The highest 2016 auction result for Jewels in Australia was achieved last night at Sotheby’s Australia’s Important Jewels sale at the InterContinental Sydney. Demand remains strong for period and contemporary jewels along with coloured gemstones and diamonds, with the sale realising $1,796,755 and 68.3% sold by volume. The sale consisted of designer and iconic pieces from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston, Paspaley, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Victor Mayer for Fabergé.

Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Last night’s result capped another stellar year for jewellery at Sotheby’s Australia, which remains the clear market leader, with $4.83 million in jewellery auction sales in 2016. The December sale was a great source of excitement for collectors and was a testament to the timeless allure of great designs and beautiful gemstones.’ Demand has remained strong for diamonds, encouraging a significant selection of premium stones to the Australian market. A fancy intense yellow diamond, bordered by Argyle fancy intense pink diamond and colourless diamond platinum ring sold to a telephone bidder for $103,700 (estimate $85,000-125,000, lot 109).

A 3.01 carat cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond claw set in a platinum ring realised $61,000 (estimate $55,000-75,000, lot 83) and a platinum and diamond ring achieved $48,800 (estimate $40,000-60,000, lot 88).

An impressive selection of designs by Van Cleef & Arpels were offered in the December sale. Modelled on a design made famous by Princess Grace of Monaco, and the cover lot of the sale was an 18ct gold ‘Grande Marguerite’ brooch set with approximately 58.00 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, circa 1960, which sold to a telephone bidder for $122,000 (estimate $100,000-120,000, lot 139). Designed as a marguerite daisy, the stamen is set en tremblant with seven brilliant-cut diamonds, the unfurled petals surrounding are pave-set with similarly-cut diamonds. A fine 18ct gold, enamel, gem-set and south sea pearl Easter egg and surprise by Victor Mayer for Fabergé was much admired during the exhibitions, and achieved a result of $29,280 (estimate $25,000-30,000, lot 308).

Following international trends, pearls were in great demand. An 18ct white gold, south sea pearl, pink sapphire and diamond necklace by Paspaley sold for $48,800 (estimate $40,000-60,000, lot 117). A pair of platinum, Tahitian pearl and diamonds earrings by Tiffany & Co. realised $30,500 (estimate $25,000-35,000, lot 82). An impressive selection of watches were auctioned which covered every discerning person’s desire. Timed to the second, bidders competitively bid on a Patek Philippe lady’s 18ct pink gold and diamond-set rectangular bracelet watch, doubling the low estimate and realising $28,060 (estimate $12,000-18,000, lot 325). With a strong design ethos of timeless elegance a Blacpain fine oversized 18ct pink gold automatic watch with calendar, 24 hour and moon-phases also doubled the low estimate and realised $16,470 ($7,000-10,000, lot 328).