Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers initiated the holiday season with an auspicious start during their annual Fall sale this past November. Located in the glittering Windsor Arms Hotel, the two day event was a spectacular success that garnered 2.8 million dollars in sales, 84% sold by lot and 96% sold by value. The sale offered buyers more than 700 jewels that ranged from $100 to $160,000, culminating in a new record of 428 bidders, outpacing by 32% the previous record established in June 2009. First-time bidders comprised 38% of the audience while regular buyers won their fair share of the lots. Increasingly, our live broadcast over the internet is becoming another staple form of bidding. This convenience enabled both local and out-of-town buyers the experience of the next best thing to being there in person. Yet a standing room only crowd of excited bidders filled the packed auction room to capacity, with the early arrivals lucky to find seats. Buyers who had stayed away in recent years, nursing their losses in the financial sectors, returned to the market in response to the quality of the offerings and happy again to be spending.

Rarities Command High Prices
A rare bangle bracelet by Cartier, with the body and swivelling head of a tiger studded with yellow diamonds and with stripes of black onyx, was a premiere highlight of the sale. Spirited bidding for the colourful and coveted bangle occurred as the staff, with 18 available international telephone lines, vied for the piece in competition with multiple bidders in the audience and finally selling to a very determined couple for $160,000. A gentleman's stainless steel Rolex 'Oyster' chronograph wristwatch, circa 1946, sold for $14,000.

Novel Designs and Materials More Popular Than Ever
Chunky bold designs in heavy gold or black and gold accented by onyx were rivals for the attention of the stylish women in designer black. Some of these unusual statement pieces were created in alternative materials such as leather and wood. Prominent Canadian makers were well represented by Karl Stittgen and Llyn L. Strelau.

The Classics Reign
Signed pieces dominated this sale including classics from Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels. Bangle bracelets, rings, brooches and necklaces in recognizable signature styles were abundant.

Large Diamonds Yield Larger Bids
With an ever popular shape for larger stones, an emerald-cut diamond ring of 9.22 carats sold for $85,000 and both the consignor and the buyer were happy with the outcome. Another diamond ring, a light yellow round brilliant by M Gerard weighing 10.68 carats was hammered down at $130,000.

Period Pieces
A delicate bracelet of onyx and diamond links, circa 1920, from the house of Cartier sold for $19,000 to an overseas bidder. An antique black opal and diamond brooch from England, and sitting in an original fitted box could be had for $8,000. A beautiful example of a pin from the Belle Époque era, set with a 5.38-carat emerald of exceptional quality garnered a final bid of $65,000.

The Current Market
Despite coming through one of the worst recessions in living memory and amidst the frequent reports of financial doom and gloom in the media, the increase in the spending habits of jewellery customers appears to be indicative of a renewed positive and confident attitude. This level of confidence is contributing to an upsurge of buying and bodes well for future auction sales, representing an opportunity for consignors to put important collections onto the market.

Let the seasoned experts at Dupuis provide you with the blueprint to make selling your inherited or collected jewellery as easy and profitable as possible. For more information, please contact our helpful staff at 416 968-7500 or 1 800 879-8975.