DALLAS, TX.- On Dec. 6, Heritage Auctions will offer one of the finest single-owner collections of Oscar Heyman jewels that the auction house has ever presented.

Part of the estate of Texas philanthropist Kittie West Nelson Ferguson – a descendant of one of the state’s most important and influential cattle-ranching families – the jewels are a highlight of Heritage’s Holiday Jewelry Signature® Auction. As such, they represent the best of Oscar Heyman, a famed American jewelry maker whose exquisite craftsmanship has garnered fans ranging from first ladies to Hollywood stars.

Remarkable not only for its quality and quantity, but also for its variety, the collection features more than 20 pieces by the renowned jeweler, including a menagerie of brooches, a stunning selection of rings and earrings, and several examples of Oscar Heyman’s signature floral designs.

“This is the most important collection of Oscar Heyman jewels to come to Heritage,” says Jill Burgum, Heritage Auctions Senior Director, Fine Jewelry. “We are beyond excited to offer these exquisite jewels in time for the holidays.”

The estate’s brooch collection alone deserves a spotlight as bright as Oscar Heyman’s glittering jewels. Standouts include gorgeous animal designs such as a diamond, sapphire and emerald leopard (estimate $15,000-$20,000); a diamond, ruby and emerald baby gorilla (estimate: $10,000-$15,000); and a show-stopping, ruby-eyed elephant covered in diamonds weighing a total of approximately 10.30 carats (estimate: $15,000-$20,000). Other nature-inspired brooches in the collection include a ruby and diamond strawberry (estimate: $8,000-$12,000); a yellow diamond pansy (estimate: $10,000-$15,000); and a colorful grape cluster made of vibrant sapphires and dazzling diamonds (estimate: $10,000-$15,000).

Among the estate’s other must-have Oscar Heyman pieces are a striking 18k gold ring with a 5.11-carat emerald-cut diamond (estimate: $20,000-$30,000) and a pair of 18k gold, platinum and diamond pansy earrings (estimate $7,000-$10,000).

But these pieces aren’t the only extraordinary examples Heritage Auctions is presenting from a prominent Texas estate. In fact, there are several Texas estates represented in the sale.

“As a Texas-owned auction house, we’re honored to have the trust and support of Texas estates,” Burgum says.

The diverse sale also features a wide variety of jewelry made by desirable designer brands, important colored gemstones and large diamonds. Highlights include an Art Deco diamond and platinum bracelet that is the epitome of glamour (estimate: $35,000-$45,000), as well as a sparkling, floral-inspired Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin bracelet made of diamonds, platinum and 18k gold (estimate: $30,000-$40,000).

The wrists don’t get to have all the fun in this event, though. Bidders can also adorn their fingers in an array of magnificent rings. Two such examples are a beautiful three-stone ring whose eye-catching centerpiece is an 8.48-carat emerald-cut diamond (estimate: $100,000-$150,000) and another three-stone ring that gets its spectacular sparkle from a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 5.93 carats (estimate: $175,000-$225,000).