Estate jewellery turns up for auction in a suitcase

A major collection of estate jewellery recently turned up in a suitcase, much to the surprise of resident Philips Auctions gemmologist Tanya Philips.

Within the suitcase were almost 400 pieces – each kept in a box or pouch and many accompanied by original receipts or handwritten notations of purchase date, location and history.

The collection will feature in Philips Auctions forthcoming jewellery auction from 6pm Monday May 18 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern and is one of three major estates and items from a handful of private vendors.

The suitcase collection spans more than 40 years of collecting and reflects a true jewellery lover’s life and growing knowledge in discerning and refining style, quality and size.

The owner had a strong eye for design and a love of organics – as shown in the ivory pieces on offer.

One, lot 234, was purchased through Martin & Stein in Queen Victoria Arcade, along with more contemporary pieces such as lot 261, a matching bangle and pendant by Marcus inlaid with ebony, gold and hardwood.

The collection offers buyers a large number of gold coins (another of her passions), both set (lot 181) and unset (lot 196).

Some of the more traditional pieces include two sapphire and diamond rings  (lots 151 and 165), an opal and diamond dress ring (still in its original Catanachs box – lot 154) and a four stone diamond ring (lot 30).

Another auction highlight is the private Western Australian vendor 2.76-carat early brilliant cut diamond ring (lot 100).