Magnificent Diamond Jewellery Goes Under the Hammer at Strauss & Co

3 Jun 2026

• Diamond-focused edit structured around milestones
• Wide variety from entry-level pendants to high-value solitaire diamonds
• Significant lots include a loose diamond (R550 000 – R650 000) and tennis necklace (R100 000 – R140 000)
• Sale runs 15 May to 9 June 2026; viewing by appointment in Johannesburg

Strauss & Co’s Magnificent Jewels, Africa live auction presents a curated diamond story shaped by material value, symbolism and life’s defining milestones. The lots reflect how diamonds are chosen, gifted, and worn – marking significant moments from first commitments to enduring partnerships.

“Diamonds continue to carry meaning. But the way people engage with that meaning has broadened. It’s about marking stages.”

Kim Goeller, Jewelery Specialist at Strauss & Co

The sale moves through a sequence of defined categories, a highlight being a loose round brilliant diamond (lot 37, estimated at R550 000 – R650 000). Looking at the categories more closely:

Engagement

• Diamond solitaire ring (Lot 73)
• Estimate: R550 000 – R650 000

 Forever

• Browns diamond tennis necklace (Lot 36)
• Estimate: R100 000 – R140 000

Mother-of-the-bride

• Diamond dome earrings (Lot 69)
• Estimate: R100 000 – R115 000

Wedding

• Diamond stud earrings (Lot 33)
• Estimate: R50 000 – R70 000

Promise

• Oval eternity ring (Lot 3)
• Estimate: R28 000 – R40 000

Anniversary

• Circle diamond pendant (Lot 10)
• Estimate: R8 000 – R12 000

Engagement rings are forever popular, but for those who want to demonstrate commitment more informally, especially young buyers, “in-between” jewellery like the oval eternity ring can serve as a promise ring.

At the upper end, the solitaire ring is a perennial favourite because of its simplicity: a single quality stone, confidently presented, remains one of jewellery’s clearest expressions of permanence and value.

Meanwhile, diamond necklaces such as the tennis necklace are drawing renewed attention, helped in part by tennis star Aryna Sabalenka and her bold on-court accessorising. Once largely reserved for formal occasions, they are now worn with a more relaxed confidence – layered, understated and paired as easily with sharp tailoring as with everyday essentials. Seen less often than the classic tennis bracelet, the necklace has a distinct presence, its uninterrupted line of brilliance resting close to the skin with quiet impact.

“The tennis necklace has moved out of the evening space,” says Goeller. “It’s being worn during the day, which changes how people think about it.”

Lots range from accessible finds like the diamond circle pendant (R8,000–R12,000) to substantial six-figure gold-and-diamond investments, catering for a range of intentions and investment objectives. What connects them is the consistency of material. Unlike coloured gemstones, diamonds carry a universal standard – cut, clarity, colour and carat – that simplifies comparison across the market.

“Younger buyers are still interested in diamonds,” says Goeller. “They’re just approaching them differently. It’s less about tradition, more about personal meaning.”

The Magnificent Jewels Africa sale reads as a study in how jewellery accompanies a lifetime, with pieces that mark beginnings, milestones and legacy. At a time when exceptional white diamonds are drawing renewed attention on the international auction stage, with strong participation from collectors worldwide, this sale offers a timely opportunity to acquire pieces of lasting significance – whether as a first diamond, a personal marker, or an enduring investment.

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