On March 25 and 26, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago offered up an impressive selection of antique jewelry from the Zographgus collection. The jewelry pieces included one-of-a-kind necklaces and rings studded with pearls, diamonds and rubies. The two-day auction drew big spending jewelry lovers from across the globe, and brought in $3.4 million.
The Zographgus collection was stocked with several impressive diamond rings. A 6.20-carat, antique cabochon-cut ruby ring sold for $146,400. The stunning piece featured yellow gold, a center stone derived from unheated Burmese rubies and 16 mm old mine cut diamonds. Other top pieces included a carved chalcedony and diamond ring which sold for $36,000, and an 8.50-carat natural heated sapphire ring that fetched $61,000. The 4.70-carat, lozenge-cut Shlumberger ring was an auction highlight. The standout piece sold for $134,200.
In addition to spectacular rings, the auction featured several of the world’s most precious gem stones. Two antique, cushion-cut diamonds, with a combined 25.75-carat weight, were auctioned for $280,000. A rare 7.20-carat heart-shaped diamond earned a staggering $448,000. The heart-shaped diamond was graded as a D color and has VVS1 clarity. A pair of antique briolette-cut Victorian diamond pendants was also in high demand, selling for $67,100. The pendants were originally earring components and they feature two briolette shape rose-cut diamonds.
Natural pearls were also a prominent part of the Zographgus Collection. An elegant pearl, platinum and diamond tassel necklace earned $126,840. A stunning pair of diamond and pearl drop earrings was also a top earner. The earrings sold for $43,920.