The star of the show was an extraordinary 11.87 carat Burmese sapphire, which set the tone for a remarkable evening at the New York Jewels sale on 4 December.
Presented as a loose gem, the cushion-cut masterpiece fetched an astonishing $660,900, a remarkable achievement given its original pre-sale high estimate of $220,000. This sale solidifies Bonhams as a powerhouse in the jewellery auction world and demonstrates the enduring appeal of rare gemstones.
Coloured diamonds stole the limelight at the sale, claiming seven of the top 10 spots. The event also featured exquisite pieces by renowned designers such as Cartier, Leonard Rosenthal, Van Cleef & Arpels and Raymond Yard.
Among the standout pieces was a bracelet from the 1930s created by Chanel for Verdura. Set with aquamarine, emerald, amethyst, sapphire and ruby in the shape of a Maltese cross, the piece fetched an impressive $432,300, surpassing its $225,000 high estimate.
Another notable piece was a ring featuring a 1.22 carat oval-shaped fancy intense blue diamond. Flanked by a 0.35 carat fancy blue diamond on one side and a 0.53 carat fancy blue diamond on the other, the ring sold for $381,500, well within its estimate.
A cushion-cut 3.91 carat Kashmir sapphire attracted attention and a winning bid of $343,400, exceeding its $220,000 high estimate.
Meanwhile, a necklace featuring a 17.04-carat fancy intense yellow, internally flawless diamond surrounded by pear, heart and marquise-cut diamonds weighing approximately 62.75 carats sold for $318,000, just shy of its high estimate.
In a surprising twist, a cushion-cut 2.03 carat fancy pink VS1 clarity diamond ring defied expectations, selling for $305,300, well above its $220,000 high estimate.
Other notable sales included a cushion-cut, 3.01 carat, fancy light blue, VS1 clarity diamond ring, which fetched $279,900, and a square-cut modified diamond, 1.37 carat, fancy deep purplish pink, VS2 clarity loose diamond from the Argyle mine, which fetched $279,900, surpassing its high estimate of $180,000.
The auction also featured a ring with a 1.30 carat cushion-cut fancy brownish-red diamond centre stone flanked by oval-shaped diamonds, which sold for $254,500, comfortably within its pre-sale estimate.
In particular, a Tacori ring with an emerald-cut 6.59 carat F colour VVS2 clarity centre stone accented by round brilliant-cut white and yellow-toned diamonds sold for $203,700, surpassing its $180,000 high estimate.
Bonhams’ success in this sale further cements its position as a leading destination for discerning collectors seeking exceptional jewellery, and demonstrates the enduring appeal and investment value of these exceptional pieces.
