In the Jewellery Department of our very busy auction house, we focus on identifying a rare gemstone, unravelling the history of objects, and researching designers or creators of numerous items. We handle tens, if not hundreds of diamonds every day, as one piece of jewellery alone might contain hundreds of these most sought-after stones. As we see many thousands of diamonds each year, is it sometimes easy to forget how precious they actually are.
Most people have a basic understanding of diamonds, and their use in jewellery from the unique to more commonplace is well documented, and it’s fair to say that most people we encounter know something of the 4Cs as a minimum. If you would like to learn more about grading diamonds by cut, colour, clarity and carat, and the definitions for each grade, the Gemmological Institute of America has a useful guide.
Over the last 20 years, the pieces of jewellery that have achieved the highest hammer prices at Tennants, have all had a significant diamond content. Here we look at a couple of outstanding lots, along with some fine pieces on offer in our next sale.
A Double Headed Serpent Ring
One of our recent top lots, sold on 18th March 2023, was a Double Headed Serpent Ring, which contained a very rare type IIb diamond, a 1.00 carat fancy greyish blue colour. On sale day this piece far exceeded the pre-sale estimate and finally sold amongst keen competition for a staggering £130,000 (plus buyer’s premium).
A Contemporary Diamond Solitaire Ring
With a very different look, was a Contemporary Diamond Solitaire Ring sold on 17th July 2021. This contemporary ring featured an emerald cut diamond of 5.50 carats and had been graded as colour G and clarity VS2. The hammer price of this piece was more predictable, and it was knocked down at £40,000 (plus buyer’s premium).
A Diamond Ring
Looking ahead to our Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale to be held on 13th July, we are pleased to be able to offer some beautiful and substantial diamond pieces once again. We have a Diamond Ring, with an oval cut diamond, which has been certificated as 5.65 carat, and graded as colour L, clarity IF. It is rare to find a diamond offered with this top clarity grade of IF (internally flawless) at auction, and it is sure to attract much attention: the lack of inclusions enables a flawless diamond to sparkle exquisitely, as light can be reflected within and returned to the eye of the viewer without interruption. This carries a pre-sale estimate of £25,000-30,000 (plus buyer’s premium).
A Diamond Cluster Ring
Next up for consideration is a Diamond Cluster Ring with a wonderful fancy yellow diamond, estimated at £4,000-6,000 (plus buyer’s premium). With a certificate giving this diamond the coveted grade of “fancy intense yellow” this has huge appeal in the jewellery markets. The fancy yellow diamond is a beautiful cushion cut and weighs 1.70 carat alone. It, too, has a good clarity and has been graded as VS1, giving a splendid scintillation.
A 14 Carat Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring
A 14 Carat Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring with a similarly shaped diamond - an old cushion cut - this time white in colour, is also on offer. This stone is estimated to weigh over 2.50 carat. Calculating the weight using the dimensions of the stone give a weight of 2.58 carat approximately. Although the calculations are quite accurate, it is always an estimation unless the stone has been unmounted to weigh, and particularly with older stones that pre-date the formulaic precision cutting of the 20th century. This ring dates to the late 19th century and it is set in a chunky yellow gold setting. A wonderful example of the cyclical nature of fashion, this ring would have been in and out of favour several times over the last 130 years and would sit comfortably amongst the styles and fashions of today. It is estimated to achieve £5,000-7,000 (plus buyer’s premium).
A Diamond Solitaire Ring
A very commercial Diamond Solitaire Ring, that is sure to attract many prospective buyers, dates to the early 20th century, and the round brilliant cut diamond is estimated to weigh 1.80 carat approximately. This period of jewellery has been very much in favour for several decades now, with white metals retaining their popularity and the clean lines of the Art Deco period producing jewellery that is not only in keeping with today’s trends, but also functional for current lifestyles. Indeed, many rings in this style are destined to be an engagement ring, a piece that may be worn every day for many decades. This particular piece was first seen at one of our external valuation events, and has been in the same family for generations, and probably since new. It carries an estimate of £3,000-5,000 (plus buyer’s premium).
A Diamond Three Stone Ring
Diamond three stone rings have an enduring popularity as engagement rings. Some people describe them as trilogy rings; a diamond each for the past, present and future. Easy to wear with or without a wedding band, this Diamond Three Stone Ring has a significant total diamond content of 6.25 carat approximately and carries a pre-sale estimate of £20,000-25,000 (plus buyer’s premium).
A Diamond Cluster Ring
A last-minute consignment to the July Fine Jewellery Sale is a Diamond Cluster Ring, a breath taking diamond ring. Whilst technically a cluster ring, the central round brilliant cut diamond is the main event, the smaller diamonds surrounding it purely enhance its beauty. The central diamond is believed to weigh 4.60 carat, the colour has been assessed as J and the clarity as VVS meaning the diamond has wonderful scintillation. The ring is estimated to make £20,000-25,000 (plus buyer’s premium) at auction.
