DALLAS, TX.- Colored diamonds are some of the rarest treasures on Earth. In fact, only about 1 in 10,000 diamonds displays a fancy color. Among the rarest of the rare is the 10.03-carat fancy yellow diamond that serves as a centerpiece offering in Heritage’s Dec. 5 Holiday Fine Jewelry Signature® Auction.

The rectangular brilliant-cut stone is set in a platinum and 18k gold ring and flanked by stunning triangular-cut diamonds weighing a total of 3.26 carats. The vibrant yellow diamond has also been graded internally flawless by the Gemological Institute of America, meaning the stone is near the pinnacle of diamond clarity.

“Colored diamonds continue to captivate jewelry enthusiasts worldwide, and this beauty has it all,” says Jill Burgum, Executive Director of Fine Jewelry at Heritage Auctions. “Its color and clarity are spectacular, and at more than 10.00 carats, it is a magnificent sight to behold. One lucky bidder — or gift recipient — is going to have a very happy holiday season.”

Among the auction’s other diamond highlights is an 18k gold ring featuring a 5.70-carat round brilliant-cut diamond meticulously set in a tiered, curved design. The center stone is accented by baguette-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.90 carats. There’s also a gorgeousplatinum and gold ring with a 6.67-carat emerald-cut diamond as its sparkling centerpiece.

The colorful offerings continue with the auction’s dazzling selection of colored gemstones. Leading the pack is a platinum ring featuring a 12.25-carat Colombian emerald showcasing an intense green hue and a desirable lack of inclusions. Emeralds from Colombia are known for their exceptional quality and are highly sought after, particularly when they possess such clarity and rich color. Also stunning is the auction’s Burma ruby, diamond and white gold necklace. The 4.35-carat oval-shaped ruby, which hails from the legendary mines of Burma, is surrounded by approximately 1.55 carats of diamonds.

Another standout is the beautiful Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Kashmir sapphire, diamond and platinum ring. The star here is a 3.05-carat octagonal step-cut sapphire from the remote Himalayan region of Kashmir. These sapphires are renowned for their rarity and velvety blue color, and this example is no exception.

Tiffany & Co.’s exquisite creations can be found throughout the auction, an event teeming with elegant and artistic designer jewels. One such gem is the Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. diamond, enamel and 18k gold bracelet. Parisian artist and jeweler Jean Schlumberger was the first Tiffany & Co. designer given the privilege of signing his name to his jewelry, and this masterwork of design highlights his signature flair for blending playful forms with high luxury. Here, deep black enamel serves as a bold canvas for brilliant bezel-set diamonds that dot the iconic bracelet.

Other vintage Tiffany & Co. offerings include a radiant circa-1960 gold necklace adorned with approximately 16.00 carats of full-cut diamonds and an early 20th-century brooch designed by the esteemed Paulding Farnham. The historic brooch, featuring a ruby cabochon set within a laurel leaf motif and further embellished with diamonds and natural pearls, presents an exceptional opportunity for collectors. Farnham was a leading jewelry designer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and he played a crucial role in elevating Tiffany & Co.’s global reputation through his blend of intricate craftsmanship and bold, nature-inspired designs.

The auction also features several spectacular designs by Van Cleef & Arpels, including a timeless three-stone platinum ring featuring a 3.03-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by two tapered baguette-cut diamonds. Other VCA beauties include a circa-1970 necklace featuring approximately 17.85 carats of diamonds and adorned with a 3.00-carat pear-shaped drop, as well as a Magic Alhambra necklace featuring a captivating mix of banded blue chalcedony and two shades of highly iridescent mother-of-pearl.

Cartier is another legendary name sharing the spotlight in Heritage’s December auction. Among the highlights from the renowned French firm are a diamond and 18k gold Baignoire watch, a diamond, emerald and black onyx Panthère brooch and an Art Deco carnation dotted with diamonds and moonstones. The circa-1925 flower study is among the rarest types of work produced by the prestigious brand.

Fitting for America’s Auction House, the event also features a wonderful selection of jewelry made by American jewelers. In addition to the aforementioned Paulding Farnham for Tiffany & Co. brooch — a lot so lovely it graces the cover of the auction’s catalog — the event offers a beautiful Raymond Yard Art Deco black opal, diamond, natural pearl and platinum necklace. Viewed as one of the most prominent Art Deco jewelers in the world, Yard and his New York boutique were known for the custom pieces he created for his wealthy and influential clientele, including America’s finest families (think Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and du Pont, among others) and celebrities such as Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks.

Marcus & Co. is another respected New York-based jewelry firm featured in the auction. Founded by Herman Marcus and his son, William, the firm rose to prominence during the 1920s and ’30s and flourished during the Art Nouveau era. They manufactured expensive diamond jewels as well as artistic jewelry featuring plique-à-jour enamel. Here, Marcus & Co. is represented by an Art Deco black opal, cultured pearl, diamond and platinum necklace. The stunning opal cabochon at the center of the piece displays vivid green and blue flashes typical of the prized black opals from Australia’s Lightning Ridge.