Freeman's auction house and I have an intense relationship. They seem to always have a piece that I fall deeply in love with and lose out at the very last moment come auction time. I will never forget this diamond and platinum ring from the 1920s--it was sensational. A size 3.5 (which would actually fit my ring finger perfectly, who else could say that is a "perfect" size?!) the center diamond was a chunky pear cut with a large culet...it was jaw-dropping in all the right ways. I nervously logged in on my computer for the live-sale and bid several times before my last and final bid didn't hold up to whomever claimed it in the end. A tragedy that day...and will forever weigh heavy on my heart, as I cannot come to terms with even deleting the email in my inbox that says as the subject line, "Sorry you didn't win this time." A reminder, as Allia Dhody, a member of Freeman's Jewelry Department, exclaims to me, "Make sure to call in next time--be a phone-bidder!" I will take that strategy to the next round, although Allia doesn't realize, my visit to Freeman's has made me want to come back more often and especially during live auctions.
My next chance at bidding and winning at Freeman's will be coming sooner than I thought--they are gearing up for their September and November jewelry sales. On my visit, I got to preview some of the items that will be featured in both upcoming sales--their Autumn Estate Jewelry sale slated for September 16, 2015 and their Jewelry & Watches sale which falls on November 2, 2015.
I had such a fun time playing with the jewelry and getting to talk to the ladies of Freeman's. Susannah and Cara were a delight to hang out with while I was drooling over the jewelry and taking photos. Allia Dhody is Freeman's Jewelry Specialist who handles each piece, taking down the item's specs by measuring, grading and counting, as well as cataloging. As a gradutate gemologist, her role at Freeman's is a vital one. As a buyer, the public can rely on not only the great reputation of Freeman's 210-year history, but the expertise of Allia's gemology skills. People bid with confidence--that's an important part of the Freeman's legacy.
I'm excited for the September and November sales--be sure to mark them on your calendars (I will be reminding everyone when the dates get closer). Here is a run down on some of the pieces that will be up for auction, which are pictured above:
Freeman's Autumn Estate Jewelry sale; September 16, 2015:
18k yellow gold Pig purse with a mesh body and details like a tail, legs, etc. French assay marks, estimate $800-1,200
A pair of diamond and 14k gold old mine cut diamond cluster drop earrings, approx. 2.20 carats total, estimate $800-1,200
A diamond and cultured pearl cluster ring set in 14k yellow gold, center diamond approx. 0.85 ct., estimate $500-700
Victorian garnet and high carat gold necklace which measures 15.25 inches in length, estimate $1,800-2,500
Pair of Victorian enamel and 18k gold bangle bracelets which measures 5.75 inside length, estimate $800-1,200
Art Deco calibre-cut ruby and diamond platinum ring with elongated shape, estimate $800-1,200
A blue zircon suite consisting of a pair of earrings, ring, bracelet and necklace all circa early 1900s, estimate $2,500-3,000
Art Deco diamond and platinum brooch set with Old European cut and Old Mine cut diamonds, totaling 2.10 carats, estimate $800-1,200
Art Deco diamond and platinum ring with pierced milgrain set with Old Mine and Old European cut diamonds, estimate $1,000-1,500
Freeman's Jewelry & Watches sale; November 2, 2015
Diamond and sapphire bypass ring set with pear shaped diamond and pear shaped sapphire in platinum, estimate $5,000-7,000
Belle Époque diamond and platinum ring set with a 3.25 ct center diamond, estimate $12,000-15,000
Serpent necklace done in 18k yellow gold set with diamonds and ruby eyes, estimate $3,000-5,000
David Webb 18k yellow gold cuff featuring a repoussé frog and cabochon emerald eyes, estimate $9,000-14,000
Marcus & Co. diamond and platinum-topped 18k gold brooch, with a center diamond approx. 3.20 ct., estimate $20,000-30,000
David Webb turquoise and diamond 18k yellow gold matching earrings and ring, estimate $2,000-3,000
Freeman's Auction
1808 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-9275
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