Our August Important Jewels Auction, conducted completely virtually with no in-room attendance and no in-person Sydney viewing, proved once again that an online environment was no obstacle for lovers of jewellery. The auction delivered sensational results, with rare GIA certified diamonds and signed designer pieces coveted.
Sold for $725,000 IBP
The sale of an extraordinary 9.67 carat diamond and Argyle fancy pink diamond ring (lot 73) for $725,000 IBP places that piece now in the top three most expensive diamonds ever sold at auction in Australia, with the other two places also held by Leonard Joel – in the lead the spectacular 25.02 carat “Leonard Joel Diamond” that sold in April 2021 for $1,125,000 IBP, and a 17.34 carat diamond ring that sold for $575,000 IBP in August last year. However, the top result of the evening was achieved by two diamonds – that is, an outstanding pair of diamond pendant earrings featuring an 8.88 and 8.76 carat stone respectively (lot 49). The stunning pair sold for $800,000 IBP to a telephone bidder, after competition from an online bidder as well. An auction record for earrings in Australia!
The pieces in this collection, hand selected by Leonard Joel’s Head of Important Jewels, Hamish Sharma, mesmerised collectors at our in-person viewing in Melbourne, as well as at the virtual viewings servicing the rest of Australia and beyond. The online auction enjoyed all of the hearty competitive bidding of a traditional auction setting, with no less than eight staff placing bids on behalf of clients on telephones in real time, spirited live online bidding from all around the world, and absentee bids driving the fantastic results. The auction delivered $3,739,000 IBP with post sales still being completed.
Other highlights from the evening included an impressive solitaire diamond ring featuring a cushion-shaped diamond weighing 10.02 carats (lot 38) that sold for $212,500 IBP, an impressive sapphire, argyle fancy pink diamond and diamond ring (lot 55) that sold for $175,000 IBP, and a remarkable fancy light yellow diamond and diamond ring (lot 59), our cover piece, that sold for $168,750 IBP. Another highlight was a rare mid-century Rolex (lot 174) that attracted collectors from all over the world. After competitive bidding from Germany, the USA, and Australia, the stunning timepiece was won by a Melbourne collector for $37,500 IBP.
Hamish Sharma says, “The fantastic result is testament to collectors demand for fresh to market exceptional diamonds, rare coloured stones and designer jewels, coupled with our extensive customer reach at Leonard Joel.”
2021 marks 40 years since Leonard Joel sold Hollywood actress Claire Adams Mackinnon’s jewellery collection and marked the founding of our jewels department. These results further cement Leonard Joel as the leaders of the auction jewellery marketplace in Australia.
August 2021 Important Jewels
A Selection of Highlight Results
Sold for $800,000 IBP
Sold for $725,000 IBP
Sold for $168,750 IBP
Sold for $212,500 IBP
Sold for $175,000 IBP
Sold for $37,500 IBP
August 2021