LOS ANGELES— On May 3, John Moran Auctioneers presented Spring Jewels, its first fine jewelry sale of the year. Established names such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, David Yurman and Omega graced the auction block, with certain pieces exceeding expectations.

One of the most admired insect-inspired pieces in the sale was Lot 72, a lapis lazuli scarab pendant necklace. With an estimate of $3,000-$5,000, the necklace exceeded expectations, bringing in $5,938.

While bidders showed interest in a variety of precious stones, diamonds proved to be the greatest draw. Achieving a final value of $23,750 was a 2.58-carat emerald-cut diamond and platinum ring. This dazzling piece performed substantially better than its estimate of $10,000-$15,000.

Also turning in an admirable auction performance was a Vacheron Constantin skeletonized wristwatch, which was estimated at $10,000-$15,000 and realized a price of $15,000. It was designed with 18K gold and diamonds, a skeleton dial with black baton hands, and a 36-jewel stem wind and set movement.

Antique jewelry enthusiasts were tempted by an elegant diamond brooch dating back to 1880. This radiant relic was made with 10K rose gold and silver and boasted 12 old mine cushion-cut diamonds surrounding an antique oval-cut diamond weighing 2.14 carats. There was action in the auction house when the brooch reached the block. With an estimate of $10,000-$15,000 and a final selling price of $13,750, the lot was nothing short of a success.

Continuing the diamond dealings was a gold ring encrusted with 44 round full-cut diamonds and 28 tapered baguette-cut diamonds, all surrounding a circular brilliant-cut diamond weighing 1.31 carats. Appearing in the May 3 lineup as Lot 35, the ring was estimated at $5,000-$7,000 and rose to $7,500.

The last featured item was a graduated diamond necklace made with 14K white gold. Its 134 round full-cut diamonds slightly increased in size as they met the center diamond, which weighed 0.55 of a carat. The delicate decollete adornment sold for $8,750, a solid result that landed within its estimate of $7,000-$9,000.

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