May 31, 2025

Datejust II 41mm with 18 karat white gold bezel 116334 $11,250.00 CAD. 505-00587

The Datejust II was a gamechanger when it was debuted in 2009. It marked the first time Rolex made their most popular model in a size larger than 36mm diameter. The original Datejust was introduced way back in 1945 to mark the 40th anniversary of Rolex. Times change and tastes evolve, consumers wanted something bigger but still dressy. Traditional 40mm Rolex sports models like the Submariner, Explorer II, GMT-Master II and Daytona were all well liked but not dressy enough for certain occasions. The Datejust II was the answer and it was a huge success, sparking waiting lists from those seeking the all new jumbo Datejust. Popular yes but not without controversy among typically conservative Rolex customers. Some felt 41mm was simply too big. Others felt the gold fluted bezel was too thick, and many commented on how the jumbo hour markers looked disproportional to the modest sized hands. I guess even Rolex can’t please everyone. What I find most interesting about the short lived Datejust II (only in production for seven years) are some of the more unusual and quirky dials they featured. Our latest DJ II features Roman numerals, nothing unusual in that except they are only printed on the dial surface. Almost all modern Rolex hour markers are made from 18 karat gold and secured to the dial after the colour/finish have been applied. The Roman numerals look like they have 3 dimensional relief due to the thin silver outline and generous amount of black paint, but they are still just printed. The lack of contrast in pigment choice is a little unusual for Rolex too. The most unusual aspect of the dial is the single oversized luminous marker at 9:00 o’clock that is 18 karat white gold. On its own it looks a little out of place among the other Roman numerals, but in the dark it looks rather curious. Having a single glowing reference point at 9:00 o’clock is genuinely confusing. I would have loved to see the Rolex Coronet logo at 12:00 o’clock treated with bright luminous material, but that would have been sacrilegious embellishing the 5 point crown with glow in the dark paint. This is the first time we’ve had a Datejust II with this uncommon dial. The rest of the watch is very traditional Rolex; 18 karat white gold fluted bezel, sporty Oyster style bracelet with locking buckle and easylink extension. It comes with the inner/outer Rolex box and correct instruction booklet, but is missing its original warranty card. Very good to excellent condition and covered by our complimentary 1-year in house warranty. We don’t expect this uncommon and unusual dial Rolex Dateust II to last long at the estate price of $11,250.00 CAD. Stock #505-00587.

May 30, 2025

Cartier square dome fashion ring, 21.2mm wide, 22 grams, 18kt., size 8 1/2. $3,250.00 CAD. 401-00296

This Cartier ring has an amazing feeling on the finger. A soon as you feel it you know it is of high quality. It weighs well over two thirds of an ounce and it is premium 18 karat gold. The compound curved top isn’t simply simply a square dome, but a gentle exercise in soft gentle creases at the corners disappearing in the centre. The optical effect is difficult to discribe and impossible to photograph. The large footprint is over 4.5 square centimeters but is easy the wear if you have a finger close to a French size 58 which is around 8 1/2 to 9. The hollow back of this design allows it to fit a slightly larger finger than the size suggests. Cartier designers did it right with this ring the smooth edges and low profile make it surprisingly comfortable. The wide shoulders and thick 5.5mm shank bottom help to keep this ring from spinning on your finger. The finger size, gold purity, and markers marks are clearly stamped inside the ring. The lightly engraved Cartier signature, and serial number are almost completely invisible but can mostly be seen under magnification but not seen in photographs. Our goldsmiths applied a perfect polish to the completely smooth surfaces leaving a perfect mirror finish to this statement ring. This is the sort or ring that looks right at home on a middle or index finger. Looking like it just stepped off a Paris fashion runway, this rare Cartier estate ring is priced at $$3,250.00 CAD. Stock #401-00296.

May 29, 2025

Emerald & diamond butterfly pendant, 0.60ct. gem weight, 3.1gr., 14kt. gold. $500.00 CAD. 231-00360

Emeralds are known for their rich green colour, it’s is the traditional birthstone for the month of May and is often associated rebirth, renewal and growth. Powerful symbols of transformation, rebirth and change, the butterfly’s life cycle is a metaphor for personal growth and renewal. Our latest estate emerald and diamond butterfly pendant prominently features four oval emeralds, each diagonally set in 14-karat white gold representing the wings of the butterfly. They are of that saturated green colour that emeralds are prized for. The four oval emeralds are balanced in size for the front and back set of wings and are estimated to weigh 0.60 carats in total. The emeralds are surrounded by a decorative white gold arrangement containing 50 good quality (VS-I) pave set round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.25 carats. Measuring 27.9mm long and 12.6mm wide, with a total weight of 3.11 grams, the pendant is currently paired with a 3.9 gram, 17-inch, 18-karat white gold wheat chain sold separately at an estate price of $550.00 CAD (chain only) Stock #431-00881. The butterfly pendant is in excellent condition and estate priced at $500.00 CAD (pendant). It is a lovely depiction and perfect for spring. Stock #231-00360.

SOLD

May 28, 2025

4.30ct. apple green jadeite & diamond (0.15ct. tw. VS-HI) ring, 6.2gr. sz.5, 14kt. $1,050.00 CAD. 206-00389

Determining whether or not natural jadeite has been artificially enhanced to improve the colour is extremely difficult to determine, even for experienced gemologists. Making the call that any jadeite is 100% unenhanced is something best left only to someone like The Gemological Institute of America. That being said we determined this jadeite is natural but we are not ready to confidently say it hasn’t been treated to improve its colour. We have factored in no extra value for this beautiful apple green 4.30 carat jadeite. Our estate price of $1,050.00 has been calculated using the gold value, diamonds, and some labor to manufacture the ring. Jadeite can occur in a wide range of colour from including purple, brownish/red, white, but the vivid greens are the most sought after, and this one has that colour. The cabochon cut measures 11.0mm x 8.5mm and is estimated to weigh 4.30 carats. It is partially framed on one side by a crescent shaped arrangement of seven bead set round brilliant cut diamonds. The high quality VS-HI diamonds weigh an estimated 0.15 carats in total. This ring was made in a rather small finger size 5, but our onsite goldsmiths can easily make it up to three sizes larger if necessary. The soothing green colour of jadeite is very popular in Asia and reminds me of new spring growth. This ring is well made and in like new condition. Jadeite is very hard, extremely durable and is tougher than even diamonds. It remains in perfect condition, displaying excellent polish, showing no scratches or scuffs of any kind. We don’t see much jadeite around here. This pretty ring is estate priced at $1,050.00 CAD. Stock #206-00389.

May 27, 2025

2021 Seiko 140th anniversary Prospex Diver 40.5mm SPB213J1 $1,000.00 CAD. 501-00388

Many companies choose to mark their anniversaries by drawing on the past for design inspiration. To commemorate the 140th year since the inception of Seiko in 2021, Japan’s most prominent manufacturer produced this retro styled Prospex diver. It is influenced by Seiko’s first real divers watch, the 62MAS from the mid 1960s. The anniversary version is much larger at 40.5mm diameter to appeal to modern tastes but otherwise respects many of the design characteristics and aesthetics of the original. Naturally, 60 years of refinements and improvements have made this version a much more capable performer. Water resistance is up to an industry standard of 200 meters thanks to the screw down crown, the original only had a push in crown. The sapphire crystal offers perfect optics and an exponentially harder surface. Improved luminous pigments allow use in low and no light environments. The higher frequency modern automatic movement with hacking seconds should prove to be more accurate than the old 17 jewel mechanism with just 37 hours of autonomy. The modern calibre 6R35 features 24 jewels with a power reserve close to twice that of the original. For me a light coloured dial on a serious sports watch is always refreshing against the multitude of black and blue options. A shiny blue one way bezel (original was two way) is indexed 120 times for timing intervals of up to 1 hour in 30 second increments. The modern version sports a Rolex inspired Oyster style bracelet complete with locking buckle and a rather complicated diver extension. Our watch remains in original unpolished condition showing little wear. There are a few light scuffs on the case and bracelet but nothing distracting. We suspect the lack of use by the original owner caused the hair spring to stick making the watch run very fast. A full service by our watchmaker in May 2025 has the watch running accurately and reliably. It comes with the full packaging, documents, fully endorsed warranty card, bubble wrap, and even some case stickers. This watch is a limited edition but not too limited as Seiko produced 6000 examples. When new this watch had a retail price of $1,550.00, our freshly serviced, excellent condition estate example is priced at $1,000.00 CAD. Stock #501-00388.

SOLD