Bonhams London Jewelry Sale Garners $6M

Bonhams London realized $6.4 million from a sale of fine jewelry yesterday with 82 percent sold by lot and 90 percent sold by value. The top lot (pictured) was a stunning 9.22-carat, D, IF, marquise-cut diamond ring, which sold within estimate for $974,000 or $108,000 per carat. A 9.06-carat, cut-cornered step-cut diamond ring sold for $707,000 and the largest diamond in the sale, a 24.47-carat, brilliant-cut diamond ring fetched $395,000. Additionally, a rare, un-mounted, 3.64-carat, cushion-shaped diamond of fancy intense bluish-green sold for $395,000.

Jean Ghika, the director of Bonhams' jewelry department, said, ''We are delighted with such a fantastic result, ending an exceptional year of fine jewelry sales at Bonhams. With sale totals up 70 percent on 2010 and the most expensive lot sold in the U.K. this year --a diamond and blue diamond crossover ring by Bulgari that realized $2.9 million-- Bonhams has re-affirmed its position as U.K. market leader in jewelry.''

Ghika observed that they have experienced an increasing interest in tangible assets such as diamonds. ''We are aware that our clients are very discerning, selective and considered, and want to be sure of the quality of the pieces they are buying. As a result, clients are prepared to pay high prices for pieces that are the very best of their type, whether 19th century antique jewelry, art deco pieces or GIA certified diamonds.

''There was strong interest in pearls and antique jewelry at the London sale with a pair of rare natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings garnering well-above estimate at $302,000 and a 19th century emerald and diamond girandole brooch selling for twice its estimate at $54,400.

A copper and gold “Shakudo” necklace and earring suite, circa 1860, depicting various scenes of birds, sold for $99,400 and a rare 19th century pink topaz and diamond brooch sold for $50,700.

-Rapaport