Dupuis: Auction News 2009

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AUCTION NEWS 2009

ESTATE JEWELLERY'S NEW APPEAL

Unprecedented consumer interest in buying jewellery at auction was an emerging trend in 2008 and certain to continue into 2009. In these times more and more shoppers want good value for their money and they are seeking out estate pieces that are wearable and collectible. Signed pieces such as Cartier, Tiffany, Rolex and Van Cleef & Arpels are more popular than ever, while unsigned well-made pieces are finally coming into their own. Many first-time bidders are focusing on solitaires as engagement rings, and classic styles of bracelets, brooches, necklaces and earrings for other special occasions.

Dupuis auctioneers in 2008 achieved substantial increases in percentages of lots sold in comparison to the auctions held the previous year. The spring sale was 77% sold by lot, up roughly 7% from spring 2007. The fall 2008 auction sold 68% by lot, up a full 10% over fall 2007. The number of bidder registrations totaled 556 for the two sales in 2008, a staggering rise of 43% over 2007.

Consignors with realistic expectations were rewarded with strong prices from highly competitive bidding. With 29 years of experience in the jewellery auction market since 1980, Ron Dupuis said: "In these tough economic times, with sellers capitalizing on the value of their underutilized jewellery, many of our buyers have told us they are looking for items that are well designed or set with important gems. Diamond pieces are the most in demand."

Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers offers personalized services for prospective buyers to inspect lots at our offices for several weeks prior to each auction. Buyers can also view selections at a public exhibition, bid at the auction and clear their purchases conveniently all on the same day. The strong sale results speak for themselves.

Looking forward to spring 2009, Dupuis will enable online participation for international clients to place bids live during the auction while actually seeing and hearing the sale in progress over the Internet. This new interactive feature will greatly expand the audience for the upcoming auctions.

Art deco brooch, by Cartier,
estimated $5,000-$6,000,
sold for $32,000 in fall ‘08

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Art deco brooch, by Cartier, circa 1915, was estimated $5,000-$6,000 and sold for $32,000 in fall ‘08			A Blackamoor brooch, by Nardi, estimated $3,000-$4,000, sold for $6,500 in fall ‘08
A 3.12-carat diamond ring, estimated $40,000-$50,000, sold for $60,000 in fall ’08	A 4.08-carat diamond ring, estimated $90,000-$100,000, sold for $95,000 in fall ’08	A 2.34-carat diamond ring, estimated $30,000-$40,000. sold for $40,000 in fall ’08	A diamond bracelet, by Cartier, estimated $6,000-$8,000, sold for $12,000 in fall ‘08
A 6.15-carat ruby ring, estimated $30,000-$40,000, sold for $40,000 in spring ’08	A 4.45-carat fancy yellow diamond ring, estimated $50,000-$60,000, sold for $60,000 in fall ’08	A ‘Panther’ ring, by Cartier, estimated $5,000-$6,000, sold for $22,000 in spring '08	A gold and diamond Bracelet, by Sterle, estimated $3,000-$4,000, sold for $22,000 in fall ‘08
A natural pearl and diamond necklace, circa 1920, estimated $8,000-$10,000, sold for $40,000 in spring ’08	An 8.15-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring, circa 1925, estimated $50,000-$60,000, sold for $140,000 in spring ‘08	An antique diamond necklace, estimated $60,000-$80,000, sold for $140,000 in spring ‘08	An antique diamond tiara, circa 1875 estimated $70,000-$90,000, sold for $240,000 in spring ‘08

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