I had my own little ‘Hoyer does Hepburn’ moment last week when I had the chance to peruse — and walk down Queen St wearing pieces from — a $1 million collection of pre-loved jewels at Bonhams Woollahra, ahead of its fine jewellery auction and the Wentworth Courier’s exclusive preview evening on August 8.
Donning an array of emeralds, diamond brooches, ruby and sapphire rings, diamond line bracelets, opal cuff links, precious coral and diamond stick pins and some delicious Paspaley pearls — that will all sell with a handful of zeroes at the end — I had a slight swagger in my style step as I skipped down Queen St. I loved the two 46cm pearl necklaces I wore, comprised of nine strands of cultured pearls, finished with intricate diamond clasps.
I felt luxe. I felt rich. A little haughty. I had all the feels you are supposed to have when you are bejewelled in legitimate quality.
When I have been loaned pieces for ‘special’ work occasions in the past, there has been a sense of ownership that comes over me. Or is it more a slight smugness? Either way, wearing quality gems feels much more than just ‘good’.
‘Investment’ is a word that is bandied around in all aspects of life’s long-term ‘buys’ and with jewellery it’s also about making the right investment choice.
Fashion-wise, there is no question that pieces like a classic Armani suit; a Dior or Hermes bag; a crisp white shirt or a Prada pencil skirt will be in your wardrobe forever. And when you are in the market for sensational jewels you want the real deal too.
There is something special about wearing antique jewellery. It has a history. You wonder whose neck it has garnished and whose fingers and wrists it has frosted. And people do notice. They do. Which makes wearing it all the more sweeter. After I was un-bejewelled after our photo shoot, and handed back the pieces from Tony White, Canturi, Bvlgari and Chaumet, it was back to my own, sure fire jewellery favourites as I skipped out with the Bonhams catalogue (of around 400 pieces) perched under my arm for that night’s before-bed reading.
A blissful afternoon indeed.
Wentworth Courier readers are invited to peruse the collection ahead of auction. The first 20 people to RSVP to events.aus@bonhams.com will be invited to attend our exclusive event. 5-7pm, August 8, 97 Queen St, Woollahra
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