Not all amazing jewelry is composed of big, glittering gems (although I love those too). On December 6, Sotheby’s in New York is auctioning off a beautiful selection of Revivalist Jewels by Castellani & Guiliano from the the Judith H. Siegel Collection.
The collection features over 150 pieces designed in Greek, Roman, Egyptian and other historical styles by the two 19th century Italian jewelers. The estimates for the pieces range from $3,000 to $150,000. The most expensive item in the auction is this Egyptian scarab design. The necklace is composed of 15 antique steatite and faience scarabs, swivel-mounted within gold frames decorated with multi-colored geometric tesserae. The brooch has ancient Egyptian scarab carved with the baboon god and mounted within gold wings decorated with feathers in multi-colored tesserae. Not a diamond in sight and still a stunner, the set is estimated to sell for $125,000 to $150,000.