A selection of outstanding diamonds, natural pearls and important signed pieces are the highlights of the Fine Jewellery Sale, taking place on December 8th at Bonhams, New Bond Street.
The top lot of the sale is a stunning diamond, of the very top quality: an internally flawless, marquise-cut diamond ring, D colour (colourless) weighing 9.22 carats is estimated to sell for £500,000 – 700,000. Estimated at £150,000 – 200,000 a cut-cornered step-cut diamond ring, weighing 9.06 carats will also be offered by Bonhams. The largest diamond in the sale, a brilliant-cut diamond ring weighing 24.47 carats, is estimated to sell for £170,000 – 220,000.
A rare, un-mounted, cushion-shaped diamond of fancy intense bluish-green, that weighs 3.64 carats, is estimated to sell for £220,000 – 250,000. Coloured diamonds are the rarest of all diamonds and the term “fancy” is used to describe a diamond of intense colour.
Bonhams will also be offering a selection of natural pearls, which are increasingly sought after by an international market. A pair of rare natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings are estimated to sell for A £40,000 – 60,000. The large pearl drops (12.95mm and 11.05mm) are suspended from a brilliant, single and baguette cut mount. Estimated at £25,000 – 35,000 is a 19th century three-row natural pearl necklace with an old brilliant cut diamond clasp. A further highlight is a natural pearl and diamond pendent and pair of earrings, all capped by rose-cut diamonds and a brilliant diamond surmount, are estimated to sell for £12,000 – 18,000.
Bonhams have also seen an increased demand for signed pieces by celebrated jewellery houses. Highlights within the Fine Jewellery sale include an art deco diamond bracelet by Lacloche Fréres, circa 1930 that is estimated to sell for £12,000 – 18,000. Also by Lacloche Fréres, circa 1925, is an unusual art deco sapphire, carved ruby and diamond brooch estimated to sell for £6,000 – 8,000. Originally set up in Madrid by four brothers in 1875 who later opened branches in Paris and London, jewellery from Lacloche Fréres is very rarely seen at auction.
Other signed pieces include a diamond single stone pendent necklace by Cartier (est. £40,000 – 60,000), an early 20th century two row cultured pearl necklace with a diamond and emerald clasp by Bulgari (est. £20,000 – 30,000) and a diamond three-stone ring by Boodles that is estimated to sell for £10,000 – 15,000.
Jean Ghika, Director of the Jewellery Department comments, “Bonhams are delighted to offer such a diverse range of fine jewellery spanning the period from the 15th century to the present day. The exquisite examples of craftsmanship and design, as well as a selection of top quality diamonds, natural pearls and signed pieces have already led to a huge amount of interest at a global level.”