TEHACHAPI, CA.- Government Auction will start off the New Year on a high note with a Jan. 1 sale featuring exclusive designer watches, fine jewelry and gold coins. The auction will begin at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time, with an opening bid of only $2 on most lots.

The fine jewelry selection is led by a stunning 16.92-carat sapphire and diamond ring. Considered in ancient times represent holiness or the heavens, the blue sapphire was a favorite amongst kings, who believed the precious stone could attract Divine favor. The ring to be auctioned by Government Auction is made of 14K white gold and contains 2.65 carats side diamonds surrounding the main stone, a rectangular-cut fancy blue sapphire. The total weight of the ring is 13.7 grams.

Offered for auction in the watch category is a Vacheron Constantin Geneve men's watch. Founded in 1755, the Vacheron company has a long and illustrious past, and its products have been owned at different times in its history by such notables as Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius XI, Harry Truman and the Duke of Windsor. The watches are manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, by one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world. With such an illustrious pedigree, these prestige watches are highly sought after and avidly collected. The Vacheron featured in the Jan. 1 sale is a simple yet elegant design composed of a brown leather band with a white face and black lettering encompassed in stainless steel casing. Also featured in the fine watch category is a men's Rolex Submarine stainless steel watch. The watch comes in its original box with certificates included.

In keeping with the luxury theme, Government Auction will offer a coveted Louis Vuitton purse. The top-handle purse is brand new from the factory and sure to be a favorite among bidders. The bag exhibits the classic design for which Louis Vuitton is best known: brown leather with gold LV logo. The bag is a light cream-colored leather with gold-colored fittings.

In addition to the luxury goods being presented, the auction house is also featuring a collection of gold coins. A top highlight is a 1904 $20 U.S. Liberty Head gold coin. The Double Eagle, as the coin is also known, was minted from 1850 to 1907 during the height of the California Gold Rush. Of all the gold coins minted before 1907, the Double Eagle had the highest gold content – almost one full ounce of pure gold. Designed by James B. Longacre, the coin weighs 33.43 grams and is composed of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper.

In the antique category, a highlight item is an antique three-piece Ansonia clock. The Ansonia Clock Co. was a major American clock manufacturer based in New York in 19th century. The highly successful business crafted thousands of clocks in numerous styles. This clock is genuine Ansonia and in mint condition. It features a romantic spring theme of a young maiden surrounded by sculpted irises and pansies. Its patina is original and it is delicately colored in bronze, light green, blue and purple tones.

Additional auction highlights include a rare Crescent upright coffee grinder, a 1793 Chain Cent XF porous full-rim coin, a Caille upright slot machine and more.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.