Premium gemstones dazzle in Jasper52’s Sept. 13 event

338-carat kunzite gemstone, estimated at $24,000-$29,000 at Jasper52.

NEW YORK — Brought from the depths of the earth often at great price and peril, gemstones are one of the world’s most sought-after natural wonders. Valued as much for their intrinsic beauty as their enduring value, loose stones remain a collecting favorite. Jasper52 brings 232 lots to market in its Premium Loose Gemstones auction, to be held Wednesday, September 13, starting at 6 pm Eastern time, exclusively on LiveAuctioneers.

Kunzite, named after gemologist George Kunz, is actually spodumene and is largely found in San Diego County, California. It gets its pastel pink-purple appearance from trace amounts of manganese. This 338-carat stone is stunning in its brilliant color and carries an estimate of $24,000-$29,000.

Opals are most commonly found in Ethiopia and Australia. This 2.25-carat Australian example is from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales and is classified as a black opal, which is considered increasingly rare in the contemporary market. This gemstone is estimated at $1,500-$2,000.

Pakistan was the home of of this pear-shape natural topaz. Its champagne color is natural and it weighs 279.35 carats. Its estimate is $3,500-$4,000.

Add to your collection — sign up to bid in this Sept. 13 sale now at LiveAuctioneers.

ACN Staff

ACN Staff

Content bearing the byline of ACN staff has been researched and written by multiple members of the Auction Central News team.

Bid Smart: Opals: The glory of the rainbow in the form of a gem

An early 20th-century ring centered on a 3.36-carat black opal surrounded by diamonds achieved £4,000 (roughly $5,200) in March 2021. Image courtesy of Elmwood’s and LiveAuctioneers.
An early 20th-century ring centered on a 3.36-carat black opal surrounded by diamonds achieved £4,000 (roughly $5,200) in March 2021. Image courtesy of Elmwood’s and LiveAuctioneers.
An early 20th-century ring centered on a 3.36-carat black opal surrounded by diamonds achieved £4,000 (roughly $5,200) in March 2021. Image courtesy of Elmwood’s and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK – Opals have been the gemstones of kings for centuries. When worn in bright sun or clear light, opals blaze forth with a seemingly magical display of light and color that is like nothing else. Every opal is more than a piece of polished rock; it’s a radiant experience in which its blues, greens, whites and even black natural colorings is measured by its dazzle and sparkle.

Continue reading

Colors to please everyone: Exclusive All-Opals Auction, July 20

Oval-cut 8.33-carat Ethiopian black fire opal, est. $200-$250

 

Oval-cut 8.33-carat Ethiopian black fire opal, est. $200-$250
Oval-cut 8.33-carat Ethiopian black fire opal, est. $200-$250

NEW YORK – Check the results of any auction of loose gemstones and you will find that the opals consistently prompt some of the fiercest fights and biggest winning bids. Jasper52 has wisely cut to the chase and offered an Exclusive All-Opals Auction on Wednesday, July 20, starting at 4 pm Eastern time. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading