Diamonds Shine in $4.2+ Million Heritage Jewelry Auction

The top jewelry lot was a stunning Diamond, Platinum Ring, featuring one emerald-cut diamond weighing 18.40 carats, enhanced by triangle-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5.00 carats. It rose, amidst spirited bidding, to finish the day at $388,375, more than doubling its pre-auction estimate at $175,000.

DALLAS, TX.-- It was all about big diamonds on Monday, Dec. 13, as some truly stunning rocks took center stage at Heritage Auctions' Signature(r) Fine Jewelry Auction, with an almost 88% sell-through rate by value adding to the stellar $4.2+ million total for the jewelry, certainly Heritage's finest result in the category to date. All prices include a 19.5% Buyer's Premium.

"This collection was all about certified diamonds ranging in sizes from 3.00 carats up to 18.00 carats," said Jill Burgum, Director of Jewelry at Heritage, "and our clients clearly responded to the selection. It's also safe to say that big diamonds are back in demand. This particular auction showcased five diamonds, each weighing more than 10.00 carats."

The top jewelry lot was a stunning Diamond, Platinum Ring, featuring one emerald-cut diamond weighing 18.40 carats, enhanced by triangle-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5.00 carats. It rose, amidst spirited bidding, to finish the day at $388,375, more than doubling its pre-auction estimate at $175,000. The ring features one emerald-cut diamond measuring 16.96 x 13.25 x 8.58 mm and weighing 18.40 carats, enhanced by triangle-shaped diamonds measuring 12.00 x 12.00 x 3.25 mm and weighing a total of approximately 5.00 carats, set in platinum. A GIA Laboratory report # 21257444469, dated October 25, 2010, stating L color, VS1 clarity, accompanies the main diamond. Gross weight 13.00 grams

A Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring set produced its own fireworks in the auction, when it realized $239,000, topping its $150,000+ pre-auction estimate. The set consists of one engagement ring featuring a round brilliant-cut diamond measuring 11.96 x 12.16 x 7.03 mm and weighing 6.22 carats, enhanced by tapered baguette-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.86 carat, set in platinum; together with an accompanying wedding band. A GIA Laboratory report # 5121668766, dated October 6, 2010, stating H color, VS1 clarity, accompanies the main diamond. Total diamond weight for the set is approximately 7.42 carats. Gross weight 8.25 grams

A Fancy Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring, with a Fancy Yellow Internally Flawless diamond weighing 10.62 carats, realized $167,300 against a pre-auction estimate of $100,000+, a price that was matched by a Diamond, Platinum Ring set, which also excelled against a $100,000+ pre-auction estimate. The ring features one cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut fancy yellow diamond diamond measuring 12.92 x 12.75 x 7.17 mm and weighing 10.62 carats, set in 18k gold, enhanced by shield-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.70 carats, set in platinum. A GIA Laboratory report # 2125744481, dated October 26, 2010, stating Natural Fancy Yellow Even color, Internally Flawless clarity, accompanies the main diamond. Gross weight 10.30 grams

Continuing the diamond dominance of the day, a Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring, featuring a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 8.73 carats , and being sold to benefit Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, realized $149,375. The ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond measuring 13.51 - 13.67 x 7.90 mm and weighing 8.73 carats, set in platinum, enhanced by tapered baguette-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.15 carats, accented by full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.90 carat, set in 18k gold. Total diamond weight is approximately 11.78 carats. A GIA Gem Laboratory report # 2125694628, dated October 26, 2010, stating J color, VS2 clarity, accompanies the main diamond. Gross weight 18.15 grams

A Diamond, Fancy Yellow Diamond, Platinum, Gold Ring showed strength with a final price realized of $89,625. The ring features a cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamond measuring 10.84 x 9.36 x 6.06 mm and weighing 5.07 carats, set in platinum, enhanced by two cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut fancy yellow diamonds; one measuring 8.17 x 5.10 x 3.91 mm and weighing 1.50 carats; the other measuring 8.19 x 5.36 x 4.15 mm and weighing 1.64 carats, set in 18k gold. Three GIA Laboratory reports accompany the diamonds: # 10073926, dated January 29, 1997, stating I color, VS2 clarity; # 8645474, dated August 16, 1995, stating Natural Fancy Yellow Even color; and # 10020747, dated October 17, 1996, stating Natural Fancy Yellow color, VS2 clarity. Total diamond weight is 8.21 carats. Gross weight 8.35 grams.

A Diamond, Platinum Ring featuring an 11.59 carat pear-shaped diamond realized the same $89, 625 price against a $60,000+ pre-auction estimate. The ring features a pear-shaped diamond measuring 20.39 x 12.58 x 7.55 mm and weighing 11.59 carats, enhanced by baguette-cut diamonds, set in platinum. Total diamond weight is approximately 12.23 carats. A GIA Laboratory report # 2125744458, dated October 25, 2010, stating M color, and SI1 clarity, accompanies the diamond. Gross weight 11.58 grams.

Further highlights include, but are not limited to:

Gentleman's Diamond, Gold Ring: $80,662.

Diamond, Platinum Ring: $77,675.

Diamond, Platinum Ring: $35,850.