Fine selection of diamonds and collectables at upcoming auctions

Two upcoming sales kick off jewellery auctions for 2022. First, this coming Tuesday, January 25th, John Weldon has – along with a fine selection of diamonds – some rare and collectable items.

A 1916-1966 Golden Jubilee of the 1916 Rising in the form of two 22-carat-gold commemorative medallions, (weighing 189g in total) depicts Patrick Pearse on one side with the Irish proclamation on the verso.

“These medallions have done very well over the years,” says Weldon, who has listed the piece with a €5,000-€7,000 estimate. Weighing 63g, a similar lighter medallion is expected to attain the region of €1,800-€2,000.

Also featured, along with a fine line diamond (8½ caratt) bracelet (€9,000-€10,000) which Weldon describes "as the best I've seen in some time" is an 18-carat gold woman's Rolex (€7,000-€9,000); a Cartier Tank Francaise chronograph (€1,000-€1,500) and a maple leaf gold $50 coin (1oz) which has a €1,500-€2,000 estimate.

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The most unusual lot in the sale consists of three 18-carat gold crested bishops rings purportedly the property of William Plunket, fourth Baron Plunket, who was Bishop of Meath from 1876 to 1884, and Archbishop of Dublin from 1884 until his death in 1897. During his lifetime he was also Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, received an honorary degree from Cambridge University, served as commissioner for education and was a senator of the Royal University of Ireland.

All three rings contain a large purple amethyst which are deep-seal engraved bearing the Plunket crest topped with a bishop’s mitre. All are stamped 18 (for 18-carat gold), date from the mid- to late 1800s and weigh 48.3g in total (€1,000-€2,000).

The following day, Wednesday, January 26th, O’Reilly’s of Francis Street will hold a timed online-only sale of jewellery, watches and silver. As the sale is just a fortnight prior to St Valentine’s Day, the auction house has a few pieces to mark the occasion.

Lot 414 is a pair of 18-carat gold and amethyst heart-shaped earrings by highly collectable brand Van Cleef and Arpels (€2,000-€2,500); while lot 457 is also a pair of heart-shaped earrings – with pave set diamonds in 18-carat gold (€1,900-€2,500). A heart-shaped ruby and diamond cluster ring also features (lot 141, €3,400-€3,800).

If money is no object and you really want to treat your other half, or indeed yourself, lot 304 is a really smashing diamond art deco style panel bracelet. Set in 18-carat white gold with an estimated 18 carats of brilliant cut diamonds, it is simply a work of art in itself (€18,000-€22,000).

Not forgetting gifts for him, lot 430 is a bi-metal Rolex Daytona chronograph with a mother of pearl face and Arabic numerals from 2009. Accompanied with spare links, its box and papers it is listed at €19,500-€22,500.

For slightly smaller budgets and for those with a penchant for all things maritime, the sale lists a gents' bi-metal Rolex Submariner with blue face and bezel. Purchased in Weirs in 2015, it too has all its original identification and is seeking €14,500-€16,500. jwa.ie, oreillysfineart.com