Rago Arts Unreserved Auction Set for August 27, 2015

Auction season has just begun and Rago Arts has an unreserved auction fit to whet your appetite for some dazzling pieces of antique, vintage and estate jewelry (amongst some other things). This should hold you over until their heart-stopping December Sale, which is always incredible and knocks everyone’s socks off!  This year supposedly is supposed to be insane (ssshhh, you didn’t hear that from me!)–but this comes with a fair warning to save those pennies!!

Rago’s features an Unreserved Auction on August 27, 2015 which showcases just over 250 lots of jewelry! The auction is unreserved, which means that everything in the auction must be sold at the highest price offered that day, whatever it may be. This sale features a varied selection of late 19th through 20th-century antique and period jewelry, modern gemstone jewelry, engagement and bridal jewelry, designer fashion jewelry and bijoux, as well as designer couture; period English, American and Continental furniture; lighting; rugs; porcelain; glass silver; and fine art. The sale begins at 10am where you know you can count of me logging in from wherever I may be and bidding from my computer. 

I’ve chosen my must-bid lots and it is incredibly exciting to think that each have “no reserve.” Can’t wait to bid!

Lot 350: I’ve seen panthers, lions, serpents, dolphin-looking fish, gargoyles–but THIS?! This is so unique! It’s an eagle and its beak holds a chunky safety chain.  Those Victorians sure knew how to design them! It’s 18k yellow gold and may be Italian in origin, circa 1870. Estimate: $800-1,200

Lot 354: Seriously obsessed with this 18k yellow gold enameled and gem-set serpent ring. It dates to around the first half of the 20th century and the combination of the light blue and black enamel is perfection. Ring size 11. Estimate: $300-500

Lot 366: Now this is a cute combo: a yellow gold pearl and diamond pendant and a two-tone emerald and diamond ring. Not only do these two complement one another, they are also great staples to a collection. Also a great lot for a beginner collector to start with! Estimate: $300-500

Lot 381: I would call this cannetille at its finest! This 18k yellow gold bracelet is created by cannetille work which is inspired by embroidery, using gold and is sort of similar to filigree, but definitely looks different. Cannetille is more 3D using scrolls, coils and springs to create an effect. Estimate: $400-600

Lot 399: A trio of some great pieces–a Victorian agate ring, a turquoise hinged bangle bracelet and a gold-filled hand-etched pocket watch case (without the movement). I’m loving the agate ring, particularly the shoulders of the piece.  Estimate: $400-600

Lot 469: Created during the 1950s when a sort of “Victorian Revivial” in the jewelry world was happening, this ring is a prime example from that time. It is done in 14k yellow gold, approximately 0.80 carats total of round brilliant cut diamonds and some navy blue enamel.  Ring is size 6. Estimate: $400-500

Lot 485: I love the randomness of this lot, each piece is pretty cool.  Starting with a ram’s head pendant, a duck brooch with an onyx glass body, a pair of gold earrings which feature gold cameos of women, and an enamel bar pin that depicts a Barber’s pole. Estimate: $300-500

Lot 495: Malachite happens to be one of my favorite gemstones, so this long necklace is great! When I say long, I mean 31 inches–which is a generous length of 14k gold beads and malachite beads. Perfect for fall and winter coming up! Estimate: $500-700

Lot 511: Two fantastic pairs of earrings–one drop style and the other studs.  The drops are pave set with diamonds with a teardrop shape dangling from diamond hoops, done in 14k white gold. The studs are a beautiful pair of sapphire and diamond flowers. Estimate: $600-800

Lot 531: Classic diamond studs had to be included, especially since these are set in my favorite way–the three-prong style!  The diamonds are both Transitional cuts and are approximately 0.80 ct. each. Estimate: $1,000-1,500

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Rago Arts Auction.