Bonhams Largest Ever Jewelry Sale Results
Published July 2nd, 2009
Collectors were drawn by a nearly 600 lot sale of Fine Jewelry and Watches presented by Bonhams New York on June 23rd. As the largest jewelry and watch sale ever to be offered by Bonhams, the event was simulcast to the international auctioneers’ San Francisco and Los Angeles showrooms, filling the galleries and phone lines with bidders from around the globe.
Throughout the sale, fine quality diamond rings proved undeniably irresistible to auction-goers. This fact is clearly evidenced by the number of rings which sold for well above estimate.
The most coveted item of the sale was a spectacular fancy vivid yellow diamond (lot 133) weighing 5.79 carats which took ‘Top Lot’ position (pictured, above w/lot 131). Estimated at $60/80,000 the ring sparked no less than a bidding war and more than doubled its top estimate with an impressive draw of $200,000.
Bidders were also impressed by a 3.70 carat diamond solitaire ring (lot 130). Framed by tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders, the cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond incited competitive bidding resulting in a final price of $45,750 – well surpassing its estimate of $20/30,000.
Another ring attracting much attention was an eye-catching piece from the estate of noted California philanthropist, Mrs. Constance G. Zahorik (lot 20 – pictured, left). Centering an oval brilliant-cut diamond of 3.03 carats, D color, VS1 clarity the lot touched off a round of spirited bidding. Demonstrating that fine quality pieces are holding strong in this market, the ring brought more than double its estimate of $15/20,000 with a final price of $42,700.
Rounding out top-selling rings was another diamond solitaire (lot 131 – pictured, above w/lot 133). Centered by a rectangular-cut diamond, weighing 6.28 carats, K color, VS2 clarity with tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders, the lot performed strongly fetching $51,850.
Diamonds, however, were not the only pieces in demand.
Enticing bidders was a stunning emerald, colored diamond and diamond necklace (lot 107). Designed as nineteen slightly graduated cushion-shaped emerald and round brilliant-cut diamond clusters with yellow diamond floral spacers, the necklace is mounted in 18 karat gold. Carrying a total emerald weight of 45.00 carats and a total estimated diamond weight of 15.40 carats, the necklace surpassed expectations brining $48,800 against an estimate of $30/35,000.
Collectors were also excited by a rare Archaeological Revival piece by the famed Castellani family (lot 102 – pictured, right). Circa 1860, the 18 karat gold and carnelian scarab bangle bracelet was inspired by excavations of Etruscan sites at the time. So influential was this period of design that several examples are on display at museums around the world with the mate to this particular piece being currently on display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Hailing from a Northwest collection, this historically significant lot dramatically outperformed fetching more than three times its estimate of $10/15,000 with a final price of $42,700.
A ruby and diamond bracelet (lot 42) also whipped bidding to a frenzy. Of tapered design with alternating rectangular-cut rubies and baguette-cut diamonds, the piece has an estimated total ruby weight of 29.00 carats and estimated total diamond weight of 6.00 carats. This charming lot soared past its conservative estimate of $7/9,000 to bring an amazing $35,380 – nearly four times its top estimate.
“We’re extraordinarily happy with the results of this sale,” stated Director of Jewelry for Bonhams New York, Virgina Salem. “Fine colored stones are particularly selling well, along with top quality diamonds… Over all buyers clearly responded well to the breadth and quality of this selection proving that the market for good, wearable pieces is still very strong.”
For more information about this department or to view and purchase the illustrated auction catalog, please visit www.bonhams.com/jewelry.
