/EINPresswire.com/ -- NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - March 04, 2016) - It isn't every day that a rare gemstone comes to the auction block. It's even more unusual to have two separate million-dollar collections emerge in one week. Jewelry auctioneer Joseph DuMouchelle had such an experience recently and now the dazzling treasures have the gem world abuzz with excitement. DuMouchelle, who sold the Donald Trump-Marla Maples engagement ring, auctioned the Nat King Cole collection and produced a jewelry show for Aretha Franklin's birthday, has been a tour de force in the world of vintage and estate gems for the last 30 years, traveling the world to find important jewelry collections and bring them to auction.

His latest acquisition of more than 300 pieces has been on view at New York's Waldorf-Astoria and New York Palace hotels and has sparked international interest in his gem auction, scheduled for Friday, March 11th. It's no doubt that one show-stopping piece at the sale will be the spectacular 54.59-carat natural, unheated, Sri Lankan Ceylon sapphire. Consigned from a private New York collection, the extraordinary gemstone is inset into an exquisite, openwork necklace crafted by the renowned European artisan, Chatila and is adorned with over 100 carats of diamonds. Although the House of Chatila is certainly noted for their masterpiece heirlooms, it is highly unusual to find a Ceylon sapphire of this large size with such an intense color, but without thermal enhancement. Another jaw-dropper is the classic ruby and diamond lady's necklace and earrings, set in platinum with 35 unheated, natural "pigeon blood" Burmese rubies and 426 diamonds. Also of note is the elegant Cartier 9.71 carat unheated, natural Burmese sapphire and diamond lady's ring and the Tiffany & Co. platinum and 4.20 ct. diamond lady's ring.

Specially highlighted in the auction is the collection of Richard Kughn and his late wife, Linda Kughn. Comprised of more than 120 pieces, the impeccable selection includes an important platinum, diamond and 10.36-carat unheated Burmese ruby lady's ring; a stunning 19.14-carat heart-shaped diamond lady's ring; an impressive approx.27-carat Burmese unheated sapphire and diamond lady's ring; and the breathtaking 18kt gold lady's necklace inset with 21.87 carats of emeralds and 36.35 carats of diamonds. From an Art Deco sapphire and diamond link bracelet, to the stately Edwardian black opal "Arch De Triomphe" pin, the collection also boasts a mélange of whimsical pieces, including a flamingo-form platinum pin encrusted with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds, and a sleek 18kt gold panther-form bracelet, with pavé sapphires and diamonds.

Mr. Kughn, well known as an astute collector of classic cars, has been the chairman, CEO and president of Kughn Enterprises since 1979. He has also served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Taubman Company and the Chief Executive Officer of Lionel Trains, Inc.  Linda Kughn, a graduate of The University of Michigan and businesswoman for many years, also served on several Boards and committees including the Parade Company, the Michigan Thanksgiving Day Parade Foundation, the Detroit Zoological Society, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Detroit Orchestra Symphony Hall and the Michigan Cancer Foundation.

This incredible collection of gems is set for the auction block at Joseph DuMouchelle Jewelry Auctioneers & Appraisers on Friday, March 11th at 10am EST. Bidders may participate by phone, by absentee proxy bid and via "live" online bidding. DuMouchelle has offices in New York, Palm Beach, Naples and Birmingham, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.josephdumouchelle.com or call (212) 740-7600 / (800) 475-8898. To view the auction catalog, click here.

With offices in New York City, Palm Beach, Chicago, Naples and Birmingham, Michigan, Joseph DuMouchelle, G.G., has been in the auction industry for over 30 years. A third-generation auctioneer from a family with an 89-year auction history, he is past President of the Accredited Gemologist Association, GIA Alumni Michigan Chapter. Also a Graduate Gemologist, G.I.A., with A.S.A. and I.S.A. training and education, Mr. DuMouchelle is an industry expert in the evaluation and appraisal of jewelry, gems, fine art, antiques and personal property. As an auctioneer, he has been personally involved in the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars of personal property. He lectures before many international, national and local professional groups each year and is considered one of the leaders in his industry. In addition, he donates his expertise and hundreds of hours as an auctioneer to numerous charitable organizations.

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Contact:
Joseph DuMouchelle
(212) 740-7600 or (800) 475-8898
Joe@josephdumouchelle.com

Contact: 
Melinda Adducci
(313) 300-9166 or (800) 475-8898
lindy@josephdumouchelle.com