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WILLIAM DOYLE GALLERIES AUCTIONS ESTATE JEWELRY

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NEW YORK CITY -- Diamond engagement rings were the top sellers at William

Doyle Galleries' estate jewelry auction on December 3. The sale featured a

variety of items, including antique and modern jewelry, fine watches and

objets de vertu.

According to the director of the galleries' jewelry department, Susan D.

Sullivan, the larger diamonds were very popular at the sale. "A shortage in

the market for larger diamonds has put them in great demand."

The highlight of the auction was a florentine-finished bombe ring, in 18 karat

yellow gold, centered by a brilliant-cut diamond of approximately 5.10 carats,

and adorned with assorted small round and baguette-cut diamonds. The ring more

than doubled its pre-sale estimate at $40,250.

Other diamonds were a marquise-cut diamond engagement ring of approximately

5.57 carats, which sold for $40,250, and a pair of diamond earscrews set in 14

karat white gold, with a total weight at approximately 12.08 carats, which

surpassed their pre-sale estimate at $29,900.

Signed pieces also fared well. A Tiffany & Co 18 karat gold bracelet in a

twisted gold wire design, set with small round diamonds with a total weight

approximating 13.50 carats, achieved $19,550. Two signed pieces by David Webb,

a platinum and diamond cocktail ring in a twisted wire domed design set with a

rectangular-cut diamond of approximately 3.38 carats and 104 assorted round

diamonds of approximately 5 carats, and a pair of gold and diamond cuff

bracelets with a brickwork design and pave-set diamond terminals, brought

$17,825 and $6,325 respectively.

A late Edwardian diamond circular brooch, with openwork floral filigree design

centering around a round diamond of approximately .50 carats, and adorned with

204 assorted round diamonds with a total weight of approximately 4.50 carats,

sold over its pre-sale estimate at $12,650.

An Edwardian style diamond necklace of 18 karat white gold, with a backchain

designed as a series of diamond-set bows continuing to a front section

designed as a line of graduated wreaths, had a total weight of approximately

8.50 carats and was purchased for $6,325.

A collection of objets de vertu included a two-tone gold rectangular cigarette

case of 14 karat pink and yellow gold, outlined with a fluted design and

accented on the thumbpieces with a synthetic sapphire. Dated 1826 and

hallmarked with the initials of a craftsman from the Faberge workshop, the

case sold for more than three times its pre-sale estimate at $9,775.

William Doyle Galleries will hold its next sale of estate jewelry in April.

For information, 212/427-2730.