Strauss & Co presents Magnificent Jewels, a live sale taking place on Tuesday, 9 June at 7pm with necklaces as the defining thread across the catalogue.
The theme feels timely. Recent red-carpet appearances at the 2026 Met Gala highlighted the statement necklace as a defining jewellery category. Emily Blunt wore a Mikimoto body necklace draped with sweeping strands of pearls, while Anne Hathaway wore a sculptural gold necklace by Bvlgari. Sudha Reddy drew attention with a necklace from her personal collection centred on a 550-carat tanzanite.
The shift from accessory to focal point is evident in the Magnificent Jewels sale, with styles ranging from substantial gold chains to articulated diamond designs that shape how jewellery is worn.
While the catalogue includes strong examples of rings, earrings and bracelets, the narrative remains centred on the neckline. Historically, necklaces were among the earliest forms of jewellery, used to signal identity, status and affiliation. Today, that role is more personal and adaptable.
“There’s a natural concentration of necklaces in this sale, which makes sense as they often have the strongest visual and material value. They are the foundation of a legacy collection,” says Kim Goeller, Jewellery Specialist at Strauss & Co. “A necklace worn with a simple shirt can feel understated and easy, but paired with eveningwear, the same piece takes on a very different presence. That versatility gives it lasting appeal.”
Many of the pieces balance collectability with wearability. Gold collars sit alongside silk cords, articulated diamond lines and reversible designs that emphasise texture and versatility.
A reversible gold Indian necklace shifts between two distinct finishes, while an emerald cord necklace introduces colour and texture without excessive visual weight. Meanwhile, the Henry Dunay gold and diamond necklace and earring suite prioritises sculptural form and movement, finished with the American designer’s signature textured surface treatment.
They shift comfortably between formal and everyday wear, without feeling overly ceremonial.
“There’s a shift in how people are buying,” says Goeller. “They want pieces that hold value but also pieces they can actually wear.”
Top lots
• Gold and diamond necklace and earring suite, Henry Dunay (Lot 72)
Necklace comprising a series of linked, domed organic forms in 18kt yellow gold, six forms pavé-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 28.35ct, finished with the designer’s signature Sabi texture. Length approximately 42cm. Total necklace weight approximately 280.00g. Matching earrings in 18kt yellow gold, total weight 29.10g.
Estimate: R650 000 – R750 000
• Reversible Indian gold necklace and earrings (Lot 15)
Necklace incorporating 18kt two-tone gold with bands of red and green enamel, reversing from a soft brushed finish to a structured crosshatch texture. Length approximately 41cm, total weight 65.00g. Accompanied by two pairs of matching disc earrings in 18kt two-tone gold.
Estimate: R200 000 – R250 000
• Fob chain and bracelet suite (Lot 4)
Featuring interlocking curb links, each stamped with gold hallmarks and graduating in thickness, in 9kt rose gold. Necklace length approximately 78cm, bracelet length approximately 21cm. Total combined weight 104.80g.
Estimate: R110 000 – R130 000
• Emerald cord necklace (Lot 30)
Comprising six ribbed terminals in 18kt gold, pavé-set with six oval-cut emeralds weighing approximately 1.20ct, shouldered by pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.00ct, suspended on a black twisted silk cord. Length approximately 45cm. Total weight 7.00g.
Estimate: R90 000 – R110 000
• Diamond choker necklace (Lot 38)
Featuring pavé-set baguette-cut diamonds with pavé-set and tube-set round brilliant-cut diamonds on an articulated bar-link chain. Length approximately 45cm. Total weight 25.00g.
Estimate: R70 000 – R90 000
The necklace-led selection is further supported by examples of the four cornerstone gemstones – diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire – appearing across a broad range of values and settings.
A loose diamond included in the sale gives buyers the freedom to create a bespoke setting through Strauss & Co’s in-house design service. At the same time, the emerald rings and ruby bracelet offer ready-to-wear options with strong visual presence and intrinsic material value. At a time when buyers are looking for jewellery that balances beauty, wearability and long-term value, Magnificent Jewels reflects a more considered way of collecting. Here, the necklace serves as the centrepiece around which a collection is built.
Auction viewing: By appointment only in Johannesburg until 8 June 2026
Location: Strauss & Co, Johannesburg
To browse, register and bid, visit www.straussart.co.za
