Strauss & Co, Africa’s leading fine art auction house, is holding two sales of luxury timepieces and dazzling jewellery – just in time for the gifting season. Both sales conclude in late November, providing ample time for collectors and enthusiasts to browse and bid in time for the holidays.
“Whether shopping for yourself or seeking the perfect gift, the sales feature everything from up-and-coming young designers to European luxury fashion items,” says Strauss & Co jewellery specialist Kim Goeller, who is spearheading the two sales. “Buyers have a wide range of options, from affordable pieces for first-time enthusiasts to aspirational investment pieces for seasoned collectors,” she added.
The watch sale is open and closes on 29 November 2023. There is an impressive selection of 30 timepieces from luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex, Piaget, and Vacheron Constantin. The jewellery sale is running until 28 November and features a wide array of jewels from local and international design houses. Goeller says the authenticity and provenance of each piece on auction has been certified: “Strauss & Co ensures that each piece undergoes rigorous vetting to guarantee its integrity and historical significance.”
Two of the star lots from the watch sale are a one-of-a-kind Piaget and a limited edition IWC Schaffhausen Platinum ‘Da Vinci Chronograph’ wristwatch. The 18k yellow gold and diamond-set ‘Tradition’ Piaget wristwatch is expected to fetch between R280 000 and R300 000. Its rectangular dial is adorned with black ‘swallow’-shaped hour and minute hands, and the bezel is encrusted with 18 vibrant fancy natural colour diamonds. This remarkable piece was embellished by Schwartz Jewellers who, at the time, were the sole agents for Piaget in South Africa and were permitted by the Swiss watchmaker to embellish the watch with fancy natural colour diamonds, elevating it to a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece.
The sale features a selection of Cartier watches, including the iconic Cartier ‘Baignoire’ wristwatch in 18k yellow gold (estimate R60 000 – R80 000) and the Cartier ‘Tank Americaine’ in 18k yellow gold (estimate R100 000 – R120 000). The Baignoire wristwatch, paired with a leather strap and gold Cartier deployment buckle, dating from the 1970s, is one of the sale’s highlights.
This sale presents an exceptional opportunity for collectors seeking rare and discontinued timepieces, such as the Rolex ‘Genève’, a lady’s watch in 18k yellow gold (estimate R80 000 – R100 000) promising to be a valuable addition to any collection.
The jewellery sale presents a stunning variety of necklaces, earrings, rings, and pendants, all expertly crafted from precious metals and adorned with quality gemstones. The sale consists of five sessions where local artisans and brands such as Charles Greig, Browns, and Shimansky shine alongside international names like Bulgari, Georg Jensen, and Chopard.
Highlights include an 18k White Gold and Swiss Blue Topaz Pendant by Charles Greig (estimate R15 000 – R20 000), a platinum and diamond tiered ring (estimate R190 000 – R200 000) and the star of the show – a 7.83 ct diamond solitaire (estimate R2 200 000 – R2 500 000).
There are also two exceptional items from Bulgari, including a Bulgari B.Zero1 Bracelet (estimate R12 000 – R16 000). This iconic piece, crafted from stainless steel and 18k gold, is engraved “BVLGARI BVLGARI” on its sides and evokes the grandeur of the Colosseum in Rome.
A Bulgari B.Zero1 Pendant (estimate R4 000 – R6 000) is an 18k white gold and onyx pendant bearing the brand’s engraved double logo, inspired by ancient Roman coins.
Lovers of Scandinavian design will be drawn to two vintage sterling silver bracelets by Georg Jensen. The first, a link bracelet, #197 (estimate R15 000 – R20 000), is a timeless piece with modern, bold link details. The other, a hollow cushion-shaped bangle (estimate R3 000 – R5 000), is engraved “Georg Jensen Sterling Denmark” and is a good example of the brand’s minimalistic, Scandi-chic style.
Strauss & Co prides itself on showcasing the innovative works of young South Africans too. This sale features eight pieces by Capetonian designer Taz Watson. One of the highlights is a pair of 14k yellow gold tanzanite and emerald earrings (estimate R18 000 – R24 000). These earrings feature checkerboard oval-cut tanzanites and round-cut emeralds, with the tanzanites emanating a captivating sky-blue hue.
“Each piece featured in the two sales includes a detailed description, meticulous authentication processes, and provenance, ensuring prospective buyers’ confidence in their investments’ timeless elegance and enduring quality,” Goeller concludes.
Jewels and Gems Online closes at 2 pm on Tuesday 28 November 2023
Luxury Timepieces closes at 2 pm on Wednesday 29 November 2023
