Feb 14, 2011

GREEK CHIC: Mediterranean Jewelry Fetches High Prices At Auction

Ippolita, Lalaounis, Castelliani: these are the names of the season for jewelry fashion. The rising trend of big gold jewelry items experienced another success on Friday at Freeman’s Winter Estate Jewelry Auction, as Ippolita designer pieces clearly stole the show selling for seven-times the low estimates after frantic bidding.

Kate Waterhouse, a jewelry specialist at Freeman’s gave more insight on the trend, “We’re finding big, gold pieces are extremely popular with the women this season. We saw it last summer as we sold a Castelliani necklace and earring set for $284,000, we saw it again on Friday with the success of Ippolita, and we’re anticipating similar results for the Lalaounis property that we will auction in June.”

The trend is not only in bangles, bracelets, and accessories. Hollywood favorite designer Pamella Roland debuted her spring collection inspired by ancient Greek glamor at New York Fashion week at the Whitney Museum of Art. The collection has been crafted after Roland’s recent travels to the Greek Isles.

Whether you are heading to a black-tie event or the beach, a Mediterranean inspired ensemble, with the elegance, luxury and boldness of these designs, is sure to make an impact. And, with the prices realized at Freeman’s, it’s affordable, too.

Despite realizing many times their estimate, the pieces are still fractions of retail price. For reference, the group of 18-karat gold bangle bracelets that sold for $4,800 at auction retail for over $16,000, proving that there’s no better way to stay on trend and in budget than buying at auction. Keep an eye out, Freeman’s next auction is June 20.