With precious metals reaching historic high prices as gold holds steady above $5,000 per ounce, Bonhams’ fine jewelry auction later this week in Paris comes at a notable market moment. The 182-lot live sale on March 19 will showcase a broad spectrum of designs, from antique and vintage to contemporary, including signed pieces by Cartier, Boucheron, Bulgari, Chaumet, Graff, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati.
Bonhams’ top lots are an articulated necklace set with old brilliant-cut diamonds (pictured at top), estimated at €60,000 to €80,000, or $69,000 to $92,000, and a pair of Graff diamond drop earrings with two rectangular cut-cornered fancy yellow diamonds of just over 3 cts. each (estimate $46,000 to $69,000).
Notable colored stones include a 25.56 ct. Sri Lankan sapphire and a 16.82 ct. Colombian emerald, both set in rings with diamond surrounds. A circa 1980 Bulgari “sprung” bracelet with pink and green tourmalines, amethysts, blue topaz, and citrine cabochons—“a modern piece poised to captivate collectors worldwide,” according to Bonhams’ Marine Girardet—is estimated at $14,000 to $21,000.
Provenance serves as a primary draw for the jewels in a collection formerly belonging to a Greek princess, headlined by an emerald and diamond necklace estimated (below). Another historical highlight is a 19th-century hinged snake bangle, with ruby eyes and rose-cut diamonds on its blue guilloché enamel body, that could achieve up to $8,000.
“The forthcoming sale offers a remarkable selection of jewels, many sourced from private collections,” said Girardet, Bonhams’ head of jewelry in France, in a statement. “The lots highlight exceptional craftsmanship across eras, from antique and art deco masterpieces to contemporary designs, featuring an abundance of colorful gemstones, including a significant collection of emeralds and playful, vibrant creations.”
The auction takes place Thursday at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, on Avenue Hoche, starting at 2 p.m. Paris time.
(Photos courtesy of Bonhams)
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