Fine Jewels

This Autumn Van Ham specifically offers a large number of diamonds of more than three carats and gems of superb quality. Among the rings are three sparkling specimens: a solitaire ring with a diamond in Navette cut of more than four carats (estimate: €50,000–60,000), a diamond ring in emerald cut of about 3.27 carats in excellent quality for 24,000–30,000 euros, and a ring with a 3.3-carat cut diamond which is estimated at 14,000–18,000 euros. Another impressive eye-catcher is a lavish diamond set consisting of a necklace and matching ear jewellery. With its approx. 1,644 cut diamonds and a total of about 66.9 carats, it leaves a lasting impression, even on paper (estimate: €30,000–40,000).

The segment of historic jewellery is also marked by high-carat diamonds. A banker’s collection, for instance, comprises some exquisite historic pieces that stand out for their extraordinarily large diamonds, such as a diamond negligé necklace that was created around 1910 and whose two old-cut diamonds have about 3.16 and 3.65 carats respectively (estimate: €10,000–12,000). The solitaire pendant from this collection is also impressive with its weight of 4.33 carats and its outstanding quality (estimate: €11,000–15,000). A special highlight among the historic jewellery is a natural pearl necklace that is exciting for the intensive colours of the six oval opals (estimate: €11,000–15,000) and that was made at the beginning of the 20th century.

A highlight of the sale is a collection with characteristic pieces of jewellery by Elisabeth Treskow, the famous goldsmith from Cologne. She was one of the first women to professionally practice the art of goldsmithing and was involved in the rediscovery of the Etruscan technique of granulation. An excellent example of this technique is a gold bangle that was made around 1960 (estimate: €5,500–7,000). A complete set consisting of a ring, ear clips, bracelet and necklace from the 1950s is also impressive (estimate: €12,000–15,000).

The wide range of first-rate brand jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Bucherer is quite impressive. With its characteristic Monete collection with old Roman coins, Bulgari, the venerable Italian company, is bringing the past back to life. Contemporary German jewellery artists are also represented: for example, Hemmerle with a colour-intensive pair of drop earrings with amethyst and turquoise (estimate: €18,000–24,000), Georg Hornemann with a magnificent emerald diamond necklace (estimate: 26,000–35,000) and bracelet (estimate: €20,000–30,000) as well as creations by Schubart and Wellendorff. The sapphire of more than five carats with a very intense blue hue which Wempe has set in a timeless ring originated in Burma (estimate: €30,000–40,000). Also from Burma is a ruby of two carats, set in an extraordinary ring band that is studded with diamonds throughout (estimate: €8,000–12,000).