CHICAGO, IL.- On December 7, Hindman Auctions presented a successful Important Jewelry auction that totaled to $3,591,406. Bidders from 39 states and 21 countries participated, and there was eager competition for exquisite sapphires and emeralds. Jewelry from the Collection of Maria Perry (Lexington, Kentucky), Property from the Collection of Barbara Kohl-Spiro (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and from the Family Collection of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and August Belmont (Brooklyn, New York) all saw exceptional engagement.

Emerging as the top lot was an important antique, color-change sapphire and diamond ring, by Gillot (lot 53), which sold for $256,250, significantly above its presale estimate of $80,000-120,000. It consists of an intricate handmade setting with engraved detail containing an oval cut color-change sapphire weighing approximately 20.50 carats.

Another standout sapphire ring was a Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger, unheated Burmese sapphire and diamond 'two bees' ring (lot 204), which sold for $137,500. An impressive fancy yellow diamond and diamond ring (lot 92) was another crowd pleaser and achieved a strong price of $200,000.

In addition to sapphires, top quality emeralds also commanded high engagment from bidders. An Art Deco, Colombian emerald and diamond ring (lot 29) climbed well above its presale estimate of $10,000-20,000 to achieve $125,000. An antique emerald and diamond ring (lot 28) by Tiffany & Co. sold for $25,000 against a presale estimate of $5,000-7,000.

Another notable sale was an important, antique Burmese ruby and diamond bracelet from the Perry-Belmont Family (lot 121), which sold for $175,000. This beautifully crafted bracelet was owned by Caroline Slidell Perry Belmont, daughter of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and wife of August Belmont Sr.

Additional Standout Lots

Colored stone bracelets by top designers such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Oscar Heyman were also among auction highlights. Examples include a Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond bracelet (lot 165), which soared past its presale estimate of $15,000-20,000 to sell for $100,000. An Oscar Heyman, yellow sapphire and diamond bracelet (lot 176) sold for $43,750 against a presale estimate of $25,000-35,000.

Additional noteworthy Van Cleef & Arpels lots included a diamond pendant/brooch (lot 110), which realized $31,250 against a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000; a coral and diamond ‘drapé’ set (lot 111), which sold for $31,250 compared to an estimate of $4,000-6,000; and diamond 'chevaux d'ange' earclips (lot 114), which realized $22,500 against a presale estimate of $2,500-3,500. A dazzling pair of diamond earclips by the designer (lot 164) doubled its presale estimate to achieve $37,500.

Timepiece Highlights

Timepieces also saw outstanding interest throughout the sale. Noteworthy examples included Rolex watches such as a Ref. 16628 'Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master' wristwatch from 1997 (lot 248), which rose past its estimate of $8,000-12,000 to sell for $28,750, and a Ref. 126660 'Sea-Dweller Deepsea' wristwatch from 2021 (lot 245), which realized $18,750 against a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000. A Cartier 18k white gold and diamond “Ballon Bleu XL’ wristwatch (lot 243) achieved a strong price of $25,000.