April 17, 2024

0.20ct. tw. I2-GH Maple leaf Canadian diamond drop clusters earrings, 1.0gr., 10kt., $210.00 CAD. 151-00288

These may be some of the smallest Canadian diamonds with engraved tracking numbers we’ve encountered to date. The centre diamonds in these pretty, round drop cluster settings each weigh 0.07 carats. Maple Leaf diamonds goes to the trouble of laser etching these stones with a specific serial number that allows you to confirm their origin online here. We confirmed both of these diamonds came from the Ekati mine in The Northwest Territories. They are of matching I2-G quality according to the website. The Canadian diamonds are prong set at the centre of the round clusters that each contain 10 more tiny diamonds, bring the total weight to an estimated weight 0.20 carats. They are constructed from 10 karat white gold with spring loaded French back wire. The round drop settings measure a subtle 5.5mm diameter and weight an imperceptible 1.0 grams. They are in like new condition appearing unworn. This timeless style of earring has always been a big hit with our customers looking for estate earrings. I imagine these won’t last more than a few days around here. They come in our blue and white presentation box for the estate price of just $210.00 CAD. Stock #151-00288.

SOLD

April 16, 2024

999 and 9999 Fine silver coins and bars (spot plus 10%) no additional sales tax.

We’re not usually sellers of silver bullion at Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers. Over the past few years we’ve sold very little but bought almost every ounce offered to us. Every once in a while we like to let go some of go. This attractive 1 ounce Canadian maple leaf coin from the Royal Canadian Mint is just such an item. This coin is in uncirculated condition. Fine 9999 silver is very hard to find at reasonable prices and almost never appear around here in the original RCM shipping package that is now 30 years old. Fine gold and fine silver is not applicable to any form of sales tax in Canada. The Canadian Revenue Agency deems the sale of fine bullion a financial transaction therefor not subject to Provincial or Federal sales tax. With all the turmoil happening in the world right now, everyone should turn a little extra cash into some form of precious metal. This coin is being sold the current spot price plus 10%. No sales tax added. Please add 2% to cover credit card fees if not paying by cash, debit, or e-Transfer. We have more single and smaller multi ounce miscellaneous packages available all for sale at spot plus 10%.(The 25 x 1 oz. silver maples have already been sold). The “spot” price for silver can be seen here; add 10% for a cash, debit, or e-Transfer purchase and that’s the total price. Credit card purchase subject an additional 2% fee to cover costs.

April 15, 2024

1973 Omega Speedmaster 125th Anniversary Edition 378.0801 $4,500.00 CAD. 510-00171

If you only collected Omega Speedmasters you’d have an amazing variety of some pretty cool timepieces. This is a notable, important watch that is seldom encountered and absolutely not appreciated as it should be. Back in 1973 Omega celebrated their 125th year of operation and selected the Speedmaster to commemorate this achievement. The July 1969 moon landing was still fresh in people’s minds, everyone had space fever. This watch captures the spirit and style of that moment in time. It’s a thick slice of early 1970s nostalgia. This wasn’t a slightly modified version of an existing model that Omega slapped a limited edition number on. Model 378.0801 / 78.0002 is completely unique. Its massive steel case (42mm x 52mm) was used only for this model, there is no other Omega that shares the same case, bracelet or chronometer grade calibre 1041 movement. This was a very expensive watch, when it was launched in 1975 it retailed at $425.00 USD. This figure was close to twice that of what a regular hand wind Professional Moonwatch sold for. It is rumored that Omega only produced just 2000 of these but that figure isn’t officially supported by Omega. Not only is it significant for being a rare anniversary model; it’s the world’s first automatic chronograph that is also a certified chronometer. While we’re at it, it’s worth mentioning this complicated watch is equipped with a useful calendar display along with a 24 dial located within the constant seconds display at 9:00. There wouldn’t be another automatic chronometer grade Speedmaster in Omega’s lineup for several decades. This example came to us from its original owner, in unrestored condition. It has no evidence of prior service or ever having been opened up aside from a case back gasket we replaced and for these photographs. Although it’s working, the movement is bone dry and we’d suggest a full overhaul if it’s to be used regularly. Overall condition is good, it does show scuffs, scratches and dings on the case. The crystal has numerous tiny pits (mostly on the left hand side) perhaps caused by some welding splash. The excellent condition bracelet shows no stretch and almost zero sag in original bracelet (1221/212). It may be missing an adjustment link or two but should still accommodate a wrist size of up to 8 inches. This watch is a bit of a commitment to wear. Although there are larger watches available, few match the thick bulky feeling of the Speedmaster 125. After learning a little bit about this watch I’ve come to admire it even more. We’ve only encountered this model once before as an estate item. From what I’ve learned only the earliest examples have an engraved letter/number combination on the case back. The exact meaning of this code remains a mystery but it only appears to show up on early examples. The serial number on ours is the lowest I’ve ever seen 35,077,162. There are a hardcore group of Speedmaster 125th enthusiasts that have assembled some great information for this elusive Omega Chronograph. An interesting and informative website discussing the 125 can be seen here. Under the slightly pitted crystal appears to be an excellent condition flat black dial showing even patina tritium dial markers and hands. Wearing this watch everyday requires a strong arm as it weighs a substantial 192 grams and the case is a thick rectangular chunk. Forget about wearing it under a long sleeve shirt. It’s a great conversation piece and a watch you’re not likely to encounter on any other wrist. As mentioned previously; the watch is running well but is very dry and should be serviced if it’s going to be regularly used. A full overhaul to the movement will cost approximately $800.00 extra. This important watch is estate priced at $4,500.00 CAD. Stock #510-00171.

April 14, 2024

0.75ct. tw. SI-I heart halo cluster engagement/wedding set. 7.0gr. 14kt. sz.7. $1,100.00 CAD. 101-00544

I bet since 1958 we’ve sold close to 50,000 rings of every shape, size, and value. The most uncommon shaped of the traditional stone cuts is without doubt the heart. We’ve sold heart shaped diamonds from time to time, but we’ve never had one composed of three separate diamonds, custom cut to look like a heart when set touching each other. The heart shaped halo frame of 20 small round diamonds convinces the viewer that the centre is grouping is just a single stone. The set comes ready to go with a complimentary wedding ring channel set with 15 diamonds of its own. Together the set contains 46 diamond estimated to weigh 0.75 carts in total of nice SI-I average quality. They were crafted from 14 karat white gold, weigh 7 grams, in a finger size 7. One of our onsite goldsmiths can adjust the fit up or down a size or two. This set is of contemporary design and shows little to no wear. This unique ring is being offered as a matching set only. Estate priced at $1,100.00 CAD. You’d have a hard time finding an empty setting with no diamonds that weighed the same for just $1,100.00. Such is the great value offered by estate jewellery. Stock #101-00544.

April 13, 2024

19.5 inch, 5.1mm, herringbone link necklace, 14.9 grams, 18-karat gold. $1,375.00 CAD. 431-00723

The trouble with most flat chain is they are made too flimsy and easily kink. Once they are creased you can’t repair them without seeing where they were damaged. The repaired section also becomes stiff at the locating. In this world of higher and higher gold prices, chances are you’ll not see many flat chains like this one that weighs a substantial 14.9 grams. You’ll also not likely see one crafted from premium 18 karat gold either. Estate jewellery like this offers a great way to get higher quality at a waaaaaaay lower price. At only $92.28 per gram this chain might be one of the best values around. New chain of this style easily sells for at least $130.00 per gram, and that’s well priced. This Italian made serpentine chain measures 5.1mm wide and a versatile 19 1/2 inches long. It also has a surprising amount of thickness measuring 1.6mm. It is expertly finished with sturdy chain ends and a large lobster clasp. This style of chain is normally not recommended to be worn with a pendant, but this example is heavy enough as long as you don’t get carried away. It is in excellent condition showing no wear and tear in any section. The wholesale replacement cost is a lot more than our estate price of just $1,375.00 CAD. Stock #431-00723.