On 25 November, French auction house Rossini will present their ‘Numismatics, Jewellery, Watches and Silverware’ sale based around an impressive catalogue of high-quality lots. From coins to antique jewellery, including art deco models, collectors from all walks of life will have the chance to discover fascinating objects. Here are six unmissable items selected from the catalogue.
Several gems will be in the spotlight, including a diamond weighing 3.47 cts and of exceptional quality. With J colouring and VS2 purity, it is round, brilliant cut and has no fluorescence. There’s no doubt that this diamond and others of the same ilk (like a 2.46 cts G colour diamond with VS1 clarity and no fluorescence, and another colour G diamond that weighs 2.02 cts and has SI2 clarity) will attract attention with their high quality.
Another exceptional gem, a tanzanite of an impressive weight (32.81 cts) will be presented with its GIA certificate. The pear cut reveals the incomparable bluish radiance of this gorgeous gem.
Among the jewels in the catalogue, one stand-out lot is this toi et moi ring made of 18K white gold and platinum. Its grey and white palette is enhanced by two old-cut diamonds which are themselves supported by baguette-cut and shuttle-cut diamonds. This delicate piece of jewellery is a remarkable piece bearing the YG maker's mark, recognisable by the dog's head and eagle's head. In addition to the maker’s expertise, this ring is elevated by the quality of its gems: the two main diamonds are beautiful colours (I and J), of a more than honourable weight (2.06 cts and 1.94 cts respectively), and both were rated SI2 for their purity.
Another goldsmith's masterpiece, and the star of the calogue, will also be unveiled: a pendant in the shape of a Moor's head by Giulio Nardi. Giulio Nardi was a renowned jeweller of Florentine origin who settled in Venice in 1920. The subject of this jewel is the Moretto, an elegant young prince with a matte face (here made of ebony), dressed in a turban and yellow gold garments set with precious stones, including diamonds and sapphires. The subject symbolises the exchanges between East and West, and was emblematic of the Nardi house. This pendant is a fine example of their work, and is also steeped in history, having been worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly.
In keeping with other precious jewels and accessories, there is a remarkable yellow gold Réveil du Tsar watch with meticulous detailing. Different dials display a dual time zone, an alarm and the date. The main dial is golden and decorated with delicate guilloché. A true watchmaking treasure, the Réveil du Tsar has a rare elegance. It is signed Breguet and will be presented in its original elm burl box, and sold in a Breguet transport box.
Another remarkable watch with a very different style is the Omega Speedmaster, a steel bracelet chronograph. The reputation of the Omega Speedmaster is well established, as this iconic object is the first wristwatch to be worn on the moon. This version of the famous chronograph bears the Speedmaster logo and features a dial with three counters for the chronograph and the 24-hour function, as well as the tachymeter. The black of the dial, the steel of the bracelet and the cushion case give this timeless accessory a style that is both modern and slightly retro.
The registers of the Omega house indicate that this chronograph was manufactured on 27 June, 1973: this date is not trivial, because the watch is a special edition made to celebrate 125 years of the Omega brand since Louis Brandt opened his first counter in 1848. This object will be accompanied by a set of spare parts for watchmakers, including two other cases and miscellaneous components.
Finally, among the other exceptional watches on sale, one should not miss the Santos signed Cartier, a lady's gold wristwatch with an elegant square white frame.
Fans of jewellery, watchmaking and numismatics will meet on 25 November at Rossini.
