Old set diamonds to set auction collectors abuzz

A 1930s art deco diamond bracelet from Cartier in London (lot 113) is a major highlight of Mossgreen’s forthcoming fine jewels and watches auction from 6pm Tuesday May 9 at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

The other massive collector attraction is an 1890s Victorian diamond riviere set with 48 old brilliant cut diamonds (lot 76) – the centre stone of which is an estimated 3.17 carats – giving the collet a total weight of 48 carats.

Five items in the sale (lots 70-74) are from an impressive collection of predominantly art deco jewellery belonging to silent movie star Victoria Forde, who later became the fourth wife of famous Hollywood actor Tom Mix.

Forde performed in 116 short films at Nester Studios before moving to Selig where she switched from comedy to Westerns.

It was here she met Mix whom she married in 1918, aged 22, and divorced 13 years later.

Among the collection are four Edwardian diamond box link bracelets (lot 70) – each set with 57 old European cut diamonds, an art deco citrine pendant necklace, a ruby and diamond eternity ring and a pair of paste pendant earrings. 

Other important jewellery pieces a 1980s Bulgari 18-carat gold Trika Parure weighing 337.10 grams (lot 95), a 1980s diamond, citrine and tourmaline necklace (lot 129) and a platinum 3.20-carat solitaire diamond ring (lot 137). 

The auction contains an impressive collection of wristwatches including three gentleman’s Rolex models – two of them Day Date examples from the 1990s and a 1972 Rolex Explorer.

There also are several fob watches on offer including a 1911 Patek Philippe gentleman’s gold hunter pocket watch.