Art deco auction diamonds could become a girl's best friend

An art deco diamond bracelet (lot 86), earrings (lot 138) and brooch (lot 98) in platinum are some of the more intriguing items at Philips Auctions forthcoming jewellery sale from 6pm Monday October 26 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The intricate work needed to create all three items is reflected in the catalogue estimates – the bracelet listed at $12,500-$15,000, while the brooch and earrings are respectively $1300-$1800 and $5000-$7000.

Platinum jewellery is expensive to manufacture and in gram weight and requires the use of different equipment to that used for gold or silver production.

To avoid contamination from other sources, a separate work area must be set aside for the purpose so that both labour and material costs are significant and production is usually only undertaken by the finest craftsmen.

A diamond ring with a sapphire set frame in the art deco style (lot 35) is another gem bound to attract auction goers with an estimate of $9000-$13,000 to match.

More quality is evident in a sapphire and diamond cluster ring (lot 73) with a $4000-$6000 estimate and the pink sapphire and diamond cluster ring (lot 123 - $2500-$3500).

A major talking point among auction goers is the striking diamond set spray brooch (lot 88) with a $7000-$10,000 estimate.

According to Philips Auctions resident gemmologist Tanya Philips, this forthcoming jewellery sale is particularly interesting with a larger than normal 322 lots.

“The sale covers different prices and periods with something for everyone and, leading up to Christmas, the right time of year to buy,” she said.