19 mai 2016

Lot 1297. Large Zoomorphic Gold Nugget, "The Rhino", Central Victoria, Australia. Weighing approximately 5.37 ozt (167.2 grams) and measuring 3 x 2 x 3/4in. Sold for US$ 12,500 (€11,163). Photo: Bonhams. Sharp with very minute traces of white quartz in tiny crevices, this is a substantial and imposing nugget. Capable of standing on its own, the shape is somewhat zoomorphic and has been stated to resemble the figure of a rhinoceros.  Bonhams. AUCTION 23397: LAPIDARY WORKS OF ART, GEMSTONES,... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1298. Very Large and Impressive Gold Nugget, Whipstick, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. Weighing approximately 24.50 ozt. (762 grams) and measuring 4 x 3 1/2 x 1in. Sold for US$ 56,250 (€50,236). Photo: Bonhams. This palm-sized ancient nugget has smoothed surfaces which reveal its water-worn past. Desirable for its aesthetics, this specimen in that rare category of large nuggets which have survived the smelting process. Such specimens are increasingly rare in today's marketplace.   ... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1296. Gold Nugget, Wedderburn, Central Victoria, Australia. Weighing approximately 6.75 ozt (210.3 grams). Sold for US$ 16,250 (€14,512). Photo: Bonhams. An exceptionally three-dimensional nugget capable of standing on its own, displaying waterworn edges and also cavities where quartz may have been present eons ago.  Bonhams. AUCTION 23397: LAPIDARY WORKS OF ART, GEMSTONES, MINERALS AND NATURAL HISTORY - LOS ANGELES

Lot 1284Y. Rare Natural Saltwater Oyster Pearl, Pinctada mazatlanica, coastal waters near Baja California. Weighing approximately 8.83 carats and measuring 13.20 x 9.64mm. Sold for US$ 31,250 (€27,909). Photo: Bonhams. Slightly greyish hue displaying excellent luster and considerable size, having a slightly pear-shape which would allow it to be mounted as a pendant, undrilled.  Bonhams. AUCTION 23397: LAPIDARY WORKS OF ART, GEMSTONES, MINERALS AND NATURAL HISTORY - LOS ANGELES

Lot 1279Y. Very Fine Non-nacreous Pink Pearl "Queen Conch", Strombus gigas, Caribbean Sea. Weighing approximately 4.83 carats and measuring 9.33 x 8.58 x 7.55mm. Sold for US$ 10,625 (€9,489). Photo: Bonhams. This is an outstanding example of a conch pearl, having the most sought-after even pink hue, distinct flame pattern iridescence and perfection of shape and mirror-brought luster. Such fine conch pearls are now becoming increasingly rare offerings in the marketplace. Bonhams. AUCTION 23397: LAPIDARY... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1224. Precious Pink Topaz, Brazil. Weighing approximately 8.61 carats and measuring 18.27 x 9.33 x 6.69mm. Sold for US$ 16,250 (€14,512). Photo: Bonhams. This very fine pear-shaped topaz is distinguished by a rich saturation in color of the greatest depth. While pink topaz was a popular gemstone for use in jewelry during the Victorian era, such gems, displaying a vividness of color, excellent clarity and luster, are nearly impossible to find in the present market. This is an heirloom quality stone deserving of being... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1210. Rare Color-change Natural Spinel, Burma. Weighing approximately 10.01 carats and measuring 13.17 x 10.5 x 8.70mm. Sold for US$ 11,875 (€10,605). Photo: Bonhams. This rare color change spinel displays both excellent clarity and luster. A natural spinel, it changes from violetish blue in daylight to violet in incandescent light. Accompanied by an American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) report no. 99013309 dated September 14, 2006 stating that the 10.01 carats natural spinel changes from violetish blue in... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1181. Natural Ruby. Weighing approximately 6.11 carats and measuring 11.97 x 8.32 x 6.68mm. Sold for US$ 18,750 (€16,745). Photo Bonhams. An unenhanced ruby, this is a sizable stone for the species, with good clarity and luster. Red by evening, full sunlight will evoke slightly more pinkish-purple hues in this stone, as this is the typical reaction to the ultra-violet rays in sunlight.  Accompanied by a Gemological Institute of America report #1172186358 dated June 2, 2015 stating that the ruby bears no... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1143W. Exceptional Amethyst Geode with Calcite Stalactite, Minas, Brazil. Weighing approximately 225 lbs (102 kgs). Measuring 26 x 21 x 13in. Sold for US$ 20,000 (€17,861). Photo: Bonhams. A view into an interior world of associated minerals, this is a large and exceptional amethyst geode is worthy of display in the most serious mineral collection. Careful lighting will best reveal the beauty of the calcite stalactite and vivid violet-purple hued amethyst crystals which line the interior. Such spectacular... [Lire la suite]

Lot 1067. Garnet var. Demantoid, Ural Mountains, Russia. Weighing approximately 4.28 carats and measuring 10.01 x 8.34 x 6.55mm. Sold for US$ 18,750 (€16,745). Photo: Bonhams. Vivid green in hue, of the most desirable shade, this large oval-cut demantoid garnet has a textbook, classic horsetail inclusion which is sure to interest serious collectors of andradite garnet. Particularly large in size for the species and unusual for its oval cut. This is an exceptionally fine demantoid garnet for the serious... [Lire la suite]