An Art Deco diamond, emerald, and platinum bracelet has auctioned for more than three times its high estimate in Pasadena, California.
Russian jewellery inspired particularly intense bidding in the sale - both from long distance and local buyers. Among the coveted pieces was an 88-standard silver and enamel cup. It sold for eight times the high estimate ($800-1,200) to realise $10,000).
 The Art Deco bracelet set |
Other star lots included a Faberge egg pendant which brought $3,369 (estimated at $1,500-2,000).
Meanwhile, diamonds of all cuts and settings attracted plenty of demand, with pieces described by by the auctioneer as "charming [and] whimsical" bringing as much interest as classic collectibles.
Among these was an Art Deco onyx desk clock by Cartier (once owned by British character actor Roland Young). It drew a number of interested collectors forward in the week prior to the sale, eventually selling for nearly five times the high estimate at $14,700 (estimate $2,000-3,000).
But the auction's biggest star was an exquisite Art Deco bracelet (pictured). Set with 52 French-cut diamonds, offset by rows of caliber-cut emeralds, 104 in total, the piece proved irresistible for floor, phone, and absentee bidders.
In the end, it went to a floor bidder for a final price of $30,000. It had been estimated at just $7,000-9,000.
Watch this space for more news from the rare jewellery markets.
