Blue streak: Sapphires poised for success at John Moran, Sept. 19
LOS ANGELES — As summer comes to an end, John Moran Auctioneers welcomes fall with a bit of glitz and a whole lot of glamour in its Autumn Jewels sale, taking place Monday, September 19 at 10 am Pacific time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
September is known for many things. For example, the September birth flower is the aster, part of the daisy family and highly admired for its striking bluish-purple color. But one of the most beautiful attributes associated with September is its birthstone — the sapphire. Named for its rich blue color, sapphire means “blue” in Greek and symbolizes trust and honesty, making it one of the most popular engagement gemstones.
More than 300 lots of gems and gold will be offered in this sale, but the star of the show is the sapphire. It is the second most popular engagement gemstone, just after the diamond, a fact that will make the sale’s expected top lot perfect for those readying to pop the question. This bright blue sapphire and diamond ring has an estimate of $35,000-$45,000.

Set of Italian yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, diamond and cultured pearl jewelry, est $12,000-$15,000
A prospective bride can add more blue bling to her wedding ensemble in the form of a pair of sapphire and diamond hoop earrings. Estimated at $20,000-$30,000, they are designed with 20 sapphire stones forming a hoop shape and pave diamonds embedded in the 18k white gold that sets each stone in place.
Blue sapphires take a supporting role in a set of Italian yellow sapphire, diamond and cultured pearl jewelry, consisting of a necklace and earrings. With an estimate of $12,000-$15,000, the necklace in the set is comprised of three rows of cultured pearls on a brooch-like center clasp filled with tiny diamonds and an Italian yellow sapphire.
Speaking of brooches, this sale will include an Art Deco emerald and diamond double clip brooch, estimated at $8,000-$12,000, and an Edwardian diamond and pearl brooch having an estimate of $4,000-$6,000.
Bidders are sure to be green with envy when they gaze upon the Verdura peridot and diamond ring on offer. This large pear-colored green stone is surrounded by a cluster of small diamonds within a three-pronged 18K gold ring estimated at $6,000-$8,000.
The September 19 auction will also feature property from the estate of John Wayne and Melinda Wayne Munoz. Melinda Wayne Munoz was the fourth child and daughter of the famed actor; she died in April 2022. Offerings from the estate include an 18K gold cuff bracelet, estimated at $3,500-$4,500, and a matching set of scrolled hammered 18k gold choker and earrings for $8,000-$12,000.
View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/