LOS ANGELES, CA.- On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, jewelry collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts tuned into the exquisite “Jewelry from the Estate of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree” auction presented by John Moran Auctioneers. Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree was one of Santa Barbara’s most well-known philanthropists and a pillar of the community. “Lady Leslie” was passionate about bringing financial support to both individual and public needs so she and her husband generously supported dozens of nonprofit organizations and causes in the Santa Barbara area, many of which bear their name in recognition. As an homage to Lady Leslie, Moran’s held a preview of the jewelry collection in her hometown of Montecito, CA at the gorgeous Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel. This white-glove auction performed exceptionally well, having achieved one-and-a-half times over the median pre-sale estimate. The 85 lots offered necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and rings featuring very fine gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, pearls, emeralds, and especially… large diamonds—like lot 10, a breathtaking 25.80ct. pear-shaped diamond ring!

As one of Lady Leslie’s most treasured pieces, the stunning diamond ring comprised of a 25.80ct. pear brilliant-cut diamond in a platinum setting flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds totaling approximately 1.25cts in weight. The GIA report on the large diamond states G color and SI2 clarity. Starting with a $400,000-500,000 estimate, this unique piece garnered major attention, bringing the final sale to just under a million dollars—$979,000 (including buyer’s premium) to be exact.

Along with the ring, diamond collectors took notice of lot 12, a pair of diamond stud earrings, estimated $200,000-300,000. The pair of earrings was set with two diamonds weighing 10.07 and 10.22cts. Interest in the earrings exceeded their estimate and brought in $468,750 (including buyer’s premium).

Yellow gold jewelry proved to be popular based on the results from lots 31 and 20. Lot 31 was a German gold necklace arranged in a braided design, estimated $6,000-8,000. Both bidders and viewers were stunned when the necklace more than quintupled its estimate, selling for a whopping $46,875 (including buyer’s premium)! A Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet, designed with 18k yellow and white gold was lot 20. Estimated $15,000-20,000, the bracelet, donning sixty-nine round full-cut diamonds totaling approximately 7.50cts. in weight and graded F-G color and VS clarity, went for $46,875 (including buyer’s premium).

Another highlight of the sale was the cultured pearl. Lot 72 was a Baroque South Sea cultured pearl, diamond, and irradiated diamond necklace. Presenting multiple size pearls and sixty-six round full-cut diamonds, this piece surpassed the $3,000-5,000 estimate sevenfold with a final bid totaling $34,375 (including buyer’s premium). The pearls presented in lot 23 demonstrated the white, cream, and golden varieties that South Sea cultured pearls are most renowned. This necklace started with a value of $6,000-8,000 but ended with an impressive $31,250 (including buyer’s premium).

In addition to the Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, jewelry collectors were excited about the arm candy found in lots 32 and 40. Lot 40 was a beautiful David Webb rock crystal and lapis lazuli bracelet, estimated $6,000-8,000. This piece, having three carved oval rock crystal links, two lapis lazuli links, and topped with five carved lapis lazuli stones, more than tripled its estimate selling for $28,125 (including buyer’s premium). Having an estimate of $8,000-12,000 was lot 32, a mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and diamond bracelet. This wide hinged bangled bracelet, featuring forty-five round full-cut diamonds brought in $22,500 (including buyer’s premium).

Lot 8 offered a striking Zambian emerald and diamond ring. This gorgeous green piece was made with 18k yellow gold and a rectangular emerald-cut Zambian emerald, along with eighteen round full-cut diamonds. The ring attracted multiple bidders, ending at $21,250 (including buyer’s premium) but starting with a modest $5,000-7,000 estimate.

Lady Leslie’s collection also included some intricate, eye-catching brooches such as lots 22 and 48. The favorite of the group was lot 22, a Tiffany & Co. gem-set bird brooch with an estimate of $7,000-9,000. The brooch was made with mother-of-pearl set with one hundred and seven diamonds, topped with twenty-eight yellow sapphires, then accented with a carved black onyx beak and round ruby eyes. This parrot-like piece went for a grand total of $17,500 (including buyer’s premium). Continuing the bird theme, lot 48, was an antique gem-set bird brooch. Estimated at $2,000-3,000, this stylized bird brooch featured antique full-cut and rose-cut diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds totaling 43.5 grams sold for $10,625 (including buyer’s premium).