Fontaines important Fine and Decorative Arts Auction on Jan. 28 surpassed its high estimate to total $2.5 million. The 550-lot auction saw strong performers in nearly every category, with a sell-through rate of 91 percent. The auction was very busy and well received, with over 7,000 approved bidders. I think in general the market is good for quality items in every category, said auctioneer and owner John Fontaine. Among the quality items Fontaine refers to was a well-executed Tiffany Studios window, Jesus in a Field of Lilies, that went for $237,500, nearly doubling its high estimate. The ca. 1898 window, featuring plated, leaded and confetti glass, measured an impressive 9 feet, 11 inches-by-7 feet, 5 inches. Not sized for the average home, it makes sense the winning bidder was a church. Located in the western part of the United States, the buyers told Fontaine they plan to restore and install the window in the church. Another top lot in the sale was an 18-carat white and yellow gold ring centered with an intense yellow square radiant cut diamond of 10 carats surrounded by two carats of round brilliant white diamonds that attracted competitive bidding, particularly among retail buyers. In the end, the ring went out at $181,250 to a buyer in Chicago, Ill. It was one of several pieces of jewelry centered with yellow diamonds from a Los Angeles estate that all did well, going to buyers in Israel, Chicago, and New Jersey, among other locations. Another notable piece in this grouping was an 18-carat yellow gold ring with a 9-carat yellow diamond framed by nearly one carat of white diamonds that earned $62,500. Tiffany lamps have a long tradition of being strong performers at auction, and floor lamps in particular have been standouts in several recent sales. Leading a select grouping of about two dozen examples in the auction was a Curtain Border floor lamp, ca. 1910, 78.5 inches tall, which sold for $100,000, and a Peony floor lamp, ca, 1910, 64 inches tall, that made $93,7500. A Moorish and Turtle-Back chandelier, ca. 1905, also did well, realizing $81,250. Quite a few items saw bidders drive prices over estimate, including a monumental Swiss Black Forest carved figural clock with matching stand by Ulrich Leuthold, Lucerne, ca. 1880. The clock, standing 85 inches tall overall, was surmounted by an elaborately carved eagle above three mountain goats and realized $34,375. Rounding out the auction were a ca. 1911 Oriel Cabinet Co. Norman Suite dining room set, Grand Rapids, Mich., that sold for $30,000; a signed William Lester Stevens oil on canvas, Village in the Winter that was in a Florida collection before bringing $26,250; an American carved oak tall case clock with a J.J. Elliott movement, late 19th century, carved with angels, scrollwork, filigree and a mythical face, 97.5 inches tall, $22,500; and a pair of large Italian carved marble sphinxes, Vanini, Milan, 19th century, sold for $17,500. All prices reported include the buyers premium. Fontaines Auction Gallery is located at 1485 W. Housatonic St. (Route 20), Pittsfield, Mass. For further information, visit www.FontainesAuction.com.