At the Leonard Joel Fine Jewellery Auction on Sunday 18th March 2012 it was clear that collectors and jewellery lovers were focusing on statement jewellery pieces – by “statement” we refer to jewellery that is high impact, visually. No longer are clients content with the staple jewellery items and designs of the 80s and 90s – they are now looking for much more adventurous and bold colour combinations and designs.
This was exemplified by the sale of lot 110, a most impressive Aquamarine and Diamond ring/brooch (illustrated) – yes, that’s “ring/brooch”. This very large display of precious stones was centrally set with an Aquamarine weighing no less than 23 carats and finally sold for $14,640 (IBP) against an estimate of $12,000 – $15,000. Equally impressive and unusual was lot 162, a rather large diamond pendant set with a rare Tanzanite that also realised $14,640 (IBP). The highest price for the auction was paid for a more understated, but no less rare, cushion cut solitaire diamond ring (lot 140A) that sold for $53,689 (IBP).
This result also confirmed the growing demand for more unusual diamond cuts, such as the cushion and oval shapes, as opposed to the more widely worn brilliant and emerald cuts. Of the wristwatches, the highest price realised was for lot 238 a diamond encrusted Vacheron Constantin, lot 238, which sold for $10,980. The auction realised $415,000 against a low estimate of lots sold of $395,000, or 105% by value of lots sold. The jewellery department is now seeking entries for valuable single jewellery items or collections for its mid-June 2012 auction.
Enquiries
John D’Agata – Head of Jewellery
Tel: 03 8825 5605
Email: John D’Agata
Image details
Lot 110
An Impressive Aquamarine and Diamond Ring/Brooch Ring
Estimate $12,000-$15,000
Hammer Price: $12,000
Price IBP: $14,400