Leslie Hindman Auction Set For December 4th & 5th, 2016

Wow, am I really wrapping up the last few jewelry auctions of the year?! I guess so. And if the auction world still hasn’t convinced you that you should be bidding, just relish in all the records that were broke in this year alone. So many amazing collections were sold, items from celebrity owners big and small, rare diamonds of all colors, and bidders happy to celebrate adding some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime pieces to their jewelry hoards. This year for me has been very successful with auctions–I’ve added a few pieces to my collection that I could have never found or purchased solely online or through dealers or stores. I even tried my hand at consigning and absolutely loved the experience–in fact, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers was who I went through selling my first piece at auction, and I was so happy with the outcome that I decided to sell another. The ring I’m consigning is actually in this very sale which I’m about to talk about (and of course, it is in my top picks)! Like I say every year, the December sales are always my favorite and include some of the best jewels. It is like a grand finale for every auction house as they close the year out with a bang.

The Important Jewels Auction at Leslie Hindman is one I’ve been waiting for since their September auction. I’m counting down the days almost like a child waiting for a holiday, and their auction catalog just debuted Monday night, so I’ve been happy-go-lucky all week.  As per usual, Leslie Hindman has a two-day event, kicking off on December 4th where 541 items will be auctioned off the first day alone. On the second day, there are 900 items! I don’t have to tell you to prepare yourself and register to bid, you know how important it is! 😉

Below are my top picks from Day One only: Leslie Hindman Auction, December 4th, 2016

Lot 38: Right from the start these stud earrings stood out to me. I’m always looking for a pair of diamond studs that aren’t plain ‘ole diamond studs. Fitting the bill nicely are these because for one they are antique–both Old European cut diamonds and two, they are set in a unique sunburst-like setting. I bet these look amazing on! Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Lot 39: This Art Nouveau piece sparked my interest as soon as I saw the opal displaying its gorgeous colors. The black enamel details, the unique handmade chain, the polychrome detailing on the chain…too many good things in one piece. Although the opals do show some signs of crazing, if taken care of and not exposed to direct light or the sun, they won’t be further damaged. Estimate: $1,000-2,000

Lot 41: Bright blue aquamarine just glows from this unique Art Deco ring up for auction. I love the blue and black enameling on the ring and the two diamond accents. Looks like this piece is in great shape which is amazing considering its age in conjunction with the delicate enamel work. Estimate: $1,500-2,500

Lot 44: I may be playing favorites with this ring and that’s because this is the piece I have put on consignment from my personal collection!  Right away I fell for the uniqueness of the marquise cut diamonds set east-west and how bright white the center Old European cut diamond is. Most Old Euros I’ve seen are J-K in color or lower–this one is a G! I hope it finds a good home and maybe even a ring finger because I think it would make a great engagement ring! Estimate: $700-900

Lot 49: How incredible are these giant citrine ear pendants?! You can’t even call them earrings, they’re ear PENDANTS! These are the type of accessory you let pull off your entire look. Statement-making and head-turning for sure. I would wear them around my house on a Sunday and be so happy. Estimate: $200-300

Lot 54: A jaw-dropping piece in its own right, this Renaissance Revival opal pendant/brooch is quite incredible. Sought after for more than one reason, it is actually a piece designed by Paulding Farnham who worked at Tiffany & Co. during the turn-of-the-century. His work is rare and highly collectible, which makes this piece even more special. This particular brooch was featured in the hardcover book Paulding Farnham: Tiffany’s Lost Genius which is the only publication featuring this American designer. Estimate: $20,000-30,000

Lot 56: This Arts & Crafts necklace made me immediately think of the Richard Driehaus Museum and the wonderful Maker & Muse exhibit. This necklace belongs in the exhibit! Composed of turquoise and freshwater pearls, this is a piece of art. I can imagine it draped on someone’s neck in the most sophisticated way. Estimate: $1,000-2,000

Lot 90: I’ve been into these bright blues lately and this piece is certainly the brightest. A nice blue zircon electrifies this brooch, which is also set with nearly a carat of diamonds. From the photo alone you can tell how doubly refractive the zircon is!  What a neat piece to add to your collection! Estimate: $1,000-2,000

Lot 94: Elongated rings are my jam and this ring has a lot of great features! The Art Deco ring is set with two Old European cut diamonds with some step cut sapphires dividing both. It is done in platinum and demands attention in the best way possible. Estimate: $800-1,200

Lot 372: An exquisite Cartier piece of history, this ring is set with sapphires and Old Mine cut diamonds all in platinum.  It is stamped Cartier and is one of the prettiest Cartier pieces I’ve ever seen! Estimate: $5,000-7,000

Lot 418: Aside of bright blue gemstones, another favorite of mine is multi-color, almost rainbow-like, pieces–like this ring. Done in 18k yellow gold, this ring is designed by Christian Dior and is set with amethyst, citrine, garnet, iolite, peridot, pink tourmaline, and green tourmaline. What a line up of gems! And what a cool design! Estimate: $6,000-8,000

Lot 491: Turquoise and lapis is my new favorite combo! These earrings are seriously the coolest. Plus everyone loves a good turquoise domed cluster. Done in 18k yellow gold and encircled with a perfectly circular piece of lapis, these earclips are the ultimate accessory. Estimate: $700-900

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.