Gold is everywhere at Michaan's estate auction Feb. 5

LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

Making an appearance once again at the auction are Ippolita jewelry pieces. Because Ippolita has been extremely popular in previous offerings at Michaan’s, the varied assortment in wonderful condition is expected to do well again. One such piece is lot 100, an Ippolita diamond, 18-karat yellow gold Anniversary bracelet. The asymmetric links are encrusted in approximately 440 full cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.00 carats. Signed “Ippolita Anniversary 2010,” the bracelet has a $2,500-$3,500 estimate. Also available is an Ippolita Party ring featuring blue chalcedony, mother-of-pearl and blue topaz set in 18-karat yellow gold. Signed Ippolita, lot 104 is expected to bring $700-$900.

Among the Asian Department’s sale of porcelains, jades, furniture, ivory, coral, artworks and decorative items is lot 204, a collection of Asian-style jewelry estimated at $400-$600. The pieces in the unusual grouping were purchased in Hong Kong in the 1960s and ’70s, displaying numerous ethnic and Asian design nuances. The collection is indicative of its provenance, coming from the Napa estate of a world traveler and collector. Of the three beaded and inlaid necklaces is a Tibetan-style coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, malachite necklace featuring stone ornamentation on the chain and a medallion centerpiece with three ornate drops. The necklace shows quality workmanship and is handsomely displayed in a custom-made fitted box. Completing the lot is a three specimen coral ring measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches in height and an enamel, floral motif bangle bracelet displaying lovely blue and green tones and cutout designs.

The Furniture and Decorations Department presents a variety of lots including porcelain service sets, folk art, vintage accessories, decorative pipes, clocks, rugs and silver. Lot 380 is a Rosenthal Winoblad Studio Line dinner service set that serves eight, estimated at $3,000-$4,000. The set is fashioned in the Magic Flute pattern, which was based upon opera imagery. The continuous artwork on the pieces depict stylized figures cavorting among flora and fauna. The heavy gold leaf work is gorgeous.

The Fine Art portion of the auction is largely composed of 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century European and American works of art. Offerings include sculpture, watercolors, oil paintings, drawings, lithographs, etchings, block prints and ceramics. Numerous prominent California artists are featured in the sale including Henrietta Berk, Carl Jonnevold, Leslie B. Buck and Melanie Taylor Kent. Highlighting the European offerings is an Achille Lauge (French, 1861-1944) oil, masterfully yet simply depicted in a realist style. Basket of Roses displays a gathering of blush and red blooms in and about a simple wicker basket. From one of the most coveted names comes this eternally collectible painting, offered as lot 516 ($8,000-$12,000).

Previews open at Michaan’s Auctions, 2751 Todd St., Alameda, CA 94501 on Feb. 3 and continue until the day of sale. For more information visit www.michaans.com or call (510) 740-0220.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.