Not only Taylor Swift is enjoying the allure of fine jewelry these days. At Bonhams’ California Jewels sale held this week, a staggering $1.5 million in sales was achieved, with several lots surpassing their initial estimates. The highlight of the auction was a platinum, sapphire, and diamond ring that achieved an impressive $127,500, surpassing its high estimate by four times. Additionally, a platinum, ruby, and diamond ring commanded $47,360, a remarkable seven times its expected value.
Emily Waterfall, Director of Bonhams’ jewelry department in Los Angeles, noted, “California Jewels had significant and curated private collections in the auction, such as the exquisite jewelry from J.E. Caldwell & Co., an American brand founded in 1868, who produced some of the finest examples of American Belle Époque, Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs.” She added that the Art Deco pieces performed exceptionally well due to their extraordinary craftsmanship and design, making them highly sought-after in today’s market.
The star of the auction was the Ruser sapphire ring, featuring an impressive 21.15-carat octagonal step-cut sapphire from Sri Lanka, surrounded by three carats of round diamonds, including additional diamonds along the shank. The ruby ring, part of J.E. Caldwell & Co.’s Art Deco collection dating back to the 1920s, also commanded significant attention.
Among other notable items, a J.E. Caldwell & Co. fancy intense yellow diamond and diamond ring from the 1940s exceeded its high estimate by more than three times, achieving $108,450. The third-highest sale was a platinum and diamond ring with a central round brilliant diamond weighing 3.34 carats, which fetched $64,000. A Boucheron silver-topped-gold, blue enamel, and diamond bracelet from the late 1800s, adorned with floral and foliate motifs and rose-cut diamonds, hammered down for $35,840.
This successful Bonhams auction, boasting a 100 percent sold-by-value rate, follows one of the company’s most remarkable jewelry sales to date, featuring a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet that sold for a staggering $3.2 million last year, far surpassing expectations. It underscores Bonhams’ track record in presenting jewelry pieces that continue to appreciate in value, drawing discerning buyers to their auctions.
