A rare and significant American emerald known as the Carolina Queen is valued at $350,000-450,000 ahead of a December 10 auction at Bonhams Los Angeles.
Found in the Appalachian Mountains, near the town of Hiddenite, North Carolina in 1998, the stone is the largest and finest example of a North American emerald ever discovered.
 The stone was discovered in the 1990s by miner James K Hill |
It weighs approximately 18.8 carats.
The region has been described as one the most geologically complex in the world, yielding significant quantities of gem quality emeralds, rubies and sapphires along with a rare variation of kunzite referred to as hiddenite in honour of the place of its discovery.
The Carolina Queen was discovered in the 1990s by miner James K Hill and was one of two gems cut from the rough.
The smaller emerald is known as the Carolina Prince and sold privately for a reported $500,000 in 1999.
Dancing on a Rainbow, a two-colour agate cameo and multi-gem-set gold clock made by Manfred Wild, carries an estimate of $160,000-200,000.
 The clock was created by German designer Manfred Wild |
The piece features a fine black and white cameo of a woman holding a rainbow comprised of multi-coloured gemstones, with a handmade clock by F Jutzi.
The clock is fitted with a tourbillon action and gold plated wheels, along with a Breuget spiral counterbalanced hour wheel, set with a variety of precious stones.
Two large conch pearls are valued at $140,000-180,000.
The pair, believed to be the largest conch pearls ever found, were discovered in the Caribbean and feature superb lustre and flame-pattern iridescence.
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