Exceptional gems and watches realised strong prices across the board at last night’s auction of Important Jewels at Sotheby’s Australia.  Examples from international designers drew particular attention in the auction room with bidders competing for significant jewels of all variety, from earrings, necklaces and rings to brooches, cufflinks and watches.  Leading results were achieved for gems designed by Bulgari, Cartier, Cerrone, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels, which were complemented by impressive watches from Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, and Rolex.

 Highlights of the auction include: an 18ct gold and platinum natural fancy intense yellow diamond and diamond ring by Cartier that realised the highest price of the night when it sold for $158,600 (lot 101, $130,000–180,000); an 18ct white gold, emerald and onyx 'Panthère' necklace by Cartier that realised $79,300 (lot 57, estimate $75,000–95,000); ­an 18ct gold, platinum and diamond ring which sold for $146,400, soaring well beyond the low estimate of $80,000 (lot 47, estimate $80,000–120,000); a platinum, 18ct gold, sapphire and diamond brooch by Harry Winston that realised $46,360 (lot 46, estimate $38,000–44,000); an exceedingly rare Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI 1969 ref 145022 69, circa 1969 – which was the final lot of the evening and realised the highest price for a watch at auction in Australia this year – that sold for $79,300 (lot 181, estimate $30,000–50,000); an 18ct white gold, sapphire and diamond ring that sold for $71,980 (lot 76, $35,000–55,000); a platinum and diamond ring (lot 43, estimate $40,000–60,000) that realised $48,800; an 18ct gold, diamond and enamel bangle by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., that realised $36,600 (lot 79, estimate $30,000–50,000); an Omega Flightmaster ref 345 801, which sold for $67,100 (lo 180, estimate $20,000–30,000); and an 18ct gold, sapphire and diamond 'Flora' necklace by Bulgari, circa 2009, which sold for $53,680 (lot 71, estimate $44,000–62,000).

 Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia, commented: ‘We are delighted with last night’s result, which illustrates Sotheby’s Australia’s long-standing position at the forefront of the auction market.  The sale marked the final auction of the year for Sotheby’s Australia, and reflects the hard work and dedication of our Jewellery Department as we continue presenting the highest totaling jewellery sales in Australia.  As ever, we would like to thank our clients for their trust in consigning with us and for competing so enthusiastically in our auction.  We look forward to presenting another strong collection of important jewels and watches in our first sale for 2020.’