Mar 19, 2008

Romance novelist's jewels up for grabs at Christie's

A number of large diamond rings and jewelry from the collection of romance novelist Danielle Steele are among the pieces slated for the next Christie's auction.

The New York Sale at Christie's is scheduled for April 16 and will include a selection of rare colored gemstones and diamonds.

Leading the lots is a 39.34-carat cushion-cut diamond that is D color with internally flawless clarity, estimated at $6 million-$8 million, which is earning praise from the auction house.

"The old-world charm of this beautiful gem, along with a softness to its cut and its superb brilliance, ranks it amongst some of the most sensational diamonds to have appeared for sale at Christie's, such as the historical Polar Star [diamond] to which it bears a striking resemblance," Christie's Head of Jewelry, Americas Rahul Kadakia said in a statement.

Another featured piece is a rectangular-cut, D-color, potentially flawless 27.91-carat diamond ring by Harry Winston. The ring is valued at $2 million-$3 million.

Also slated for the auction block is a pear-shaped, D-color, 21.90-carat potentially flawless diamond ring mounted by Harry Winston and valued at $2 million-$3 million.

Jewelry from Steele's collection will be offered, including a diamond and black coral "Owl" brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels valued at $15,000-$25,000, and a pair of sapphire and diamond "Trumpet Flower" ear clips by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany and Co. valued at $18,000-$22,000.

Other items scheduled to be up for auction include:

* A 40.39-carat rectangular-cut fancy-intense-yellow diamond mounted by Bulgari and estimated at $500,000-$700,000.
* A yellow diamond leopard brooch by Verdura with emerald eyes and black onyx spots and wearing a ruby and diamond crown and an emerald and ruby necklace valued at $15,000-$20,000.
* A ruby and cultured pearl necklace commissioned by heiress Doris Duke and crafted of 14 cultured pearls and 1,136 rubies by American jeweler David Webb. The necklace is valued at $80,000-$120,000.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

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