Quality jewellery for auction at Christmas time

Auction goers looking for quality jewellery as Christmas gifts will find it hard to resist the range being offered by Australian Fine Assets at E.J. Ainger’s auction rooms from 2pm Sunday December 8 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

This is the second collaborative jewellery sale between the two companies – essentially being driven by AFA chief executive officer Robert Haigh, one of Australia’s leading jewellery experts who until 2017 was manager and senior jewellery specialist at Leonard Joel.

With 299 lots, the auction features jewellery from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. Included is the collection of Melbourne socialite the late Dorothy Sylvia Christoff who died in September this year.

Of particular interest is an antique diamond and emerald necklace (lot 23) featuring 95 cut diamonds of approximately 2.50 carats in 18-carat white gold.

A Ceylonese sapphire weighing 16.99 carats surrounded in a ring by 20 diamonds totalling 1.32 carats (lot 41) with a catalogue estimate of $36,000-$40,000 is another major feature – while an emerald and diamond 18-carat yellow and white gold necklace (lot 53) is an impressive $130,000-$150,000 treasure. The 17 cushion and oval cut emeralds total 71 carats surrounded by 22.5 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds.

For those auction goers who love Argyle pink heart-shaped diamonds, lot 56 will be a must have at $17,000-$20,000 estimate. It comes with a GIA report and Argyle certificate.

A cognac and diamond dress ring (lot 67) is another strong attraction at $15,000-$20,000. The pear cut cognac diamond weighs 4.01 carats and is surrounded by two layers of brilliant cut diamonds weighing 1.20 carats.

At $40,000-$50,000 is lot 70, an impressive diamond dress ring centrally set with a 3.01-carat princess cut diamond, while a tri-colour 18-carat gold bangle (lot 107) carries an affordable $2000-$2800 estimate.

Watches are another auction feature with lot 144 – a ladies Rolex Datejust automatic movement example typical of the quality pieces on offer.

A turquoise and diamond suite – comprising a ring and brooch – (lot 181) also is bound to appeal as a Christmas gift, particularly for a wife or girlfriend.

Art deco is always popular and lot 235, a sapphire and diamond brooch/pendant (estimate $9000-$12,000) is no exception.