Chicago’s number one auction house, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, is making it’s rounds, previewing their incredible selection of jewelry and gemstones set to hit the auction block April 3rd & 4th, 2016. Finishing up their showing in NYC at the Waldorf, they are scheduled to settle back in Chicago for several preview dates at their homebase. Starting March 30th, you can visit the jewels in Chicago each and every day leading up to the sale. With over 1,300 lots this sale has an impeccable selection and sure to relish all tastes. I’ve got my eye on several pieces and I’ve picked my favorites here. Broken up into two sale dates, the first day covers lots 1-515 and the second day covers the rest. I split up my picks as well–so you’ve got six from day one and six from day two! Don’t forget to register online and either bid live or leave an absentee bid. Good luck!
Day One//April 3rd, 2016:
Lot 31: Serpent necklaces are high up on everyone’s wish list…yes, even bucket lists, and this one is pretty epic. Lots of turquoise–multiple sizes–several different shades as the piece has aged, making it even more unique. It is in immaculate condition and dates back to the 1840s. Incredible! Estimate: $6,000-8,000
Lot 32: Following that serpent is another, this one very much different, still super cool. This snake takes on the form of a bracelet and is mostly comprised of gold–heavy and fine, weighing in at 27.10 pennyweights. Some old cut diamonds and two ruby eyes are set within the piece, as it eagerly coils around its future owner’s wrist. Estimate: $8,000-12,000
Lot 36: The colors in this ring are what made me stop in my tracks. The ever-so-subtle shade differences between the large, central green beryl gemstone surrounded by the round aquamarines is totally amazing. The piece is downright dreamy and makes you feel like you are basking in some eclectic body of water. Estimate: $1,500-2,500
Lot 39: Another crazy cool ring that seems intergalactic is this Victorian cluster ring set in 14k rose gold. The ring features pale pastels, each of various colors of sapphire, surrounding a very unique grey pearl that exhibits some very exciting luster. Estimate: $800-1,200
Lot 65: Diamond cluster earrings are so chic, this pair is particularly refined and beautiful. Totaling approximately 3.74 carats of Old Mine cut diamonds, these will certainly show off their sparkle on any earlobes. From the Edwardian period, these are done in yellow gold. Estimate: $3,000-5,000
Lot 193: This bracelet is so unique, done in platinum and yellow gold, set with some very large cabochon cut sapphires, intermixed with diamonds. The enamel detailing makes the piece even more special, decorating the sides with white and blue designs. What a stunning bracelet! Estimate: $4,000-6,000
Day Two//April 4th, 2016:
Lot 662: We all know and love a good hand motif in antique jewelry. What makes this one extra special? The hand is wearing a bracelet and a ring! Done in 18k yellow gold, set with emeralds, seeds pearls and one diamond, this necklace will be causing some bidding wars. Estimate: $500-700
Lot 936: Oh heavens, dream collar necklace! Heavy, stylish and over-the-top chic. This piece is 14k yellow gold, stamped Italy and weighs 51.60 pennyweights. The curb-link style is having a comeback and this thick, heavy size is king. Estimate: $700-900
Lot 939: I’ve seen many similar styles of this necklace done in either camphor glass or rock crystal, but this is done in smokey quartz! Such a unique necklace, it even features platinum and yellow gold details. The diamonds help out with the sparkle factor, which puts this piece up at the top of my list. Estimate: $400-600
Lot 1045: The geometric style of this pendant/enhancer really sets it apart, not to mention the killer emeralds. Diamond accents for added measure, top the piece off at a scale weight of 9.40 pennyweights. Done in 18k yellow gold and stamped Hauer, this one will surely show-stop! Estimate: $2,500-3,500
Lot 1119: This starburst brooch reminds me of a firework–I love the design and the spikey-ness of it. Set so all-eyes focus on the striking opal in the center, flanked by “shooting” spikes of gold, diamonds and emeralds. You can’t find anything like this anywhere in stores my friends. Vintage at its finest. Estimate: $400-600
Lot 1288: Closer to the very end of the auction we go, as I stumble upon this very unique cameo necklace. Most shell cameo pieces don’t catch my attention, but this particular necklace sure does! The almost modern fringe detailing, hanging from the cameo is really cool, with seed pearl details throughout the piece. Estimate: $300-500
This post was brought to you in collaboration with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.
