Friday, August 21, 2015

WOW! 339ct Rough Diamond Find, Palm Beacher Jewelry Auction, Tower of London Jewels

The Karow mines in Botswana are having an exceptionally good week. On Monday they announced they had unearthed a 336 carat type IIa diamond. type IIa diamonds make up 1-2% of all diamonds mined and are usually without any impurities. They had also discovered three other exceptional large rough diamonds over the weekend. a 184-carat diamond, a 94-carat diamond, and an 86-carat diamond. A beautiful 12-carat pale pink diamond was also discovered ( remember the last pink diamond at auction? It was sold for $15.9 Million) the color of the pink diamond wont be confirmed until after it has been cleaned.Here is a link about the number of carats this mine can produce, its worth a look! http://www.lucaradiamond.com/s/karowe.asp?ReportID=655918
8.72ct pink diamond ring sold in May 2015 for $15.9 Million aka The Historic Pink Diamond, and was thought to have been owned by Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon

336ct rough rough diamond, gives you an idea of scale!



The Lucara mine has been a winning mine that is owned by a Vancouver company. They have unearthed over the past three years, since the first discovery of a large diamond at the Karowe mine, Lucara said it has recovered 216 diamonds that have sold for more than $250,000 each. Twelve of these stones sold for more than $5 million each. Over the past three years, since the first discovery of a large diamond at the Karowe mine, Lucara said it has recovered 216 diamonds that have sold for more than $250,000 each. Twelve of these stones sold for more than $5 million each.What is the reason why so many large diamonds are being unearthed



“The ongoing recovery of large exceptional diamonds from the Karowe Mine continues to support the resource estimates,” President and CEO William Lamb said. “This resource has consistently produced significant value for the company and its shareholders and the ongoing recovery of high value stones sets Lucara apart from most other diamond producers.”


203.94ct rough diamond from the same mine
Being one of the lucky few to live in Palm Beach the locals are always aware of the low key celebrities and shiny sheet regulars that donate much of their time and resources to local charities. We lost a great woman who donated her time, resources and was very active in the Palm Beach Jewish community known as a philanthropist and humanitarian,., her name was Rita Dee Hassenfeld. Her husband was Harold Hassenfeld whose family created Hasbro which is responsible for many of my childhood memories playing monopoly, Nerf and Play Doh. They split their time between two homes  in Nashville and  Palm Beach.

Rita Dee and her husband Harold Hassenfeld 
She was a well known ballerina but gave up her career to focus on her family with Harold. her jewelry collection was spectacular and was unmatched in the quality and design . Leslie Hindman auctioneers will be auctioning off and the Sept. 16 sale of her jewelry will offer about 250 lots of “unerring taste characterized by elegance, color and a sense of whimsy,” according to Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, presenters of the sale. Here is a link to the auction, http://www.lesliehindman.com/sale/hassenfeld/
Harry Winston Diamond Ring, pre auction estimate is $375,000- $425,000

Spectacular 37.0tcw diamond cuff bracelet pre auction estimate $30,000- $50,000

An 18k and platinum Colombian emerald and diamond ring by Harry Winston

A unique art deco lapel watch featuring diamond and emerald by Cartier, pre auction estimate $100,000 - $150,000

Tony Duquette carved emerald and 18k gold ring

Gorgeous emerald rondelle and diamond bead necklace
18k gold and 32.0tcw gold bangle bracelet by Harry Winston (my personal fav!)

Simple aquamarine ring inset with round diamonds

 Her collection of jewelry is as diverse as she was. From everything from a luscious emerald carved ring by Tony Duquette to a simple aquamarine ring set with round diamonds, to the over the top emerald and diamond lapel watch.  There is something so elegant about a woman that wears jewelry suites. Its a beautiful trend that  Her collection of jewelry is as diverse as she was. From everything from a luscious emerald carved ring by Tony Duquette to a simple aquamarine ring set with round diamonds, to the over the top emerald and diamond lapel watch.  There is something so elegant about a I wish that would return~

St. Mary Magdalene church where the christening took place in Normandy

News was made when  Princess Charlotte was baptized on July 5th at the same chapel where her grandmother Princess Diana was also baptized in Norfolk called St Mary Magdalene Church . Not only is this occasion special because its royalty but also because it is the first time that Royal Jewels are leaving the Tower of London (where all of the Royal gems and jewels are housed) and London in general. The Lily Font, made its way to Norfolk for the christening. It was commissioned for Queen Victoria's in 1840 for her eldest child. It stands 17 inches high and is gilt silver plated in gold. And it weighs 21 lbs! The Lily Font had water that was from the River Jourdan for the christening.

The Lily Font Ewer 1841 commissioned by Queen Victoria

The sweetest picture taken at the christening

The Royal family at the christening

Doris Payne is a woman who is unsuspecting in her appearance but her notable name and criminal history would baffle anyone who would meet her. I had written about her previously a few times. She is an 84 year old international jewel thief. Having stolen reportedly worth a few million in jewels during her life time.
Doris Payne in her younger years (looking smug)
One of her several mugshots

 She was arrested in September 2014 after stealing a ring from a jewelry store in California, but was later released in October 2014.  She was recently spotted at an upscale mall in Charlotte North Carolina at another jewelry store. A saleswoman at Tiffany & Co had noticed her and was alerting the sales staff at David Yurman, but at that point it was too late. Using slight of hand and a diversion tactic she was able to leave the store with a $33,000 platinum David Yurman bridal engagement ring in platinum.
The David Yurman ring in question that was reportedly stolen

Its difficult to think this unassuming 84 year old is a convicted jewel thief!


                                                          Keep sparkling, until next time!