Bonhams London Jewels sale achieved sparkling results on Wednesday 28 April, with many lots far exceeding their pre-sale estimates. The top lot was A Fine Emerald and Diamond Ring, by Bulgari weighing 10.04 carats, which achieved £598,750 significantly surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £180,000- 250,000, whilst A Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring sold for 10 times its high estimate, achieving £200,250 against a pre-sale estimate of £15,000- 20,000.
In total, the sale made £2,747,050 with 76% sold by lot and 84% sold by value.
UK Director of Jewellery, Emily Barber commented: "We are delighted with results of this sale, which saw exceptional pieces from Royal and aristocratic collections and established names, alongside exquisite emeralds, rubies and spinels. The energetic bidding seen at today's sale demonstrates that the market for exceptional jewellery, continues to thrive. It is always exciting to see items with such wonderful stories capture the imagination of the saleroom."
A Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring. Sold for £200,250 (Estimate £15,000- 20,000)
Countess of Rosse
The glamorous Countess of Rosse, mother of Lord Snowdon and mother-in-law to Princess Margaret, would have adored the attention her jewels attracted during the sale, with both her pieces selling for double their top estimate – A Late 19th Century Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Bangle sold for £85,250 against a pre-sale estimate of £20,000- 30,000, whilst A Mid-19th Century Onyx Cameo, Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, which had formally been in the collection of Adrian Hope, realised £40,250 against a pre-sale estimate of £15,000- 20,000.
A Late 19th Century Emerald, Pearl and Diamond Bangle, that belonged to the Countess of Rosse. Sold for £85,250 (Estimate £20,000- 30,000).
This bracelet and the emerald bangle were great favourites of the Countess of Rosse and she may be seen wearing them in many society photographs of her. She wore them at the marriage of her son Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Lord Snowdon, to HRH The Princess Margaret in 1960 and both are clearly visible, one on each wrist, in their wedding portrait by Cecil Beaton with HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in attendance.
Heirs of Royal Hair
The Private Family Collection (lots 1-11) saw the sale off to a roaring start with the collection 100% sold, doubling its pre-sale estimate; the collection included three pendants each of which incorporated a lock of Royal hair – A Gold and Enamel Pendant, circa 1830 contained a lock of Charles X's hair, whilst A Rock Crystal and Diamond Pendant, circa 1870 and An Enamel and Diamond Pendant, circa 1860, both contained locks of Queen Victoria's hair.
Spinels
Bonhams continues to lead the field in spinel jewellery with a number of pieces incorporating this captivating stone selling well. The rose hues of the spinels in A Pair of Spinel and Diamond Earrings, and A 19th Century Spinel and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet, alongside the deeper red of A Spinel and Diamond Ring, circa 1890, commanded attention. The pieces achieved £37,750, £187,750 and £29,000 respectively.
Further sale highlights included:
• A Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Sold for £92,750 (Estimate £50,000 – 70,000).
• A Diamond Single-Stone Ring, by De Beers. Sold for £84,625 (Estimate £40,000- 60,000).
• A Pair of Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings. Sold for £62,750 (Estimate £30,000- 50,000).
• A Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, by Nannini. Sold for £56,500 (Estimate £8,000- 12,000).
• A Gold 'TV' Bangle by Cartier, 1973. Sold for £37,750 (Estimate £6,000- 8,000).
• A pair of Gem-Set 'Sapphire Flower' Earrings, by Bulgari. Sold for £24,000 (Estimate £5,000- 8,000).