DALLAS, TX.- Colored stones stole the show in Heritage's Holiday Fine Jewelry Signature® Auction on Thursday, leading the event to a total of $5,302,578. Shining brightest was a 10.03-carat fancy yellow diamond ring that sold for $162,500. While the rectangular brilliant-cut yellow diamond is certainly the ring's star, it is followed up by stunning triangular-cut diamonds weighing a total of 3.26 carats. According to the Gemological Institute of America, only about 1 in 10,000 diamonds displays a fancy color, making this gem one of the rarest treasures on Earth. GIA has also graded the vibrant yellow diamond as internally flawless, meaning the stone is near the pinnacle of diamond clarity.

The colorful standouts continued with a beautiful Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Kashmir sapphire, diamond and platinum ring that realized $150,000, three times its high pre-auction estimate. The star here is a 3.05-carat octagonal step-cut sapphire from the remote Himalayan region of Kashmir. These sapphires, discovered in the late 19th century, are renowned for their rarity, historical significance and velvety blue color, and this example is no exception.

Another colorful piece that caught bidders' attention was a dazzling platinum ring featuring a 12.25-carat Colombian emerald. The centerpiece of the ring, which realized $143,750, showcases 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 performing well was the auction's 16.45-carat Colombian emerald ring, which brought $93,750, more than tripling its high pre-auction estimate.

Among the holiday event's other highlights was a gorgeous pair of diamond and 18k white gold earrings that sold for $150,000. The earrings, which feature round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 8.07 carats, hail from the Estate of Toni Chapman Brinker, a Dallas philanthropist who championed the ideals of safe and thriving neighborhoods across America. Proceeds from the earrings' sale will benefit the charity she founded, One CommunityUSA.

The auction also featured a dazzling array of elegant and artistic designer jewels and objects. Among the highlights was a circa-1925 flower study by Cartier that sold for $131,250, exceeding its high pre-auction estimate by more than $60,000. The Art Deco carnation dotted with diamonds and moonstones is among the rarest types of work produced by the renowned French firm.

Van Cleef & Arpels made a fine showing as well. Leading the VCA standouts was a circa-1970 necklace featuring approximately 17.85 carats of diamonds and adorned with a 3.00-carat pear-shaped drop. The exquisite necklace realized $118,750. Also by the prestigious brand was a diamond and 18k gold floral-inspired necklace that sold for $87,500, a 6.00-carat Ceylon sapphire and platinum ring that realized $78,125 and a turquoise Vintage Alhambra necklace that sold for $52,500.

Other auction highlights included a 4.01-carat diamond and platinum ring that sold for $75,000; a Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. diamond, enamel and 18k gold bracelet that brought $68,750; an 18k gold ring featuring a 5.70-carat round brilliant-cut diamond that also realized $68,750 and a Laykin et Cie Art Deco diamond and platinum ring that realized $57,500.

"For our final Fine Jewelry Signature® auction of 2024, I was delighted that we could end the year with such a wonderful mix of high-quality gems," says Jill Burgum, Executive Director of Fine Jewelry at Heritage Auctions. "I was also thrilled with the auction's results, which reflect not only our dedication to meeting our consignors' needs but also the confidence our bidders continue to place in us."