A plique-à-jour enamel, conch pearl, diamond, platinum and eighteen karat gold brooch, Marcus & Co., circa 1900. Sold for $161,000.  

HILADELPHIA, PA.- Prominent designers and brilliant gems sparkled at Freeman’s November 2nd auction of Jewelry and Watches. Realizing over $1.76 million, the sale was highlighted by whimsical and unique pieces from makers such as David Webb and Marcus & Co., as well as impressive diamonds, attracting bidders from around the globe. "The market for rare and vintage jewels continues to be strong and consistently out performs expectations," remarked international jewelry specialist Virginia Salem. 

A diamond, platinum and gold plique-à-jour brooch from Marcus & Co. had drawn a great deal of attention from serious collectors after being part of a traveling exhibition to London, New York, and Los Angeles. After spirited bidding, this unique piece received a round of applause when the hammer fell, selling for $161,000 - a price 260% above its original auction estimate.

Not to be outshone, signed and vintage pieces from makers such as Cartier, Jean Vendome, and David Webb also performed extremely well. An emerald and gold 'frog' bangle by Webb stole hearts with its whimsical design, bringing $16,250, and a rare amethyst and diamond necklace by jewelry artist Jean Vendome sold above estimate for $27,500. 

The heroes of the day were the prominent diamonds featured in the sale. Remarkable, quality diamonds continue to remain the standard in the jewelry market with a 18.98 carat round brilliant-cut diamond realizing $197,000, followed by an 8.45 carat emerald-cut diamond realizing $125,000.

Top Lots of Freeman's November Jewelry & Watches Auction:

 An impressive diamond and platinum ring, centering a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing: 18.98 carats. Sold for $197,000. 

centering a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing: 18.98 carats; flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds in a platinum setting. 
Gross weight: 6.9 dwt.; Ring size: 6 

Accompanied by GIA report # 2171277112, dated August 13, 2015, stating that the diamond is L color and I-1 clarity. 

A plique-à-jour enamel, conch pearl, diamond, platinum and eighteen karat gold brooch, Marcus & Co., circa 1900. Sold for $161,000. 

foliate motif with translucent plique-à-jour leaves and petals accented with single and old European-cut diamonds, terminating in an articulated cluster of conch pearl buds; total diamond weight approximately: 0.70 carat; signed Marcus & Co.. Gross weight: 17.2 dwt.; Length: 3 in. 

Provenance: Similar Marcus & Co. brooch sold at Sotheby's April 11, 2011, New York Magnificent Jewels sale; lot 338, 18 Karat Gold, Plique-à-jour Enamel Pendant-Brooch and Chain, Marcus & Co., Circa 1900.

A diamond and platinum ring centering an emerald-cut diamond weighing: 8.45 carats. Sold for $125,000. 

centering an emerald-cut diamond weighing: 8.45 carats; flanked by baguette-cut diamonds. Gross weight: 6.4 dwt.; Ring size: 7 1/2 

Accompanied by GIA report # 2171306202, dated September 4, 2015, stating that the diamond is J color and VS-2 clarity. 

A diamond and platinum ring centering a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing: 3.10 carats. Sold for $81,250. 

centering a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing: 3.10 carats. Ring size: 6 3/4 

Accompanied by GIA report # 5358096, dated December 9, 1991, stating that the diamond is D color and VVS-2 clarity. 

An eighteen karat gold automatic bracelet watch, Patek Philippe, 1955. Sold for $53,125.

30 jewel movement no. 762063, ref. no. 2526, adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 18 karat gold rotor, case no. 689102, completed by original Patek Philippe bracelet. One of only approximately 580 examples produced of reference 2526. Dial, movement, case and buckle marked for Patek Philippe. Gross weight: 71.2 dwt.; Longest length: 7.5 in.; Diameter: 33mm 

Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, # 689.102, dated April 8, 2015, stating ref. 2526; date of manufacture, 1955; date of sale March 2, 1956. 

An amethyst, diamond and platinum necklace, Jean Vendome. Sold for $27,500.

abstract motif with rough amethyst crystals and set throughout with single and round brilliant-cut diamonds; total diamond weight approximately: 15.00 carats; French assay marks and maker's mark for Jean Vendome; accompanied by original fitted case. Gross weight: 134.5 dwt.; Necklace length: 14.5 in.; Drop length: 5.5 in. 

An emerald and eighteen karat gold cuff bracelet, David Webb. Sold for $16,250. 

hinged hammered gold cuff centering a large repoussé textured gold frog with round cabochon emerald eyes; signed Webb. Gross weight: 84.9 dwt.; Inside length: 7.5 in.