The star of the show was an exceptional 11.87-carat Burmese sapphire, setting the tone for a remarkable evening at the December 4 New York Jewels sale.
The cushion-cut masterpiece, presented as a loose gem, achieved an astonishing $660,900, a remarkable feat considering its original upper presale estimate of $220,000. This sale solidifies Bonhams as a powerhouse in the jewellery auction world and demonstrates the enduring allure of rare gemstones.
Coloured diamonds stole the spotlight at the auction, claiming seven of the top 10 spots. The event also featured exquisite pieces from renowned designers such as Cartier, Leonard Rosenthal, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Raymond Yard.
Among the standout items was a bracelet dating back to around 1930, created by Chanel for Verdura. Adorned with aquamarine, emerald, amethyst, sapphire, and ruby in the shape of a Maltese Cross, the piece fetched an impressive $432,300, surpassing its $225,000 upper price.
Another notable piece was a ring featuring an oval-shaped, 1.22-carat, fancy-intense-blue diamond. Flanked by a 0.35-carat fancy-blue diamond on one side and a 0.53-carat, fancy-intense-blue diamond on the other, the ring achieved $381,500, comfortably within its estimates.
A cushion-cut, 3.91-carat Kashmir sapphire captured attention and a winning bid of $343,400, exceeding its upper price tag of $220,000.
Meanwhile, a necklace boasting a 17.04-carat, fancy-intense-yellow, internally flawless diamond, surrounded by pear, heart, and marquise-cut diamonds weighing approximately 62.75 carats, fetched $318,000, just below its high presale price.
In a surprising twist, a cushion-cut, 2.03-carat, fancy-pink, VS1-clarity diamond ring shattered expectations by realizing $305,300, well beyond its $220,000 upper estimate.
Other notable sales included a cushion-cut, 3.01-carat, fancy-light-blue, VS1-clarity diamond ring, which garnered $279,900, and a cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut, 1.37-carat, fancy-intense-purplish-pink, VS2-clarity loose diamond from the Argyle mine, realizing $279,900, surpassing its $180,000 high estimate.
The auction also featured a ring with a cushion-cut, 1.30-carat, fancy-brownish-red diamond centre stone, flanked by oval-shaped diamonds, which sold for $254,500, comfortably within its presale range.
Notably, a Tacori ring with an emerald-cut, 6.59-carat, F-color, VVS2-clarity centre stone, accented by round brilliant-cut white and yellow-tint diamonds, fetched $203,700, outstripping its $180,000 upper price.
Bonhams' success in this auction further cements its position as a leading destination for discerning collectors seeking extraordinary jewels, showcasing the enduring allure and investment value of these exceptional pieces.