Lambertville, NJ: An unenhanced Colombian emerald weighing some 29 carats brought $1,030,000 in Rago’s $4.25 million dollar jewelry auction on December 4, 2016.  A pear-shaped diamond of approximately equal size, suspended as a pendant, followed closely at a sale price of $850,000. In all, it was an auction in which the flashiest prices were achieved by serious gemstones and pieces by renowned makers like Cartier and David Webb.

“Property from many fine homes, collectors and estates provided us with beautiful material across a wide spectrum," said Sarah Churgin, Director of the Jewelry Department, "From Imperial jade to museum quality Ottoman era Armenian jewelry, from top designers such as Cartier to diamonds and gemstones significant in their own right, this was a benchmark sale for us."  

Katherine Van Dell, the jewelry specialist who will head the department as of 2017, when Sarah Churgin transitions to a Rago consultant, agreed. “This auction, to me, marked new territory in terms of what we have offered and what we are capable of achieving for our consignors.”​

• Total Hammer: $3,454,500
• Hammer + buyer’s premium: $4,240,625
• Low Estimate: $3,296,750
• High Estimate: $4,354,050
• Bidders in-house: 156
• Bidders on phone: 93
• Absentee Bidders: 287
• Number of lots: 490
• Online bidders: 1,120 from U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, American Samoa, Sweden, Singapore, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Hungary, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. 

Highlighted Lots

Lot 2427

Magnificent Unenhanced Classic Columbian Emerald

Approx. 29 cts.

Sold for: $1,030,000

Lot 2428

Highly Important Diamond Necklace

28.67 cts.

Sold for: $850,000

Lot 2030

Cartier, Paris, Enameled Gold & Agate Table Box

Sold for: $75,000

Lot 2456

7.70 Cts. Unmounted Pear Shaped Diamond

Sold for: $68,750

Lot 2432

Important Tiffany & Co. Ruby & Diamond Ring

Sold for: $62,500

Lot 2433

Predominantly Natural Pearl Necklace

Sold for: $56,250

Lot 2440

Art Deco Diamond & Platinum Pendant

Sold for: $38,750

Lot 2418

Fine Jadeite "A" Jade Pendant Earrings

Sold for: $37,500

Lot 2444

4.01 Cts. Fancy Light Yellow Diamond & Platinum Ring

Sold for: $28,750

Lot 2160

David Webb Gold & Diamond "Princess Lillian" Cuff

Sold for: $27,500

Lot 2442

Fancy Vivid Yellow & White Diamond Pendant

Sold for: $27,500

Lot 2449

Cartier Diamond & Platinum Link Bracelet 

Sold for: $27,500

Lot 2431

Natural Saltwater Pearl & Platinum Belle Epoque Ring

Sold for: $23,750 

Lot 2441

Art Deco Diamond & Platinum Chandelier Earrings

Sold for: $23,750

Lot 2000

Marcus & Co. Phantom Fire Opal Art Nouveau Brooch

Sold for: $10,625

Lot 2178

Fine Ruby & Sapphire Bow Hinged Victory Bracelet

Sold for: $11,250

Lot 2115

Chinese Gold Filigree Pendant, 18th-19th C.

Sold for: $13,750

NOTES FOR THE EDITOR  

High-resolution images available at https://we.tl/AiczWN9z2x

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About Rago Arts and Auction Center: Rago is a leading U.S. auction house with $33 million in sales in 2015. It serves thousands of sellers and buyers yearly with global reach, personal service and competitive commissions for single pieces, collections and estates. Rago's expertise encompasses 20th/21st century design; fine art; American, European, English and Asian decorative arts and furnishings; fine jewelry and coins/currency. An internationally known venue through which to buy and sell, it offers free valuations for personal property (from a single piece to collections), as well as USPAP compliant estate and appraisal services. Rago is located midway between Philadelphia and New York with satellite offices in Westchester/Connecticut.

Next Jewelry Auctions: June 9 & 11, 2017

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