Big diamonds surpass estimates at Heritage auction in Texas

This platinum ring featuring an 18.4-carat, emerald-cut center stone, was the top lot in Heritage Auctions' Dec. 14 sale. The center stone is enhanced by triangle-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 5 carats.

January 3, 2011 Dallas—The old phrase "Everything is bigger in Texas" certainly held true in terms of diamonds last month when large stones took center stage at the Signature Fine Jewelry Auction hosted by Heritage Auctions.

The Dec. 14 auction in Dallas yielded more than $4.2 million in jewelry sales, with an 18.4-carat diamond and platinum ring leading the way, fetching $388,375, more than double its $175,000 pre-sale estimate.

According to Jill Burgum, director of jewelry at Heritage, the auction "was all about certified diamonds ranging in sizes from 3 carats up to 18 carats, and our clients clearly responded to the selection."

Additional highlights included the sale of a diamond, platinum and gold ring realizing $239,000 (estimated at $150,000-plus); plus the sale of two rings each realizing $167,300: a diamond and platinum ring, and a colorless diamond, platinum and gold ring featuring a 10.62-carat fancy yellow internally flawless diamond.

A second colorless diamond, fancy yellow diamond, platinum and gold ring fetched $89,625 during the auction, while the same price was realized for a platinum ring set with an 11.59-carat, pear-shaped diamond. Another item of note, a platinum and gold ring set with a 8.73-carat, round brilliant-cut diamond, was sold for $149,375 to benefit Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas.