ardent supporters of The Hyde Collection and The Glens Falls Symphony. They were enthusiastic collectors of fine art and furnishings. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Wood assembled a significant collection of important 20th century American jewelry," the announcement continues.

Josie Beckos Wood died in December 2020 at the age of 97.  Charles R. Wood died in September 2004 at the age of 90.

The “rare high quality large 10-carat diamond” ring is projected to sell for $200,000 to $300,000, according to the auction company.

A George Rickey sculpture is anticipated to sell for $30,000 to $50,000, according to the firm.

The sales also include Tiffany jewelry by designer Jean Schlumberger and fine art and sculpture by Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Wolf Kahn and Salvadore Dali. There are 380 lots to be sold at the auction.

The fine jewelry and artwork will be sold at auction beginning 12 p.m. July 31 with internet and absentee bidding.

An auction preview will be held July 29 and 30 in Queensbury. Information about the auction may be found online at marklawsonantiques.com or at the online auction site.

The furnishings, decorations, couture and accessories will be sold in an on-premises estate sale from July 23 to July 25 in Queensbury.  The location of the sale will be posted on July 22 online.  Information is also available at the Mark Lawson Antiques website.