The December Sale at Rago Auction Will Make Your Head Spin!

Rago Auction has a December Sale every year and I’ve been writing about it since 2008.  Seven years later and I’m still excited as ever when their catalog goes live. This year I personally gasped with each and every piece, frantically reading descriptions and estimated values, slightly hyperventilating and wondering how this incredible selection came to be! I’m glad it wasn’t just me, because even the jewelry specialists at Rago, Sarah Churgin and Katherine Van Dell, had nothing to say but, “This December 2015 auction offers jewelry so beautiful, it makes you cry.” So be ready to feel all warm inside when you see the full lineup of lots online. The sale is set for December 6th, 2015 where it can be seen live, in-person at their headquarters in Lambertville, New Jersey or online at Bidsquare or Rago’s website. 

<< The December Jewelry Sale, Sunday, December 6th, 2015 at 11am EST >>

Lot 1015: This was the first piece from the sale that made me cry a little. Such a perfect example of Art Nouveau–the opals, the elongated siholette, the flowing lines. It is very feminine and elegant, just as jewelry circa 1905 suggests.  Even better–it has provenance. The design is based on an Essay on Broom Corn by E. Colonna, from the collection of Dora Jane Janson. Literature: Janson, Dora Jane. From Slave to Siren. The Duke University Museum of Art. 1971 Estimate: $3,000-4,000

Lot 1025: An incredibly vibrant brooch by Louis Comfort Tiffany, signed Tiffany & Co. set with a juicy peridot in the center. The convex disk is chased with scrolls and geometric motifs enameled in shades of green, blue and black accents. Done in 18k gold and circa 1910–such a beautiful piece of history from the famous world of Tiffany. Estimate: $6,000-8,000

Lot 1030: After appraising jewelry for over five years, I’ve seen only a handful of items signed Walton & Co. and they are usually superior quality. This unique peacock ring caught my eye and I love that it is created from a black opal and demantoid garnets–such a killer combination. Ring is a size 7. Estimate: $1,000-1,500

Lot 1044: A beautifully suspended festoon necklace made up of oval and teardrop adventurine all set in gold. Measuring 15 inches in length, this necklace sits higher up on the neck and flatters immensely. I love this style of necklace and the uniqueness of the gemstones makes this piece extra special. Estimate: $800-1,200

Lot 1119: This lot comes with three items, but I’m completely in love with the serpent/scarab brooch which is quite amazing! If you look closely, you will see three snakes–a main curled one compromising the circular brooch, then another one forming the surround of the scarab, and finally joining the two parts is a bail which is actually a mini-snake! So cool! Not to mention the scarab is made out of carved opal! Estimate: $1,400-1,800

Lot 1159: As novelty as these rings may seem, they are highly collectible and rare–what a pair these two! The moonstone carved baby face is surrounded by onyx and Old European cut diamonds. A carved moonstone is always a favorite motif, but the baby faces are pretty rare. The little terrier dog is precious–made out of carved amethyst and enamel eyes/tongue. Whoever wins these, I’m sure can’t help but to smile whenever these are worn. Estimate: $1,200-1,800

Lot 1235: After a honeymoon in Arizona, I’ve become obsessed with Native American jewelry. Probably the most quintesential Native American jeweler was Charles Loloma, from the Hopi tribe who created over the top items like this incredible ring. The stone work was always was set him apart from others–here we have lapis, turquoise and coral, all set in a staggered, concentric inlay. Amazing. Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Lot 1257: Entwined mermaids…should I even describe this any further?! Estimate: $1,400-1,800

Lot 1314: An untreated Burma sapphire with the dreamiest shade of blue you’ve ever seen! Heavenly surrounded by a turban of round brilliant cut diamonds, size 6 1/2 in 14k white gold. So divine! Estimate: $4,000-6,000

Lot 1319: Bold, statement-making earrings are exactly what these are! Four milky aquamarines, all surrounded by diamonds and sapphires create this look–done in 18k gold by ZWIKKER & ZACHER. Best part? They detach so you can do a day/night type of look switching from studs to dangles. Estimate: $2,000-3,000

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