A 14K art deco ring is the highlight of next week's huge ring and bracelet auction

A top-tier private collection of gold, platinum and precious-gem jewellery amassed over several decades will be featured in a single-session, no-reserve speciality auction at Morphy's gallery on February 26, 2011.

The collection - whose consignors previously owned fine jewellery stores in Florida - consists primarily of superior-quality estate jewellery selected "with a sophisticated eye over a number of years," according to Dr John Morphy, director of acquisitions and appraisals for Morphy's.

"This is not retail stock; this was the consignors' own collection, which they kept in a safe. Approximately half of it is vintage, and there are some truly spectacular pieces," he added.

Around 80% of the collection is gold and 5% platinum.

Hundreds of diamond rings and bracelets will be offered, with many of the rings featuring large solitaires of outstanding clarity and quality.

One of the top rings in the sale is a 14K white gold art deco design with a 3.04-carat centre diamond surrounded by an additional array of diamonds weighing 1.02 carats. The ring is accompanied by its original jeweller's papers and is estimated at $15,000-$25,000.

A 14K white gold link bracelet set to star alongside the $25,000 art deco ring

Sapphires and diamonds have always been an especially compatible jewellery duo. The collection includes a 14K white gold ring boasting a 4.37-carat deep-blue oval sapphire with 0.36 carats of diamonds, estimated at $4,000-$8,000, and an elegant channel-set with 14.62 carats of sapphires and 5.28 carats of diamonds, estimate $8,000-$15,000.

The event is sure to attract many collectors with an eye for a good investment.