PORTLAND, ORE.- On Sept. 30, 2012, a new first-class auction resource for luxury gems, jewelry and timepieces will become available to buyers worldwide with the launch of Watch Auction HQ’s auction division. The Portland-based company was formed from the 2011 merger of a private jewelry wholesale firm and a boutique specialist in estate and privately acquired fine jewelry. Businessman Nick Dillard and a prominent jeweler/gemologist are partners in Watch Auction HQ, which deals only in fine jewelry and watches of an especially high standard, as evidenced in the selection they’ve hand-chosen for their Sept. 30 auction premiere.

“Our private clients are entertainment executives, business owners and ‘captains of industry.’ They are sophisticated buyers who expect exclusivity and a much higher level of customer support than they might receive elsewhere,” said Dillard. “For instance, we recently sold his-and-her diamond bezel bracelets to a movie industry executive and flew to Los Angeles to deliver them personally to the client’s Beverly Hills residence. We’ve tailored our auction model so it incorporates many of the white-glove extras our private clients appreciate, such as lovely cases and packaging for all goods, and complimentary Fed Ex shipment. In addition, auction bidders will have the assurance of knowing that they are dealing with a company that has already proven itself to be of utmost integrity.”

The 300-lot Sept. 30 auction titled ‘Diamonds Speak’ will be structured as a timed online auction through LiveAuctioneers.com, with additional bidding options to include phone and absentee bidding. Lots will close consecutively after the start time of 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST).

Among the men’s timepieces to be offered are watches by Audemars Piguet, Omega and Rolex. Leading the ladies’ watches is a highly desirable diamond-bezel 18K gold Rolex Datejust model. Other ladies’ watches include a stunning 18K yellow gold Lucien Picard contemporary design with 48 pavé diamonds on its face, 32 diamonds on the bezel and 240 diamonds on the bracelet; and a chic 18K yellow gold Tiffany & Co. wristwatch with 134 diamonds on the bezel and diamond dial markers.

The ultimate fashion accessory that moves with ease from the country club to a formal dance is the now-classic tennis bracelet. Watch Auction HQ will offer to the highest bidder an elegant, mint-condition 14K gold tennis bracelet set with 39 diamonds weighing approximately 10 carats.

Several other bracelets are worthy of special mention. A 18K yellow gold custom design by David Freeland features a full carat of sparkling diamonds set in a row alongside a circle of gold-framed opals. Also guaranteed to turn heads is a superb Renaissance-style custom-designed bracelet of white and yellow gold set with tourmalines and both square and round diamonds – total weight: 62.2 grams. The third key lot amongst the bracelets is a hinged design of cobalt-enameled 18K yellow gold fashioned as two intricately detailed, ruby-eyed lions’ heads.

Another statement piece in the sale is an 18K yellow gold and diamond necklace designed by Gabriel Barda. Its graceful motif features gold “leaves” set with 60 round diamonds cumulatively weighing (approx.) 2 carats.

If there is a single jewel that can speak a thousand words, it is the diamond solitaire, says Nick Dillard. “When a fine diamond is cut in a special way, it shows off the jewel’s brilliance and can be the most spectacular thing.” Just such an example in the Sept. 30 sale is the marquise-cut solitaire diamond that serves as the focal point of a 14K yellow gold ring. Ten channel-set diamonds accent he impressive center diamond within a distinctive contemporary design.

Dillard said Watch Auction HQ will be introducing many custom marketing features to its online sales, as well as a private club whose members will receive an exclusive catalog containing “pieces to dazzle even the most discriminating buyer – these items will be for members’ eyes only.”

Starting with the Sept. 30 auction, there will be a gift drawing to accompany each Watch Auction HQ sale. No purchase is required. Anyone who signs up to bid or to receive either the company’s e-mails or e-catalog will automatically be entered for a chance to win a fine-jewelry item or timepiece valued at no less than $500. The Sept. 30 auction-drawing prize is a men’s 14K gold Longines vintage watch valued at $1,000.

“What we want to stress above all else is that customer service is of prime importance to us. We answer every question and respond to every phone call, e-mail and social media contact promptly and courteously. We view each customer as a long-term business partner and want to build lasting relationships with people who like to have fun and enjoy the finer things in life,” Dillard said.

For information on any item in Watch Auction HQ’s Sept. 30 “Diamonds Speak” auction, or to arrange for a phone line on auction day, call 800-890-7780 or e-mail nick@watchauctionhq.com or info@watchauctionhq.com. Visit the company’s website at www.watchauctionhq.com. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet on auction day at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

To view a brief video clip previewing Watch Auction HQ’s Sept. 30 sale, click here