Bvlgari diamond flabbergasts Melbourne auction goers

A Marquise cut 4.10-carat Bvlgari diamond ring (lot 80) is bound to flabbergast auction goers for its beauty and quality at Philips Auctions timed online Prestige Modern & Antique Jewellery auction which ends from 12pm Monday May 24 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The diamond carries a $90,000-$140,000 catalogue estimate and is the most valuable item in the sale.

Lot 69, a fancy golden diamond set bracelet, is another piece worth a second look and is listed in the catalogue at an estimate of $12,400-$18,000 – along with a gold Georg Jensen splash necklace by Henning Koppell (lot 88 - $9000-$12,000).

Likewise, a 5-carat deco styled diamond line bracelet (lot 113) and a stylish antique styled diamond panel ring (lot 143), which are among other high value pieces with estimates of $10,000-$15,000.

Several of the auction items are around the $5000 mark, such as a cut cornered cabochon sapphire and diamond dress ring (lot 59) and pair of emerald and diamond drop rings (lot 72) but there are also many more affordable lots that might appeal to first time buyers.

Typical of these is an Edwardian green tourmaline and seed pearl brooch (lot 76) with a $500-$800 estimate and a simple pair of South Sea pearl earrings (lot 13 - $600-$800).

Philips Auctions Fine & Decorative Arts sale also has plenty to offer auction goers with vintage copper saucepans, inlaid wooden boxes, miniature portraits, porcelain, sculptures, clocks, silverware, art and furniture among its treasures.

Of particular interest is a pair of French bronze and cloisonné vases (lot 32), an art deco bronze and marble mantel clock with a panther on top (lot 41) and a bronze animal group (lot 69) by Alex Alphonse Arson (1822-1880).

An impressive pair of Cantonese rose Mandarin floor vases (lot 105) is another attraction along with a pair of miniature Doucai cups (lot 117).

Sterling silver is always popular with auction goers and a pair of oriental style tea caddies (lot 164 - $11,500-$13,500 estimate) and a 182-piece 12-place King’s patter flatware service complete with a large double tier canteen stand (lot 165 - $9500-$12,000) are among the higher value items.

Among the furniture is a fine Napoleon III kingwood Vernis Martin bombe cabinet (lot 378) and a Louis XV style marquetry top kingwood drop side table (lot 384).