Estee Lauder & Wallis Simpson 47ct Yellow Diamond

 Our hearts and prayers are with the families, business and the many  people effected by Hurricane Sandy that has destroyed the East Coast.  Do what you can to make a difference. Donate Blood at the Red Cross or make a donation, https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jspdonateStep=2&itemId=prod10002

And with another storm a Nor'Easter that is headed in the same direction, it's an awful time for everyone that has already been touched by this natural disaster.

I'm sure it'll be much appreciated by everyone living in the disaster areas.

Now on to other news.... November 13th make sure to check out the amazing pieces of jewelry up for Auction in Geneva by the impressive auction house Christies. This auction will be different in that the items up for sale will be the Archduke Joseph Diamond which is a 76.92 ct Cushion Cut Diamond and is the most flawless diamond of its size. There is also a few Van Clef Flower pins ( the invisible set rubies ) that if you were following the auction last month one pin sold for over $350,000. I'm sure they're going to be a hot item and that many collectors will be anxiously bidding over them. There's also a few lots of incredible emerald and ruby jewelry that will have every ones tongues wagging! I always enjoy the auctions (watching the live stream is a fast fix!)

Since I'm in love with old jewelry, and larger sized stones and who doesn't enjoy a story that goes along with the jewelry? Then if you're like me the auction that Sothebys is holding on December 5th will sure delight you.

There's going to be more than 35 pieces at the auction with the proceeds going to a foundation that Estee had started in 1994, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Here's a few of the most important items.
 

                         Property from the Collection of Estée Lauder,
                 Fancy Intense Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring
                                 Oscar Heyman & Brothers
                 6.54 carats, Internally Flawless (IF), Natural Color
                                        Estimate $4 – $5 million

                    Property from the Collection of Evelyn H. Lauder
                          Platinum and Diamond Ring, Graff
            22.16 carats, Potentially Flawless, Very Very Slight Inclusions
                                                   VVS1 D Color
                                         Estimate $3 - $4 million  

                        Property from the Collection of Evelyn H. Lauder
            Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels
                         4.95 carats, clarity and color designations vary
                                              Estimate $60 -$80,000
          

                           Property from the Collection of Estée Laude
Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond PendantNecklace        
                                                 Van Cleef & Arpels
              47.14 carats, Very Slight Inclusions (VS1), Natural Color
                                      Estimate $1.5 – $2 million

Other notable items at the Auction will be some gems from the Late Estee and Evelyn Lauder ( her daughter in law) of the Cosmetics company Estee Lauder. The most recognized name known not only for her extensive jewelry collection (one to rival Elizabeth Taylors) but also for her headline making love story with the King who had abdicated the throne for her. Talk about a love story! Countless movies have documented their romance and lifelong relationship. One item that both of these incredible women woven into the ownership of the magnificent 47.14ct Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond. When Wallis Simpson had owned the stone she had the diamond set in a ring setting. What a ring that must of been!

The stone was later refashioned as a diamond pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels for Estee Lauder in 1978. When the Duchess of Windsors jewelry collection was auctioned in Sothebys Geneva auction one item missing was the historic 47.14 Yellow Diamond.  It was later revealed that Estee Lauder who was a close friend of the Duke and Duchess had purchased the stone from the Duchess' lawyer in the mid 70's. With us just seeing a few of the majestic items up for auction, I would think that the items will far surpass the auction estimates.

I never get tired of seeing the historic jewelry that has been under lock and key or only seen at large society events.

And speaking of events JR Colombian Emerald will be attending the Gem and Bead Expo at the South Florida Fairgrounds on November 19th.

 For all of us in Florida we have welcomed the beginning of Fall with much cooler temperatures and beautiful cloudless days. It's a great time of the year to be thankful for what you have (Thanksgiving is on 11/23 ) and of course Black Friday follows the day after Thanksgiving. And now is the time to start planning your Christmas wish list, here's a few thousand ideas http://stores.ebay.com/JR-COLOMBIAN-EMERALDS/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=6818541&_sticky=1&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14&_sop=10&_sc=1