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Leslie Hindman’s April sale: jewels you need to see ASAP.

Good morning, my darlings! I am BACK…at least partly. We’ll see how it goes…you may hear from me more sporadically than usual while I sort out all of my health-related business.

I couldn’t let my health scare keep me from showing you the treasures I’m eyeing in Leslie Hindman’s upcoming April Important Jewelry sale! We’ve got some great entry-level priced beauties, some major league stunners, and even a Georgian Holy Grail piece that I think might start some fights.

A silver-topped gold, yellow sapphire, demantoid garnet, and diamond pendant necklace by Cooke & Kelvey, Calcutta.

Lot 41: A Silver Topped Gold, Yellow Sapphire, Demantoid Garnet, and Diamond Pendant, Cooke & Kelvey, Calcutta.

Could this necklace BE any prettier?

This beauty is silver-topped gold with yellow sapphires, demantoid garnet, and diamonds. The classically elegant silhouette with unexpected gemstones is utterly irresistible.

I wonder what color this piece would look best with? Blue, maybe? Purple?

A rare 18th century Carnival mask locket ring. This treasure features a secret compartment and the message 'SOVS LE MASQVE LA VERITE' which means 'Under the mask, the truth.'

Lot 1: An 18th Century Silver Topped Gold, Diamond and Polychrome Enamel ‘Carnival Mask’ Locket Ring.

This is lot #1 in Leslie Hindman’s April sale and also lot #1 in my heart.

The mask lifts to reveal a secret compartment and the back is emblazoned with the French message “SOVS LE MASQVE LA VERITE,” which Google tells me means “Under the mask, the truth.” Could that be any cooler?

This Carnival mask ring is lot 1 in the Leslie Hindman’s April sale and also lot #1 in my heart. These Carnival mask rings are a tribute to the 18th century’s luscious, sinful masquerade parties, at which privileged attendees wore domino masks and misbehaved until dawn.

Back view of a rare 18th century Carnival mask ring. This treasure features a secret compartment and reads 'SOVS LE MASQVE LA VERITE' which means 'Under the mask, the truth.'

I’ve only ever seen a couple of these, and touching rare jewelry is literally my job. I’ve never seen one with a message on the back, although apparently this ring in the British Museum has the same motto.

This piece is beyond special and I desperately want one of you to buy it so I can see it on your Instagram forevermore. This is a Holy Grail collectors’ item and I honestly cannot believe the estimate starts at $2,000.

Two stunning Edwardian pieces of jewelry! A diamond and platinum brooch and a pearl ring.

Lot 87: An Edwardian Platinum and Diamond Brooch.
Lot 85: An Edwardian Platinum, Mabe Pearl and Diamond Ring.

There’s nothing like pure, Edwardian loveliness. Both pieces are platinum, primarily neutral in color, and absolutely irresistible.

Doesn’t looking at these two just make you feel calm all over?

Faves under $1,000

I thought I’d try something a little different for this auction post! One of the reasons I love Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is that they always have an interesting variety of lots at different price points. Instead of just focusing on my favorite pieces overall, this last section is all about my favorite affordable pieces…the following lots all have auction estimates under $1,000, many under $500.Read More

The hottest lots of Fellows’ Nov 9th auction!

You’re familiar with Fellows, aren’t you, my darlings? They’re a well-respected London auction house known for its spectacular selections of jewelry. Many of us follow them on Instagram, despite the severe temptation that sometimes presents. We’ve looked at a Fellows sale at least once before here on DitL, the day we talked about alternative engagement rings.

Four beautiful rings from Fellows upcoming November 9th auction.

Lot 414 / Lot 213 / Lot 137 / Lot 477

Fellows has a jewelry auction coming up next week, and it’s a fantastic one. This is particularly great news for any of you who may be planning ahead for holiday season jewelry gifting. (It’s still gifting if you buy it for yourself! You deserve a treat.)

How fantastic is Fellows’ November Antique and Modern Jewelry Sale? I’m talking spectacular pieces from many eras and ranging across many price points. Pounce-worthy pieces for both serious collectors and the newest of newbies to adore.

Let’s take a look!

A late Georgian 'Evil Eye' ring with diamond, turquoise, and agate.Lot 527: A late Georgian ‘Evil Eye’ diamond, turquoise and agate ring.

This is my favorite piece in the entire auction. I usually have a few favorites, but this ring is the be all and end all of Fellows November sale for me. I swoon for the creamy agate, the bright turquoise, and the warm gold in that elegant shank. This ring unusual, charismatic, incredibly cool, it’s in beautiful condition and I’ve never seen another one like it.

I actually considered trying to hide this one from you, to keep the bidding low…but I respect you too much for that. I knew you’d love it as much as I do, and what kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t share?

An early 20th century peridot, diamond and seed pearl necklace. Such a beauty!

Lot 298: An early 20th century peridot, diamond and seed pearl necklace.

I’ve been on a peridot kick lately. It’s an underappreciated gem – verdant and soulful, often subtle but so lovely!

Next week’s Fellows sale excels in the category of beautiful, wearable antique necklaces with estimates in the $500-$3,000 range. I have to point out that this category is absolutely perfect for anyone who may be planning ahead to make a big splash with holiday gift giving this year. (Only if you’re looking to give the best gift EVER.)

For more in this category, check out Lot 544, Lot 478, Lot 306, Lot 253, Lot 236, Lot 207, Lot 206, Lot 187, and Lot 204.

Two mid 20th century gold and silver, diamond and enamel 1939 Northolt racing brooches.

Lot 176: Two mid 20th century gold and silver, diamond and enamel 1939 Northolt racing brooches.

I don’t know anything at all about horse racing, but I know that these two 1939 Northolt brooches are fantastic.

They’re even cooler than you might suspect: they’re not just random designs, they actually depict two specific individual 1930’s jockeys from the Northolt races. You can learn more about these two remarkable pieces here.

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Rings galore at The Three Graces jewelry store.

Are you familiar with The Three Graces?

I’ve followed them for years, both through their website and on Instagram. Their specialty is antique, vintage, and estate jewelry; particularly rings.

We’re going to look at some of those rings today, and if you’re not excited about that yet, you will be soon!

Dreamy antique rings from Three Graces! Emerald, pink tourmaline, moonstone, and opal.

Emerald / Pink tourmaline / Man in the Moon / Opal

This handful is a perfect example: four stunning pieces, each starring different gemstones and exemplifying very different styles in pristine condition. They’re actually all from the same 10 year span, 1920-1930.

How is it possible that there are so many exquisite and varied pieces in one place? Knowledge, my dears.

The Three Graces’ owner, Lisa Stockhammer-Mial is a widely respected expert in the field of jewelry. It’s Lisa’s eye and expertise that keeps The Three Graces selection so exceptional. I’ve spent time with her at antique shows, and it’s incredible to see what she can know about a piece of jewelry from just a few moments looking at it.

A rare and beautiful antique emerald and diamond ring. This beauty dates to the Georgian era. From Three Graces.

This Georgian era emerald and diamond ring is so beautiful, it hurts my heart a little to look at it. It dates to 1830 and it’s flawless. Look at those side details!!

There aren’t very many rings from that era in condition this good. They just don’t exist.

Sapphire / Tourmaline / Diamond

Any one of these would be a ridiculously perfect engagement ring. You know I’m a sucker for side details.

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