What: The World of Gold, Opals and Other Phenomenal GemsWhere: Bonhams, 7601 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90046, USAWhen: 20 May, 01.00 PM PDTPublic Viewing: 18 May 2019 12:00 - 17:00 PDT19 May 2019 12:00 - 17:00 PDT20 May 2019 10:00 - 13:00 PDTTop lots of the sale:—651: Very Large and Impressive Gold Nugget--«The Rhino.» Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie/Boulder Border, Western Australia. This large gold nugget was discovered in the heart of Australia's rich gold fields nearly 600 kilometers east of Perth. The nugget has excellent visual spread and face-up appeal and displays minute traces of quartz in the crevices and smoothed surfaces. Weighing approximately 2177.8 grams (70.01 ozt) and measuring 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 1 1/4in. Estimate: 160,000 US$ - 200,000 US$—664: Rare Double-sided Black Picture Opal-- «Bush Fire Over the Mountain.» Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. This is a large, thick and spectacular rectangular, cushion-shaped cabochon with a unique feature of having a picture opal to one side displaying predominantly ribbons of rolling flash fire over red, orange and green play-of-color resembling a «bush fire over the mountains». The reverse side of the opal has a broad flash play-of-color with full spectral hues. This is an important opal for the serious collector. Weighing approximately 51.66 carats and measuring 42.4 x 21.2 x 7.2mm. Estimate: 120,000 US$ - 150,000 US$—Lot 759:” Set of Cat's Eye Tourmalines.” World Localities. An incredible collection which took many years to create including over 200 cat's eye tourmalines placed to form a circle measuring 7 inches across (nearly 17.5cm). The stones were selected to complete a pattern which graduates in color and displays the wide range of colors in which tourmaline is available: green, blue, teal, pink, red, yellow, orange, grey, purple, and even bi-color examples. The largest cabochon weighs 31.66 carats and the smallest approximately 0.43 carats (with diameters of 5.0mm to 20.0mm). Total weight approximately 1572.13 carats (approx. 211 pcs). Estimate: 90,000 US$ - 120,000 US$—662: Historic Australian Black Opal--«The Glengarry Orchid.» Millionaire's Gully, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. This magnificent free-form picture opal, mined in 1972, is unique in the world: having a broad scheen flash of red, graduating to orange, yellow green and finally electric blue and purple at the upper left hand corner, the pattern of potch uniquely and serendipitously positioned to create an image of an orchid. This is a unique offering and a very special opal of world-class distinction. Weighing approximately 74.07 carats and measuring 44.5 x 32.9 x 7.5mm. Estimate: 80,000 US$ - 120,000 US$—628: “California Crystallized Gold-in-Quartz.” Colorado Quartz Mine, Mariposa County, California. A classic example with unbelievable luster, the crystallization on this fine specimen is second to none. Total weight: 73.45 grams (50.17 grams gold net weight) and measuring 7.3x3.5x3 cm. Estimate: 80,000 US$ - 100,000 US$—663: Ribbon Pattern Black Opal--«The Butterfly Wing.» Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. This triangular free-form opal has vivid red play-of-color which appears in a pattern, alternating with ribbons of green and blue. The spectacular display of color, as well as the shape, results in an overall impression of a butterfly wing. Weighing approximately 46.45 carats and measuring 43.5 x 26.8 x 6.5mm. Estimate: 70,000 US$ - 90,000 US$—Lot 777: ”Star Ruby.” Burma. A large oval cabochon of purplish red ruby, displaying a six-rayed asterism which is central, strong and well-defined. This is an attractive and desirable stone for the knowlegable collector. Weighing approximately 25.58 carats and measuring 16.75 x 14.82 x 9.35mm. Estimate: 70,000 US$ - 80,000 US$For details, visit: https://www.bonhams.com/Click on the slideshow for the highlights of the sale.http://www.blouinartinfo.com/Founder: Louise Blouin Read more