Forty stunning jewels from the collection of worldwide best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford were sold as part of the Fine Jewelry Sale at Bonhams, New Bond Street on 5th December. The collection made a total of £980,600.
Matthew Girling, Bonhams CEO UK & Europe, commented: “Bonhams is honored to have been chosen by Barbara Taylor Bradford to auction her very personal collection of jewelry and we are delighted with the success of the sale.”
The top lot in the collection was a magnificent diamond single-stone ring by David Morris which was secured by a bidder on the telephone for £446,500 who fended off strong interest from the other telephones and the saleroom floor. The jewel was given as birthday present to Barbara Taylor Bradford by husband Robert – “When you wear this, you don’t need any other jewelry,” Robert told her.
Interest came from all angles as the auctioneer took bids from multiple internet bidders, telephones and bidders in the room, all battling for a piece of the action.
A spectacular Harry Winston sapphire and diamond ring realized £182,500 after two determined telephone bidders escalated the price.
Another top lot was a 19th century sapphire and diamond brooch that captured the hearts of the bidders who battled their way to £116,500, near doubling the pre-sale estimate for the brooch.
Other highlights included a pair of David Morris diamond earclips which made £92,500 against pre-sale estimates of £55,000-£65,000 and a pair of pearl and diamond pendant earrings by Harry Winston which achieved £80,500.
Barbara Taylor Bradford said: “I am delighted with the result of the sale and wish those who were lucky enough to have bought a piece of my jewelry as much joy from it as I have had.