San Diego buyers and sellers of antique jewelry and estate jewelry should be informed that last week a long-expected U.S. ban on gemstones from Burma (Myanmar) took effect—some two months after President Bush signed into law the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008.

According to Josh Hall (vice president of Pala International, based in Fallbrook, Calif.) the purchase of older inventories of Burmese gemstones is still legal but many jewelers plan to avoid buying any Burmese gems so as to be in full compliance with the spirit of the law.

As Burmese rubies become more rare, prices are expected to rise dramatically, and likewise the prices of vintage jewelry set with these highly prized rubies. The ban also will likely increase business for companies that focus on conflict-free and fair trade gems, such as Canada’s True North Gems, which mines rubies in the Southwest region of Greenland.

About Burmese Rubies

The legendary Mogok valley in north central Burma (Myanmar) is famous for its coveted “pigeon blood red” rubies, which have set the standard by which other rubies are measured. Mogok also produces rich-colored blue and pink sapphires, green peridot, and fiery red and orange spinels. In recent decades, the Nanyarseik area of Burma’s Kachin State has been building its own reputation as a producer of quality Burmese gemstones. The current ban on Burmese gemstones is due to the fact that profits from their sale are used by Myanmar’s military junta to retain oppressive control over its population.

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Watch lovers of fine timepieces like Rolex and Patek Philippe take note, a new watch auction house as opened its doors in California. Read about it here: Watch Auctioneer Opens L.A. Office.

The highlight of the sale is a fancy vivid yellow diamond necklace with an estimated value of $7.4 million to $9.5 million, featuring a 102.56-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond (pictured.) It has a flower pendant that can be detached from the necklace and worn as a brooch.

Quek Chin Yeow, deputy chairman and head of jewelry at Sotheby’s Asia, said, “The diamond is the largest fancy vivid yellow diamond ever to be offered at auction anywhere in the world; this extraordinary diamond, with its impressive size and auspicious golden yellow color, will be a major attraction.”

Another highlight of the sale will be a colored diamond butterfly brooch by Carvin French. The center of the brooch is set with one fancy vivid blue diamond and two fancy intense blue diamonds, weighing 5.53 carats in total. Complementing the blue hues are the vibrant yellow and pink diamonds mounted on the wings of the butterfly. (Estimated value $3.8 million to $4.6 million.)

With strong demand for top quality diamonds weighing more than 15 carats, an impressive 34.07 carat cushion-shaped D, IF, diamond ring will undoubtedly attract much attention. (Estimated value $6 million to $7 million.)

Sotheby’s Hong Kong will present a pair of ruby and diamond earrings by James de Givenchy for Taffin. The two unheated, natural rubies, weighing 10.02 and 10.91 carats respectively, are well-matched in both color and shape. Each surrounded by eight rose-cut pink and eight colorless round diamonds, these rubies show a fiery red hue with dazzling brilliance fascinating all connoisseurs. (Estimated value $3.8 million to $4.5 million.)

Also featured among the colored stones is a pair of star rubies, alexandrite and diamond earrings. The rubies, weighing 19.45cts and 22.13cts each, are remarkably matched in both color and shape, and boast intense hues and fine clarity. (Estimated value $666,000 to $871,000.)

A further highlight is a Colombian emerald and diamond ring without any oil treatment. This natural 10.09 carat emerald boasts high clarity and a saturated color. It is embellished by 10 round diamonds, emphasizing the magnificence of the noble green color.

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If you are a San Diego resident who is a collector of fine jewelry from brands like Tiffany and Cartier, then you’ll want to read this article about how Vintage Jewelry is a Popular Investment.

Rare vintage jewels are increasingly popular investments to protect against rising inflation and economic uncertainty, and Art Deco designs are commanding the most attention from collectors. “There are a lot of people now with jewels in their safes for a rainy day,” said Carol Woolton, jewelry editor of British Vogue, a top fashion and lifestyle magazine. Signed, classic Art Deco Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are among the most prized assets, she said.

“If you have classic vintage Cartier or Van Cleef pieces of the 1930s, signed, they will never drop in value.” Bentley & Skinner, an established retailer in London’s premier jewelry quarter on Bond Street, is renowned for its antique jewels, including some superbly hand-crafted Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces.

Senior sales representative Stanley Lester said the credit crunch had not crimped spending, although footfall had eased off. “Regular customers who come in are spending a similar amount to before the credit crunch,” he said.

“Art Deco is without doubt the most popular. It never really went out of vogue. Many Americans are looking for jewelry of the Art Deco period. Many customers are looking for Art Deco engagement rings. Victorian pieces are also extremely popular.”

Read More Here.

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If you are interested in collecting vintage jewelry in San Diego as an investment, then you better keep your eye out for unique jewelry finds at pawn shops and action houses. For example, check out this article: Skinner Announces Highlights of Upcoming Auction.