Bonhams takes United Kingdom market leadership with £4.1 million fine jewellery sale

LONDON.- A selection of outstanding diamonds, natural pearls and important signed pieces were the highlights of the Fine Jewellery Sale that took place on the 8th December at Bonhams, New Bond Street. The sale realised £4.1 million with 82% sold by lot and 90% sold by value.

Jean Ghika, Director of the Jewellery Department comments, “We are delighted with such a fantastic result, ending an exceptional year of Fine Jewellery sales at Bonhams. With sale totals up 70% on 2010 and the most expensive lot sold in the UK this year (a diamond and blue diamond crossover ring by Bulgari that realised £1.9 million), Bonhams has re-affirmed its position as UK market leader in jewellery.”

In a difficult economic climate the jewellery market is stronger than ever and Bonhams has received much attention from international clients, who are keen to purchase top quality jewellery. Jean comments, “Over the past year we have certainly seen 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 jewellery, art deco pieces or GIA certified diamonds.”

The top lot of the sale was a stunning diamond, of the very top quality: an internally flawless, marquise-cut diamond ring, D colour (colourless) weighing 9.22 carats that sold for £623,650.

Exceeding the presale estimate at £150,000 – 200,000 a cut-cornered step-cut diamond ring, weighing 9.06 carats sold for £289,250 after much enthusiastic bidding in the room and on the telephone. The largest diamond in the sale, a brilliant-cut diamond ring weighing 24.47 carats, sold for £253,250.

A rare, un-mounted, cushion-shaped diamond of fancy intense bluish-green, weighing 3.64 carats, sold for £253,250. Coloured diamonds are the rarest of all diamonds and the term “fancy” is used to describe a diamond of intense colour.

Interest in natural pearls shows no signs slowing down, with buyers continuing to compete for highly sought after pieces. A pair of rare natural pearl and diamond pendent earrings estimated to sell for £40,000 – 60,000, realised £193,250. The large pearl drops (12.95mm and 11.05mm) were suspended from a brilliant, single and baguette cut mount.

The antique jewellery section of the sale also achieved very strong prices. A 19th century emerald and diamond girandole brooch sold for £34,850, over double the presale estimate of £10,000 – 15,000. A copper and gold “Shakudo” necklace and earring suite circa 1860, depicting various scenes of birds, sold for £63,650 and a rare 19th century pink topaz and diamond brooch sold for £32,450.

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