DALLAS — Nothing sparkles like a diamond, it’s true, but nothing makes a statement like a stunning colored gemstone. Though the vibrant hues of the Big Three – sapphires, emeralds and rubies – still reign supreme in collections across the world, other colorful gems, including deep-red spinels and nearly neon Paraiba tourmalines, also stand out in a crowd. During Heritage Auctions‘ Monday, May 8 Spring Fine Jewelry Signature® Auction, the Big Three join spinels, tourmalines, and more to make up the largest selection of unmounted colored gemstones Heritage has ever offered in a jewelry auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

The single-owner Edgehill collection constitutes the majority of the unmounted gems and includes stones such as a 33.56-carat Ceylon sapphire carrying an estimate of $200,000-$300,000; a 40.19-carat Madagascar sapphire with an estimate of $80,000-$100,000; a 6.55-carat Burma ruby estimated at $50,000-$75,000; a 42.66-carat Colombian emerald that has an estimate of $50,000-$75,000; a 17.94-carat Zambian emerald estimated at $40,000-$60,000; and a 12.57-carat red spinel with an estimate of $6,000-$8,000.

Another featured collection, property from the estate of a Colorado collector, also includes several unmounted colored gemstones. Among them are Paraiba tourmalines, including two oval-shape examples – a 2.64-carat stone with an estimate of $40,000-$60,000 and a 2.14-carat stone estimated at $20,000-$30,000 – as well as two pear-shape examples – a 3.12-carat stone and a 2.58-carat stone, each individually estimated at $40,000-$60,000. All are in eye-catching shades of blue and green.

“We are absolutely thrilled to offer so many beautiful colored gemstones in our spring auction,” said Executive Director of Fine Jewelry at Heritage Jill Burgum. “Vivid colors are known for their mood-boosting qualities, and these gems would be feel-good additions to any collection. That said, we also have plenty of great diamonds available, from one carat to more than 12 carats, as well as some exquisite creations by the likes of Alexandre Reza and Marianne Ostier.”

In fact, diamonds make up some of the May 8 auction’s most exciting lots. Showstoppers include a diamond and platinum ring featuring an 8.56-carat cushion-shape diamond, estimated at $225,000-$250,000, and a diamond and platinum ring with a 5.02-carat emerald-cut stone, estimated at $150,000-$175,000.

Diamonds also make an appearance in a spectacular 18K gold watch previously owned by the legendary performer Liberace. The diamond-encrusted watch, estimated at $10,000-$15,000, features an intricate organic pattern of twisted gold and nude female bodies. With more than three carats of diamonds, the extravagant timepiece is a fitting reflection of its former owner.

Among the other highlights of the May 8 auction are pieces by the exclusive Parisian jeweler Alexandre Reza, as well as preeminent Boston goldsmith F.G. Hale and acclaimed New York jewelry designer Marianne Ostier. Gracing the cover of the auction catalog is the most dazzling of the bunch: an Alexandre Reza Colombian emerald, diamond and 18K gold bracelet that has an estimate of $125,000-$150,000. The circa-1974 bracelet, which includes more than 25 carats of emeralds and more than 38 carats of diamonds, is featured in Vivienne Becker’s 2012 book Alexandre Reza.

Other designer standouts include an F.G. Hale Arts & Crafts multistone and 18K gold necklace estimated at $5,000-$7,000, and a Burma ruby, diamond, cultured pearl and platinum necklace that carries an estimate of $20,000-$30,000 and is the work of Marianne Ostier, who wrote these enduring words of the classic jewelry choice: “There is hardly ever an occasion on which a properly chosen pearl necklace is out of place.”

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