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Best of Birthstones: Tantalising Turquoise

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One of the world’s oldest gems, December’s birthstone, turquoise, plays an important role in ancient and modern culture. Treasured by groups ranging from the Egyptians to the Native Americans, turquoise is thought to be a source of healing. Whether you’re interested in turquoise for its protective properties or simply its rich blue colour, there are plenty of beautiful pieces to marvel at in Sotheby’s jewels sales. Click ahead to see some of our favourites from our recent New York and London auctions.  –Stephanie Sporn

Best of Birthstones: Tantalising Turquoise

  • Pair of turquoise and diamond pendent earclips, 1970s. Sold for £8,125 ($10,297) in Fine Jewels on 13 December in London.
    Brilliant-cut diamonds and polished turquoise make for a dramatic statement in these cluster design earclips . 

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  • 18-karat gold, platinum, turquoise and diamond brooch, Jean Schlumberger, France. Sold for $10,625 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    Of stylised floral design, this brooch is set with round diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats. 

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  • Gold, hardstone cameo and enamel necklace. Sold for $52,500 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    Most likely from the last quarter of the 19th century, this necklace features cameos in the form of Pharaoh heads composed of lapis lazuli, brown jasper, green jasper, red jasper and turquoise.  

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  • Group of gold, diamond, ruby and turquoise jewellery, the brooch by John Rubel. Sold for $25,000 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    Comprised of a brooch, bombé ring and pair of earclips, this swirled set elegantly combines turquoise, ruby and diamond. 

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  • 18-karat gold, turquoise and diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Sold for $25,000 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    From the family of Betsey Cushing Whitney and John Hay Whitney, this bracelet is composed of alternating rows set with turquoise cabochons and round diamonds. 

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  • 18-karat gold, turquoise and diamond necklace, David Webb. Sold for $40,000. Pair of 18-karat gold, turquoise and diamond earclips, David Webb. Sold for $13,750 in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York.
    Offered as two separate lots, these showstopping David Webb necklace and coordinating earclips feature pear-shaped turquoise drops set with round diamonds and foliate tops. 

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  • Pair of 18-karat white gold, turquoise, coral and diamond pendant-earrings, Michele della Valle. Sold for $6,250 in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York.
    These colourful drop earrings are comprised of four pear-shaped turquoise beads, spaced by coral cabochons, which are accented by round diamonds. 

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  • Turquoise and diamond ring, Bulgari. Sold for £6,875 ($8,713) in Fine Jewels on 13 December in London.
    Yellow diamonds and a claw-set are just some of the features that make this dramatic Bulgari ring a standout. 

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  • Pair of 18-karat gold, platinum, turquoise and diamond pendant-earclips, David Webb. Sold for $18,750 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    These earclips are comprised of pendants set with pear-shaped turquoise cabochons with tops of floral design, set with round diamonds. 

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  • 18-karat gold, platinum, turquoise, sapphire and diamond brooch and earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Sold for $36,250 in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York.
    The brooch and earclips combination centres three oval-shaped turquoise cabochons, set with round and oval-shaped sapphires and accented by round diamonds. 

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  • 18-karat gold, turquoise and diamond clip-necklace combination and earclips, Cartier, Paris. Sold for $106,250 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    This circa 1955 Cartier set includes a necklace featuring with three detachable turquoise bows and earclips of similar design.  

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  • Platinum, turquoise and diamond ring, David Webb. Sold for $21,250 in Magnificent Jewels on 8 December in New York.
    From the collection of Rose Sachs, this ring centres a square-shaped turquoise cabochon, accented by round diamonds weighing approximately 11.35 carats. 

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  • Gold, platinum, turquoise and diamond brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels. Sold for $8,750 in Fine Jewels on 9 December in New York.
    This Van Cleef & Arpels floral brooch centres an oval-shaped turquoise cabochon and is conveniently fitted with a retractable pendant loop. 

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  • Turquoise and cultured pearl parure, ‘Twist’, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1960s. Sold for £8,750 ($11,089) in Fine Jewels on 13 December in London.
    Cultured pearls and turquoise beads form a vibrant twist design in this bracelet , earclips and ring combination guaranteed to make a sea goddess swoon. 

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