Colored Diamonds, Gems and Bulgari Necklaces Shine Bright at Freeman's | Hindman Important Jewelry Auction

CHICAGO—A Fancy Brownish Pink Diamond Ring (Lot 263) boasting 5.42 carats led Freeman’s | Hindman’s September 12th Important Jewelry auction, fetching $203,200 against a pre-sale estimate of $100,000 - $150,000. This ring was offered amongst a dazzling array of colored diamonds and jewelry from many notable collections, including Property from the Collection of Audre Deckmann Carlin and Jewelry from The Shawver Art Collection Trust. These collections achieved a sell-through rate by lot of 97% and 95%, respectively. The auction attracted 529 participants from 20 countries. 

Continuing the day's theme was an alexandrite ring by Oscar Heyman with a mesmerizing and prominent color change (Lot 256) that sold for $190,500, far beyond its pre-sale estimate of $60,000 - $100,000 and an Oscar Heyman fancy deep orange-yellow diamond and diamond ‘Toi et Moi’ ring (Lot 261) that sold for $127,000 against a low estimate of $80,000. The sale of these extraordinary colored gemstones and diamonds punctuates a desire in the market for rare, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Additionally, stand-out lots in the sale included three rare and unique Bulgari Monete, Cameo, and Intaglio necklaces from a private collector in Wisconsin. These extraordinary pieces are on trend with bold looks from the 1980s, that are synonymous with Bulgari. The storied house is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. Leading the charge was the Bulgari, agate cameo, diamond, and yellow gold necklace (Lot 91), realizing a price of $114,300 against a low estimate of $20,000.

Speaking to the sale is April Matteini, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Jewelry, “It was an honor to present the extraordinary gemstones in the sale today. The fancy brownish pink diamond, alexandrite, and so many of the colored diamonds sold for well above their estimates, proving that collectors are paying strong prices for rare, colored gems.”

“Today’s sale shows the growing interest in rare colored gems in all price ranges. From moonstones, orange garnets, and pink sapphires to an alexandrite and colored diamonds, clients are seeking the rare and unusual. It is our pleasure to offer such rare gems, and we look forward to offering our next selection in December,” says Dianne Batista, Senior Vice President, Jewelry and Watches. 

Additional Highlights | Important Jewelry Auction

• Lot 283 | 7.31 CARAT EMERALD CUT DIAMOND RING | Sold for $177,800 
• Lot 103 | BULGARI, COIN AND YELLOW GOLD 'MONETE' NECKLACE | Sold for $66,040
• Lot 127 | HEMMERLE MOONSTONE, SAPPHIRE AND PORCELAIN EARRINGS | Sold for $24,130
• Lot 262 | FANCY GREENISH YELLOW DIAMOND AND COLORED DIAMOND PENDANT | Sold for $76,200