Alex Cooper’s July 21st, 2016 Gallery Auction

The summertime is not typically known as auction season, but the jewelry auctions that do happen should not be missed. This is where some of the best scores can be found, deals to be had and collections to be grown. Why? Because this time of the year most are out of the loop or on vacation! Case in point, Alex Cooper and their July 21st Gallery Auction! The variety of items they have coming up at auction this month is great for all levels of collectors–from beginners to advanced–and of course their heart-stopping center fold: lot number 100, a rare Australian black opal ring from Temple St. Clair. Totally out-of-this-world!

Read more about my top picks from the sale below. Be sure to sign up in advance to bid and mark July 21st on your calendar!

Alex Cooper Gallery Auction, July 21st at NOON located in Towson, MD.

Lot 100: A rare Australian black opal ring from Temple St. Clair–the piece is handcrafted, hallmarked and comes with a certificate from the IGI. Such an exquisite piece and comes with original box! The bezel is set with multi-colored sapphires, fine details like that make this ring so special. The opal itself is incredible in its own right, weighing in at 8.73 carats. Estimate: $40-50,000

Lot 9: Designer pieces of jewelry are smart buys when bidding at auction. Once you buy designer at auction, you’ll never want to pay full price again! Alex Cooper has some great designer pieces in this sale, like this Cartier ring. Done in 18k white gold and set with diamonds, this piece dates back to the 90s and is called the Nouvelle ring. It is a size 6! Estimate: $3,000-3,5000

Lot 21: Another prime example of a collectible designer piece is this ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Known for their high quality and superb craftsmanship, this piece is done in 18k white gold set with diamonds and a cabochon sapphire. Such a pretty floral-inspired design and such a great starting price for a Van Cleef piece! Estimate: $4,000-5,000

Lot 46: Start your collection off by bidding on a lot like this, where several rings are included! This easily expands or begins your collection and these pieces are great staples. The carved intaglio crest ring done in bloodstone stands out to me, a perfect Victorian piece. The others also from the same time period would stack together seamlessly. Estimate: $200-400

Lot 75: Can you blame me for making sure to include this ring in my favorites?! Bypass style always has my heart–this one is done in platinum with two round brilliant cut diamonds, perfectly matched, both approximately 0.80 carats each. The baguette and round diamond accents are a great complement to this style and finishes off the piece nicely. Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Lot 79: Oh man, I love a good locket and this one is pure dreamy! Art Nouveau 14k yellow gold depicting a woman set with a diamond, the piece is engraved with a beautiful “R” on the back, along with two photos on the inside. You must check out the extra photos on the website! Estimate: $250-400

Lot 89: Wildly geometric, my kind of ring! This piece is done in 14k yellow gold and set with an oval cut diamond and round sapphire. The ring is a size 4.75 and easily would mix and match with any collection. Estimate: $300-500

Lot 98: And I couldn’t talk about designer jewelry without including a piece from Tiffany & Co.! A very vintage Tiffany & Co. crossover ring done in 18k yellow gold set with sapphires. This style is very 1950s/60s and truly transports you back in time when Hollywood starlets wore pieces like this on set. Such a cool piece paying homage to a nostalgic time period. Estimate: $1,500-2,500

Lot 99: Need an upgrade? This will do! A three carat stunner set in a classic vintage fishtail setting which is done in platinum of course! The baguette diamonds do a perfect job of complementing the center stone. This ring sure does sparkle and would make a great engagement ring destined to be passed on through generations! Estimate: $25,000-30,000

Lot 104: Four vintage rings, one lot…and one bid to win them all! A great collection featuring two solitaire rings, one lapis signet ring and one opal quatre foil cluster. The cool thing about auction lots that include several rings is if there are pieces that don’t fit your style, you could always sell the ones you don’t want. Estimate: $200-400

Lot 110: A dazzling old mine cut diamond sits at the center of this gorgeous bar pin circa 1920s. The piece is entirely platinum and in excellent condition. Just how big is that center diamond? Approximately 1.50 carats! Estimate: $800-1,000

Lot 128: Couldn’t help but include this cute ring–another bypass style, this time using floral motifs. The diamonds are marquise cuts with a round cut for the center. White and yellow diamonds, with the yellow diamonds most likely heat-treated. Estimate: $2,500-3,000

Lot 131: This ring caught my eye! I love a good dome ring and this one is particularly unique. Done in 18k yellow and white gold, the yellow gold is used brilliantly to make the design really pop! The diamonds are also used in an exceptional way, baguettes and rounds to create a weaved look. Estimate: $1,500-2,000

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Alex Cooper Auctions.