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As South Africa’s leading auction house, you can expect a wealth of exceptional items at prices you wouldn’t be able to find at any retailer. The sale couldn’t come at a better time – with a shifting and unpredictable global economy, the value of investing in gold and precious gems has once again been highlighted.
Africa Gold Edition
Strauss & Co's Africa Gold Edition focuses on the lasting legacy of gold as a statement piece, for its cultural and historical worth, and its lasting store of value. Highlights of the sale include a beautifully textured 18k gold cuff weighing in at 31.7 grams (valued at R40,000–50,000) as well as a gold two-rand coin, dating back to 1963. Our favourite is a stunning necklace set with 511 pavé diamonds on infinity links. Aside from the masterful craftsmanship on display, this timeless piece of luxury will undoubtedly have heads turning at that next gala dinner, art fair or wedding. Coming in at an estimate of R100,000 this necklace can hardly be said to be cheap. However, in comparison to what you could get for that amount in a jewellery store, it starts to look like a steal.
Grand Edition
To follow up, Stauss & Co bring their bumper Grand Edition sale. This builds on the magnificent gold items on offer by adding grand jewels to the collection. For those looking to impress their partners, there is an extraordinary engagement ring featuring a 5.73 ct cushion-cut diamond, flanked by approximately 2.80 ct of trillion-cut diamonds, set on a yellow gold band weighing 6.90 grams. If they don’t say yes to you, they'll say yes to the ring.
For the diamond-obsessed, one of the undoubted highlights is a loose natural vivid yellow emerald-cut diamond (valued at R6,000,000–8,000,000). The diamond has been evaluated and graded by the Gemological Institute of America, so you can be sure you are getting your money’s worth. Finally, we had to highlight a handmade 22k gold jewellery box, because your gems shouldn’t be stored in anything but the best (we got to see it in person and, forewarning, it is heavy, weighing in at some 2kgs).
JEWELLER TO THE STARS, EMEFA COLE
Perhaps the most exciting part of the Grand Edition is a surprise collection from the pioneering designer Emefa Cole, whose pieces recently adorned Lauryn Hill at the 2025 Met Gala. Cole’s work is testament to the stories embedded within her jewellery, be they personal, geological or historical; her tactile adornments are inspired by her childhood in gold-rich Ghana, as well as the geological processes that have shaped our world.
What we find particularly compelling about her work is that she exclusively uses ethically sourced African gemstones, often foregoing worries about value and instead focusing on what fits her vision. As one of the jewellers who is featured in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Cole’s name comfortably occupies the same footing as designers such as Peter Chang and the likes of Cartier and Tiffany. Her designs are subtle and focus on the tactility of the materials used. Still singular and distinct, Cole’s jewellery will elevate any outfit.
Auction and viewing times
Strauss & Co’s Africa Gold Edition opens on Fri, May 16 – Mon, May 26. The Grand Edition will be a live virtual sale and takes place on Mon, May 26 at 19:00. Visit straussart.co.za to view the lots and register to bid.The jewellery will be on display over the weekend of Sat, May 24 – Sun, May 25. Apart from this display, viewings are by appointment only. Contact kim@straussart.co.za.
Gallery: jewellery sale highlights
