Get ready to go back through time with the latest Heritage Auction sale, featuring over 150 lots of jewelry spanning several decades, starting with the Georgian Period. A sale like this cannot be missed! I love how the auction is organized by time period, so not only can you easily find your favorite jewelry design styles but you can also get a glimpse at how design has evolved just by looking through this auction catalog.
Some important facts to start — the auction is called the Antique Heirloom Jewels sale and opens for bidding on September 7th, 2021 and runs through the 21st, which is when the sale goes “live.” This is an online-only sale and is two weeks long.
I personally have my eye on several lots, but let’s start with my top ten favorites for now. I highly recommend downloading the Heritage app onto your phone to make bidding and looking through catalogs even easier!
Let’s start with this incredibly coveted anchor motif bracelet. One of the most collected motifs is the anchor and I’ve seen some wonderful examples within our jewelry community, with this bracelet being one of them! The anchor is combined with a cross motif to symbolize faith (the cross) and hope (the anchor). In Victorian times, it was associated with sailors out on the open sea, a period of discovery, travel, and colonialism. The symbols remind the wearer to not give up and remain steadfast. Unmarked, the metal tests 14k. The bracelet is hinged, completed by a box clasp and safety chain. Estimate: $1,000+
Moving on to a pair of Victorian bracelets, this duo would look fantastic worn stacked or one on each wrist! The first bracelet is 10k gold and features a lion amongst a cluster of circular plates with star-set diamonds on each. The other is equally as bold, with a black enamel circular case which opens in the back and currently holds a lock of hair. Estimate: $1,000+
I wanted to add some Art Deco pieces to my favorites list because this era is so enchanting to me. This ring is very much 1920s flapper, with the geometric cut sapphires, diamonds and platinum. It looks as though it has some architectural inspiration behind the design. It is currently a 5.75 in size and easily sizable. Estimate: $3,000+
Adding one more Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring to the lineup, to prove how much I love this era, this gemstone combination and this similar design. This ring and the prior one would make such a great pair. Baguette cut diamonds are the focus in the center, flanked by trapezoid and baguette cut sapphires. Love the milgrain detailing and a size 7.25. Estimate: $3,000+
My favorite lots to bid on from Heritage are the ones that include several pieces of jewelry in one! The two lots I’m highlighting feature several rings and they both are SO GOOD. The first includes eleven rings, all are either 10k or 14k gold. I particularly love the sardonyx intaglio featuring a flower. If you love moonstone spheres, there’s two rings set with those and the opals complement those. Estimate: $500+
The other lot of rings has five less than the other, but they are much bolder and substantial. Each one is such a treasure! Let’s start with the miniature painted portrait — rings like this were sentimental, especially for lovers in the sense that a woman could always wear a portrait of her ‘dearest’ on her hand so the lover’s gaze was never too far away! This one is in great condition for its age, with only minor “flaking” behind the crystal cover. If you love opals, you’ll love this lot because four out of the six rings feature opals! So many unique styles and designs, I am truly obsessed. And let’s not forget the garnet carbuncle snake ring. Estimate: $1,000+
If I could own any piece of jewelry in the world, it would be the Hamlin Necklace. If you don’t know what that looks like, I recommend Googling it! This Victorian multi-gemstone necklace sort of reminds me of the Hamlin Necklace, but a much more attainable version. It is composed of 10k gold and gemstones like tourmaline, zircon, garnet, citrine, and blue and pink sapphire. The black is a black silk cord, which looks like it is in great condition. Estimate: $2,000+
I wanted to include a signed piece in my list of favorites and I had this particular brooch already marked as a favorite and only realized it is Tiffany & Co. afterward. The color of these pale cornflower blue sapphires is so enviable and I love the crescent moon motif. It is most likely that the sapphires are from Montana. Such a classic piece of history. Estimate: $3,000+
These Victorian earrings display a beetle within the design of micromosaic, an artform that deserves all the praise for how fine and intricate it is. They are done in 14k gold and are for pierced ears. I love the beetle motif and the colors used are so beautiful. Estimate: $500+
The last lot I want to highlight is another pair of gorgeous earrings, with these from the turn-of-the-century and featuring old cut diamonds and sapphires. These are a pair of earrings I could easily wear everyday, as I love their size and wearability. If you have been wanting to add a bit of elegance to your look, these are perfect for just that! Estimate: $1,000+