Leslie Hindman Auction Set For September 11th & 12th, 2016

An incredible trio of opal jewelry, spanning different time periods, yet look wonderful together–these are offered back-to-back in lots 85, 86 & 87 on day one of the September sale featured at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

I couldn’t be more excited for the September sale from Leslie Hindman Auctioneers! One reason might be because something from my personal collection will be auctioned off in this sale–can you believe that?! My first time ever consigning a piece of jewelry to an auction house! More on that later, but there are so many other reasons to be excited too.  Starting with the incredible assortment of jewelry to hit the auction block–ready for the next treasure hunter, jewelry dreamer, or obsessive collector. The Chicago-based auction house has a two-day event for their expansive sale of 1,335 pieces of jewelry! The sale has been divided into two separate days–Sunday, September 11th starting at NOON CST and the following day, Monday, September 12th beginning at 10am CST. I will be tuning in via online live-bidding, sitting on the edge of my seat, rooting for lot 97, and bidding on some favorites.

So what sets this auction apart from the rest?

Alexander Eblen, Director of the Fine Jewelry Dept. at Leslie Hindman, explains, “It will be a feast for enthusiasts who enjoy seeing an eclectic unbroken timeline of different jewelry aesthetics and construction offered at auction with inclusive and attainable starting estimates.  Think everything from platinum, diamond and seed pearl tassel pendants from the “flapper” period to bold, idiosyncratic sculptural jewels from the 1960’s, aesthetics all over the map.”

In particular, two large estates–Property from the Estate of Robert and Lois Orchard, St. Louis, Missouri and Property from the Estate of Rebecca Cook Schoonmaker, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania–both with prominent pieces have contributed a large amount of sparkle to this exciting sale. Eblen says, “The Schoonmaker and Orchard estates in particular have allowed us to bring incredible curated yet broad selections from the Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro eras all the way to the 1960’s, 1970’s and more contemporary.” 

I’ve picked my favorites and of course, had to include the ring I consigned with Leslie Hindman. My experience consigning the ring was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done!  I sent off pictures, immediately heard back from Alex via email…we discussed the fine print, then was sent a mailing label prepaid and ready to go! Hope this is the beginning to many more items being sold at auction in the future!

Day One//September 11th, 2016:

Lot 91: Reminiscent of my engagement ring, this particular diamond ring features two diamonds in a bypass design–you may call it a moi et toi style. Unlike mine, this one is done in platinum and white gold. One diamond is approximately 0.92 carats, while the other is 0.81 carats. Love this style for obvious reasons and this piece would make a wonderful engagement ring. Estimate: $2500-3500

Lot 94: The Edwardian period is probably my most favorite jewelry time period, so no wonder I am infatuated with this ring.  Set with one central emerald that is a round mixed cut and then surrounded by intricately done diamonds in the typical garland style of the time period. Platinum-topped gold is the metal of this ring and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Estimate: $1000-2000

Lot 97: OMG! It’s my ring! Looking elegant as ever in its professional photo–I feel like a proud mother. Yes, this ring is from my personal collection and for the first time ever I decided to consign something to auction. I created this ring out of two stick pins, combining two different time periods into one with this unique design. The pearl is pretty insane and for most pearl enthusiasts, highly collectible. I can’t wait to see how it does! Estimate: $1500-2500

Lot 99: This ring stands out to me because of the unique design and the interesting coloring of the diamonds used.  Most would strive for exact color matches when it comes to multiple diamonds within a single piece of jewelry.  This ring is different because the diamond colors are all over the scale, even including a light champagne colored diamond. I actually love that! It gives the piece some vibrancy and whoever wins this ring is very lucky! Estimate: $4000-6000

Lot 102: Another very fine example of the Edwardian period shown here with this pendant necklace. You can see all the intricate openwork within the platinum metal and the lacey details. The diamond in the center is a nice 2.08 carats, with a handmade chain and pearl accents. This is as good as it gets! Estimate: $12000-18000

Lot 106: Tassels seem to be all the rage right now in “top trending” jewelry. This tassel proves how timeless this design can be because it was made nearly 100 years ago. Done in platinum with seed pearls with 0.64 carats total of diamonds. Perfect from every angle! Estimate: $3000-5000

Lot 114: Something about this lariet necklace I just love! I think it is the combination of pearls and black onyx hearts that make it elegant but not too elegant.  The strand is an impressive 42 inches in length, topped off with diamond and platinum accents. This would love amazing styled with a blouse and wide leg pants.  I can see it now! Estimate: $300-500

Day Two//September 12th, 2016:

Lot 597: Day two provides some great jewels, including this Art Deco ring, a throwback to an amazing era. Set with a total of 2.76 carats of diamonds, this sparkler is an ideal right hand ring with an heirloom feel. It is done in platinum and I love the elongated silhouette of this ring. Estimate: $3000-5000

Lot 729: I can never have a list of top picks without throwing in a snake ring.  This one is really cool!  Everything from the coiled body, to the texture of the gold and the unique marquise cut diamond makes this ring really special. It is a size 8 and I can’t forget to mention the emerald eyes! Estimate: $300-500

Lot 883: Here are your summer time earrings right here! These speak volumes to me–fun, flirty, and can ultimately transform any outfit. They are statement-making in their own right, just toss your hair up and put on these and you’re good to go. The earrings are done in 18k yellow gold and ready to party. Estimate: $400-600

Lot 1011: Another neat pair of 18k yellow gold earrings–these hammered studs with diamonds. Domed in design and four-prong set with a 0.10 carat diamond in each, these are fun everyday earrings that are something “more than just a diamond stud.” I love them. Estimate: $150-250

Lot 1139: I can never turn down a blue enamel backdrop ring. The color sets the tone for the overlay of diamonds in the best way possible. The elongated style of the ring makes it a sure thing for me. The diamonds total nearly one carat and I bet it looks even better when worn! Estimate: $600-800

Lot 1157: A multi-gem ring as colorful as a rainbow–such a great floral patterned ring. The gemstones are tourmaline, peridot, citrine and diamond and stamped 18k gold. The details of the gold finish around the bezels allow the texture to make the ring even more unique. A ring like this will brighten your day, any day. Estimate: $200-300

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