Auctions

25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101K

AuctionsApr 04, 2025

25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101K

A pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.

Victorian Burmese sapphire and diamond brooch
This brooch, set with a Burmese sapphire surrounded by diamonds, was a star of the recent fine jewelry auction at U.K.-based Anderson & Garland Auctioneers.
Newcastle, U.K.—A Victorian brooch set with a Burmese sapphire stole the show at an Anderson & Garland Auctioneers sale held Wednesday in Newcastle, England.

At the center of the brooch is a 25-carat cabochon Burmese sapphire, which displays the asterism effect. It is surrounded by 12 old-cut diamonds, weighing a total of 14.40 carats, and is set in a silver and yellow gold collet setting.

Victorian Burmese sapphire and diamond brooch
The sapphire and diamond brooch, seen here pinned to a lapel


The brooch was housed in its original box from storied London jeweler Wartski.

It sold for £78,000 ($101,200), at the high end of its estimate of £60,000 to £80,000 ($78,500 to $104,700).

It wasn’t the only sapphire brooch to become an auction highlight.

A 19th-century sapphire and diamond butterfly brooch sold for £10,400 ($13,600), exceeding its estimate of £6,000 to £7,000 ($7,800 to $9,200)

19th-century sapphire and diamond butterfly brooch
This 19th-century butterfly brooch is set with rose-cut diamonds and graduated facet-cut sapphires.


The piece is a “stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship,” said the auction house.

It is set with rose-cut diamonds and graduated facet-cut sapphires along its abdomen, thorax, and wings, with emerald cabochon eyes. The brooch is silver-mounted yellow gold.

Another butterfly brooch also made its way to the auction block.

Late nineteenth-century diamond butterfly brooch
This late nineteenth-century diamond butterfly brooch exceeded pre-sale estimates at a recent Anderson & Garland Auctioneers sale, selling for £7,540 ($9,900).


A late 19th-century diamond butterfly brooch, set with old mine-cut diamonds and ruby cabochon eyes in a silver-fronted yellow gold mount, surpassed pre-sale estimates.

It sold for £7,540 ($9,900), above its estimate of £5,000 to £6,000 ($6,500 to $7,800).

 Related stories will be right here … 

Also up for sale was “a Belle Époque masterpiece.” The pink topaz and diamond pendant-brooch features an openwork design.

Belle Époque ink topaz and diamond pendant brooch
This Belle Époque piece is both a pendant and a brooch.


The central oval mixed-cut pink topaz is surrounded by garlands of rose-cut diamonds, suspended from a fetter-link chain set with a solitaire diamond, with a pear-shaped pink topaz at the bottom of the pendant.

It sold for £3,250 ($4,300), far exceeding its estimate of £400 and £600 ($520 to $780) after receiving “remarkable interest” from buyers.

Another piece that exceeded expectations was a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker necklace.

Victorian Egyptian Revival turquoise and diamond choker necklace
A Victorian Egyptian Revival choker necklace set with turquoise cabochons and diamonds


Featuring wing and cobra designs, the 18-karat yellow gold piece is set with turquoise cabochons and old-cut diamonds.

It sold for £6,110 ($8,000), surpassing its estimate of £1,500 to £2,000 ($2,000 to $2,600).

Founded in 1840, Anderson & Garland Auctioneers is one of the largest independent auction houses in the U.K.

The Latest

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy