Heritage Auction: Spring Fine Jewelry
Heritage Auction House
Spring Fine Jewelry
Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil, Colombian emeralds with no enhancement, and a fabulous rose cut diamond ring, all up for sale at the Heritage Spring Fine Jewelry signature auction May 6. Heritage Auctions is one of the world’s largest collectibles auction houses, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with a significant online presence, specializing in a wide range of categories including fine art, rare books, coins, currency, comics, sports memorabilia, and of course, jewelry!
Color
Included in the sale is a beautiful vivid “Windex” blue 2.62 carat Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil, a distinct yet soft color change with a clean center 2.02 carat Russian Alexandrite, a no heat 1.01 carat cushion cut Burma ruby, another color-change, but this time a 20+ carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, changing from very satisfying blush bluish-Violet to Purple, and so much more.
Diamonds – Special
One of the highlights of this Spring auction is the 5 carat Diamond, Platinum & White Gold Ring. The 5.18 carat, 18mm round rose cut diamond is set into a closed back mount, designed to appear as a 15 to 20 carat diamond ring! Love that! Graded by GIA as an N color, VS1, with a 1.73 mm depth, it certainly would been interesting to see how the diamond graders color graded this wafer-thin diamond.
Just Curious
We noticed that the Paraiba tourmaline has had a few bumps along the way, so we asked Jill Burgum, executive director of Fine Jewelry why the client does not have the gem repolished prior to auction. “We do advise consignors of polishing benefits. Sometimes they do opt for it, while others do not.”
Lab Grown and Beryllium
More challenging for auction houses these days are with lab-grown diamonds. “For the longest time, it was underkarated gold that would cause issues, so we invested in an XRF [ X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy]. Now with lab-grown diamonds, we’ve invested in the Sherlock and the GIA iD100. I’d say more than seeing lab-grown diamonds, we have seen an uptick in beryllium-treated colored stones.” According to Burgum, discovering beryllium treatment prompts the auction house to pull the piece from the sale. And that can be disappointing for both the seller and the auction house. The consignors aren’t too thrilled with us, either, to which Burgum notes, “The cost of being transparent and responsible!”
The May Sale
Burgum notes what they see as a wonderful line-up of gems and jewels coming up. “It’s a fun auction with lots of 5.00-carat diamonds, good color, and a fun David Webb collection.” Other signatures in the sale include Judith Ripka, Paul Flato, Buccellati, Fred Leighton, and more (of course). “Hopefully enough to engage people!”
So let’s take a look!
2.62 carat Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline
Treatment: No Clarity Enhancement; possible Low Temperature Heating
Origin: Brazil
Estimate: $50,000 – $60,000
Condition Notes: A gemological spectacle! This neon greenish blue Paraiba tourmaline is a scintillating marvel, reminiscent of tropical waters where the sun flirts with the sea near pristine white sand beaches. Stone is remarkably clear with minor natural inclusions and displays minor abrasions on crown facet junctions.
Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum,
White Gold Necklace
Stones: Carved lapis lazuli; full-cut diamonds weighing
a total of 5.66 carats; accented by round-cut blue tourmaline weighing a total of 1.71 carats
Metal: Platinum, 18k and 14k white gold
21.46 carat Ceylon Color-Change Sapphire, Diamond, and Platinum Ring
A dramatic 21.46 carat, unheated color-change Ceylon sapphire. The color change, a mesmerizing bluish violet in daylight to purple under incandescent light, makes this sapphire an enchanting gemstone.
Diamond, Platinum, White Gold Ring
Stones: Rose-cut diamond weighing 5.18 carats; accented by single-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.15 carats
Metal: Platinum, 14k white gold
The diamond, named the “Gift of Life,” was bestowed by Reza Shah to the family in recognition of their rendered services, and it has been inherited through generations by descent.
The rose-cut diamond is set in a silver collet, completed by a 14k white gold shank. The metal displays evidence of wear due to age. The shank is designed with a pattern that may be disrupted by sizing.
2.95 ct Colombian Emerald, no enhancement
The undeniable beauty of this emerald lies within its unparalleled clarity, its intense vibrant green hue which is emblematic of only the finest Colombian emeralds, along with its substantial size of practically 3 carats, makes it not only a valuable addition to any collection, but also a perfect candidate for a statement piece of jewelry.
Amsterdam Sauer Diamond, Multi-Stone, 18K Gold Necklace
Stones: Fantasy and pear-shaped amethysts; pear-shaped emeralds, aquamarines, yellow topazes, rubellite tourmalines; black onyx tablets; full and baguette-cut diamonds weighing a total of 15.65 carats
Gross Weight: 188.20 grams
Property from the Estate of Mrs. Betty Jo “BJ” Graham, El Paso, Texas
Estimate: $10,000 – up.
Ann Garrett Black Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold Bracelet
Stones: Black opal cabochon; full-cut diamonds weighing a total of 2.34 carats
Gross Weight: 54.00 grams
Estimate: $7,000 – $9,000.
The centerpiece of this bracelet, a stunning black opal, measures approximately 25.50 x 18.50 x 5.25 mm, and displays a dominant play of green, blue, and yellow hues, with less dominant subtle flashes of red and orange.
Bibigi Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, 18K White Gold Necklace
Stones: Lapis lazuli beads; full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.50 carats
Gross Weight: 137.00 grams
Estimate: $6,000 – $8,000.
This Italian made necklace is a masterpiece of design that marries the deep, celestial blue of lapis lazuli beads with the scintillating brilliance of diamonds set in c-shaped waves of white gold links. The necklace sets elegantly around the neck, each curve a testament to the fluidity of design and the harmony between the elements. Marked BIBIG, 750 near tongue of clasp and having Italian maker’s mark < 2155 AL > attributed to Bibigi S.r.l. Franco Beltrami, located in the city of San Salvatore Monferrato, Italy.
Robert Wander Black Onyx, Diamond, 18K Gold Earrings, French
Stones: Carved black onyx; full and single-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.30 carats
Gross Weight: 46.10 grams
*Note: Earrings are designed for non-pierced ears
and are easily converted
Estimate: $5,000 – $7,000.
These captivating door-knocker earrings skillfully combine timeless elegance with contemporary boldness. The color and texture contrasts between the deep black onyx and the sparkling shimmer of diamonds gold create a stunning visual spectacle. Marked WANDER, FRANCE on back of clipbacks, 18K and having French maker’s mark of WF and two (double) diamonds in pentagon (bullet) frame on base of clips for Robert Wander.
