Only the finest jewellers for the finest auction

An exceptional black opal and diamond brooch (lot 65) by premier jeweller William Drummond & Co is the pick of Leonard Joel’s fine jewels auction from 6.30pm Monday June 4 at Hughendon Boutique Hotel 14 Queen Street, Woollahra in Sydney.

The jeweller became renowned for its design and manufacture of Queen Elizabeth II’s famous yellow and white diamond wattle brooch – presented to her from the government and people of Australia on her first visit to the country in 1954.

This black opal and diamond brooch is of equal craftsmanship and design, according to Leonard Joel’s national head of jewellery, John D’Agata.

“This is a one of a kind item,” he said. “It has three exceptional opals displaying vivid play-of-colour which is a rarity on the market.”

The catalogue cover piece (lot 150) is a substantial yellow and white diamond ring by Anton and, according to D’Agata, is not for the faint hearted. 

“It is centrally set with fancy light yellow trilliant cut diamond of 9.71 carats,” he said. “The ring is a tribute to the craftsmanship of modern Australian jewellery and compares favourably among its international counterparts.

These two jewellery highlights are just a small example of the exciting array of the pieces on offer in this auction.

Typical of the other items is a solitaire diamond ring (lot 7) with a catalogue estimate of $10,000-$15,000 and a rhodolite garnet and diamond dress ring (lot 10 - $3000-$4000).

Unusual is a pair of gold and pearl earrings by Carrera Y Carrera in the shape of two hands (lot 18).

Although a couple of the diamond rings are estimated to bring $10,000-$15,000, several of the diamond rings range in estimate from $1800 to $7000, while an Edwardian aquamarine and pearl pendant (lot 19) carries a $15,000-$18,000 estimate.

Lot 60, a colourful opal, emerald and diamond ring with a  $3000-$400 estimate is bound to attract plenty of attention.

Melbourne bidders will not miss out on the auction’s momentum with an interactive live simulcast of the event in Leonard Joel’s Melbourne rooms in South Yarra.

Viewing is 9am-8pm Wednesday 333 Malvern Road South Yarra and 10am-4pm Friday to Sunday 39 Queen Street, Woollahra.