Important Jewels

Leonard Joel presents three Important Jewels auctions annually in Sydney, with a focus on international, designer and signed jewellery.

Leonard Joel boasts the largest and longest running auction jewellery marketplace in Australia. Important Jewels leads this category and provides a suite of bespoke services including specialist advice and expertise, valuations and tailored solutions for clients wishing to present an important piece or collection to market, or looking to purchase an investment piece.

The department is led by Hamish Sharma, Australia’s most credentialed auction jewellery expert, having begun at Bonhams & Goodman in Sydney many years ago and most recently completed a decade as the Head of Jewels at Sotheby’s Australia.

In 2021, Leonard Joel sold a magnificent 20.05 carat diamond ring for $1,625,000 IBP, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction in Australia.

In FY22-23, Leonard Joel retained it’s market leading position for jewellery, with 71% of the market share. (Data based on published results from major Australian auction houses jewellery sales between 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.)

Important Jewels Auction Highlights

A magnificent solitaire diamond ring, 20.05 carats

Sold for $1,625,000

A remarkable fancy intense bluish green diamond and Argyle fancy pink diamond ring

Sold for $600,000

A spectacular 18ct gold, fancy coloured sapphire, emerald and diamond 'Sapphire Flower' bracelet, Bulgari, circa 2004

Sold for $181,250

Platinum, sapphire and diamond 'Trombino' ring, Bulgari

Sold for $125,000
Private Sales

Leonard Joel’s Private Sales present an opportunity to acquire or sell rare, exceptional pieces through a discreet and personalised service, independent of the auction calendar and auction estimates. With extensive international industry connections, our specialists can help to source a special piece and provide expert advice. Click here for more information.

Important Jewels Specialists
Hamish Sharma

Head of Important Jewels

Hamish Sharma has over forty years of jewellery industry experience, including the sourcing, presentation, valuation, auction appraisal and promotion of rare and fine jewellery. As a trader in antique jewellery through leading international auction houses in Geneva, London, and New York, Hamish developed a thorough understanding of the auction industry and was appointed Head of Jewels of Sotheby's Australia in 2010.

As Head of Important Jewels at Leonard Joel, Hamish provides a suite of bespoke services for clients wishing to acquire or sell an important piece.

Our Departments

Leonard Joel offers specialist experience and regular, curated auctions across a diverse range of categories.

Important Collections

Over our 100 year history, Leonard Joel has been entrusted with the auction of some of the most interesting and important collections in Australia.

Jewellery

Founded over four decades ago, Leonard Joel’s Jewellery department leads the market in Australia with regular, curated auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.

Art

Leonard Joel’s Art Department offers expertise and extensive market knowledge in traditional, modern, international and contemporary art.

Decorative arts

Leonard Joel presents fine European and Australian interiors in curated collections.

Asian Art

Featuring important Chinese jade, ceramics and textiles, Himalayan, Indian, Japanese and Korean works of art.

Modern Design

Modern Design is one of Leonard Joel’s most dynamic and increasingly popular collecting categories.

Luxury

Unique to the Australian marketplace, Leonard Joel’s Luxury department offers vintage and contemporary handbags and accessories.

Collectables

Leonard Joel provides unrivalled expertise in this eclectic collecting category.