Los Angeles, CA — On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, John Moran Auctioneers presented their first fine jewelry sale of the year, Spring Jewels. This sale commemorated the start of a new beginning… “Previews were open to the public for the first time in over a year, and clients were thrilled to be back!” –Mollie Burns Keith G.J.G., Jewelry Director at John Moran Auctioneers.
Lot 35: A Diamond Ring $5,000 - $7,000 $7,500
The focus of this sale was centered around precious jewels, but there was also an array of noteworthy watches that performed quite well. Established names such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, David Yurman, and Omega graced the auction block, with certain pieces exceeding expectations.
When we think of Spring, we can’t help but to think of nature and all its beauty… and this jewelry selection was no exception! Animals far and wide presented themselves in beautiful earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets. There were flamingos, frogs, lady bugs, and starfish. Major buzz surrounded the various bee-themed pieces. Treasures were designed with butterflies, squirrels, lizards, crabs— And who could forget the elephant (brooch)?
One of the most admired, insect-inspired pieces in the sale was Lot 72, the Lapis Lazuli Scarab Pendant Necklace. Made with 14k yellow gold, this ultramarine stunner is a large carved lapis scarab pendant with an Egyptian scene on the reverse and suspended on a woven chain. With an estimate of $3,000 – $5,000, this piece exceeded expectations bringing in $5,938 (including buyer’s premium).
While we did see bidders show interest in a variety of precious stones (such as ruby, amethyst, agate, emerald, garnet, onyx, and multiple sapphire creations), diamonds proved that once again, they are the best (friend). Hammering in at the final value of $23,750 (including buyer’s premium), a 2.58ct, platinum, emerald-cut diamond ring stole the show. This dazzling jewel performed substantially better than its estimated $10,000 – $15,000. “It was great to see large diamond prices soar past their estimates,” said Keith.
“One of the most admired, insect-inspired pieces in the sale was Lot 72, the Lapis Lazuli Scarab Pendant Necklace.”
Lot 72: A Lapis Lazuli Scarab Pendant Necklace $3,000-5,000 $5,938
Now, let’s turn back time, and give attention to the Vacheron Constantin Skeletonized Wristwatch. It was estimated at $10,000 – $15,000, with a price realized of $15,000 (including buyer’s premium). The craftsmanship is exquisite, designed with 18k yellow gold and diamonds, a skeleton dial with black baton hands, and a 36-jewel stem wind and set movement.
For our antique jewelry enthusiasts, we offered an elegant antique diamond brooch dating back to 1880. This radiant relic is made with 10k rose gold and silver, and twelve old mine cushion-cut diamonds surround an antique oval-cut diamond weighing 2.14cts. There was action in the auction house when this antiquity was put on the block— With an estimate of $10,000 – $15,000, and final selling price of $13,750 (including buyer’s premium), this sale was nothing short of a success.
Continuing the diamond dealings is a yellow-gold ring, encrusted with forty-four round full-cut diamonds and twenty-eight tapered baguette-cut diamonds, all surrounding a circular brilliant-cut diamond weighing 1.31cts. Lot 35 was estimated at $5,000 – $7,000 and was all in at $7,500 (including buyer’s premium).
And finally, the last featured item is a graduated diamond necklace made with 14k white gold. One hundred thirty-four round full-cut diamonds slightly increase in size as they meet the center diamond, gauged at 0.55ct. This delicate decollete adornment sold for $8,750 (including buyer’s premium), a solid result from the estimated $7,000 – $9,000.
The auction concluded with multiple lots of costume jewelry, charm bracelets, pocket watches, a collection of Hermes silk scarves, and a groovy pair of vintage Emilio Pucci Sunglasses. The grand finally was over twenty lots of gold coins, most of them being South African Krugerrand. Keith was pleased with the results, commenting, “Coins held strong gold prices with investors buying offerings.”
Upcoming Auctions
As we head into the second half of 2022, John Moran Auctioneers continues their summer lineup with the Art of the American West auction on Tuesday, May 24th, followed by the Studio Fine Art sale taking place Tuesday, June 7th. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
Art of the American West: Tuesday, May 24th | 10:00am PST
Studio Fine Art: ONLINE Tuesday, June 7th | 10:00am PST
Post-War and Contemporary Art + Design: Tues, June 21st | 12:00pm PST
ReDesigned: Tuesday, July 19th | 12:00 pm PST
John Moran’s takes the health and safety of our staff and customers seriously; as such, sales will continue to be held online and without a live audience. However, each item is available for public preview. Moran’s auction showroom is over 10,000 square feet and allows clients to preview objects within established social distancing guidelines so that buyers can feel confident when making an appointment to preview the property. For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com. Bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. Live bidding on a desktop is available through our website; bidding is also supported by telephone or absentee.
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