Bonhams New York held a “Fine Jewelry” auction at their Madison Avenue location on April 19. Auction lots consisted of contemporary and antique fine jewelry pieces, as well as high-quality gem stones. The spirited proceedings were simulcast to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and attracted a bevy of international bidders who packed the auction house or participated via the Internet and phone.
The auction’s top earner was a stunning 14.82-carat, JVVS1 marquise-cut, diamond solitaire ring. The piece sold for $482,500, nearly doubling its $250,000 pre-auction estimate. Another high earner was a 20.59-carat cut-cornered rectangular diamond solitaire ring, which sold for $254,000. A smaller 4.42-carat cut-cornered, rectangular-cut diamond solitaire stone went for an impressive $116,500.
Antique jewelry was also in high demand, thanks to two distinct pieces that date back to 1910. A belle époque yellow topaz and diamond necklace sold for $15,625, while an 8.46-carat marquise-cut diamond solitaire ring fetched $88,900.
Other hot ticket items include a striking, turtle-shaped, purple sapphire and amethyst diamond brooch. The distinctive piece was bought for $68,500, earning six times its pre-sale estimate. Fine gemstones were represented by an exquisite, 7.10-carat, European-cut solitaire diamond. The high-grade diamond sold for $60,000.
Bonhams New York reports that the auction was a rousing success. Early estimates list a take of $5 million for the single-day event. The impressive tally suggests high-demand in the market for fine jewelry.