CLOSTER, NJ.- Sparkling diamonds and a stunning array of American and Continental silver set the tone for quality in Sterling Associates’ May 8 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction. The 600-lot offering features the cream of estate antiques from the New York tri-state region and includes an unusual highlight – a remarkable 40-piece collection of period armor.

“The fine jewelry selection has tremendous eye appeal,” said Sterling Associates owner, Stephen D’Atri. “There are several one- to two-carat loose diamonds and solitaire rings, many accompanied by GIA certificates; as well as a fantastic cocktail ring with a giant fire opal surrounded by three carats of diamonds in a starburst pattern.”

A wealth of gold jewelry and a single-owner collection of silver Native-American jewelry – some of it marked – will cross the auction block. Ten premier timepieces will be up for bid, as well, including two handsome Rolex men’s watches: a two-tone gold and stainless silver model with Rolex box and papers, est. $6,000-$8,000; and a 1980s gold and stainless steel day/date watch, also boxed with papers.

With winter now a memory, many are thinking about sumptuous buffets and dinners for eight. As any gracious host will attest, a stylish dining table must be dressed with elegant silver – a category that has become a staple in Sterling’s sales. Their May 8 auction includes a rich and varied selection of fine silver flatware, candelabra, trays and other serving pieces from American, English and Continental makers. Additionally, there will be a large grouping of silverplate from which to choose.

Sterling Associates will break new ground in offering a lifetime collection of period armor from a private estate in Manhattan. “You never know what you’ll find in an estate. A collection of armor is not what I would have expected to see in a New York City residence, but it’s endlessly fascinating material, and our team had a lot of fun examining and researching each piece,” said D’Atri.

“The contents of the armor collection span three centuries and are extremely diverse – the collector liked many different types of things and focused on building a comprehensive collection,” D’Atri continued. “Some of it is very early. There’s a full samurai suit and an Indo-Persian kulah-khud (helmet) that both date to the 17th century, and another of the dozen or so helmets to be sold is a 16th-century production.”

Other highlights include a German jousting half-suit, a pikeman suit of armor, and numerous edged weapons, including rapiers and Japanese katanas. A sub-collection of halberds – 6 to 7ft-long pole weapons whose shafts are topped with spear points, spikes or axes – contains examples estimated as modestly as $800-$1,200.

The breadth of items cataloged in the May 8 sale runs the gamut of collecting interests, from a vintage go-kart that resembles a scaled-down 1930s/40s racer, complete with roll bar and colorful stickers; to vintage wine, including bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild Grand Cru 1982 and Chateau Latour Grand Cru 1949. Both are from the first growth of their respective years.

The auction is further brightened by a large assortment of high-quality chandeliers, wall sconces and decorative accessories; including sculptures.

There are many ways to participate in Sterling Associates’ May 8 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction, but the company conducts its auctions a bit differently than most.

“The way our auctions work, all bidding is conducted remotely, but we’re very much a permanent brick-and-mortar company where anyone can come in to inspect the goods,” said D’Atri. “It will be run exactly like a live auction, but without a live audience.”

Sterling Associates’ Thursday, May 8 auction will commence at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The live gallery preview is from 10-4 on Saturday, May 3 and Monday, May 5; 10-7 on Tuesday, May 6; 10-4 on Wednesday, May 7; and 10-3 on auction day. The gallery is located at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624. Phone and absentee bids are most welcome, and online bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.com.