Bonhams’ June 15 fine jewelry and salon jewelry sales had stellar performances, bringing in great worldwide participation and selling in excess of $4.35 million. The sales indicate the continuing robust strength of the current jewelry market.
“Larger size diamonds are selling stronger than six months ago and prices are still climbing,” said Susan Abeles, US head of jewelry, and Virginia Salem, New York director of jewelry.
“Internet bidding continues to allow us to reach a broader international buying and selling audience. For example, we saw a significant growth in buyers from Hong Kong, which illustrates Bonhams’ ever-growing strength in the market.”
Taking seven of the ten top ten lots were diamond ring lots. The top lot of the sale was a cut-cornered 9.05-carat modified rectangular-cut diamond solitaire ring that sold for $272,000.
Another impressive performance came from a square-cut fancy deep yellow diamond ring, weighing 9.67 carats, selling for $152,000. Other highlights were a 3.64-carat marquise-shaped diamond selling for $134,000 ($55/65,000) and a 5.4-carat round brilliant-cut diamond selling for $146,000 ($55/65,000).
Two unusual and rare Art Deco Mauboussin lots made the top ten as well, and each doubled its high estimate. A 1924 Art Deco ruby and diamond ring sold for $69,540 and the matching ruby and diamond pendant earrings went for $63,440.
Following the morning session of fine jewelry, the salon jewelry afternoon sale was a resounding success, with every top ten lot selling for more than its estimate.
Leading the top ten was a Ruser white gold and fresh water pearl poodle brooch. This whimsical lot sold for $17,080 against an estimate of $1/1,500. Selling for $15,860 was a Cartier sapphire and ruby link bracelet, which was property from the estate of a direct descendent of US President John Quincy Adams and Daniel B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson guns ($2/3,000).
Other solid performers were a pair of European-cut diamond solitaire earrings selling for $12,200, a diamond cluster brooch of approximately 12.6 carats bringing $11,590, an Art Deco European-cut diamond and emerald ring circa 1925 at $10,370, and an Art Deco carved ruby and diamond ring circa 1935 selling for $10,370.
All prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
For additional information, www.Bonhams.com or 212-644-9001.
