Two recent Bonhams jewelry auctions raised nearly $3 million, driven primarily by diamond pieces that surpassed presale estimates.
The standout item from the September 17 California Jewels sale was a bow-shaped necklace, crafted around 1900. It featured two old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 6.35 and 5.95 carats. This piece sold for $83,050, significantly above its estimated value. The auction itself generated $1.5 million, with 84% of the lots selling.
Other notable items included a pair of earrings containing four old European-cut diamonds, which sold for $57,600. A ring with a 6.90-carat, K-color, VS2-clarity diamond, once owned by former Chicago Mayor William Hale Thompson, fetched $53,760. Additionally, a Mauboussin ring featuring a 6.25-carat Colombian emerald and diamonds sold for $32,000.
The following day, Bonhams held its Knightsbridge Jewels sale, bringing in GBP 1 million (approximately $1.4 million) with 82% of the lots sold. The highlight of this auction was a Serpenti necklace by Bulgari, adorned with pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds, which sold for GBP 40,960 ($54,428), exceeding its presale estimate.
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