Lot 179. An important 17.97 carat diamond solitaire ring. Estimate US$ 1,000,000 - 1,500,000. Sold for US$ 1,447,500 (€1,349,021). Photo: Bonhams.
NEW YORK, NY.- An important diamond solitaire ring, weighing 17.97 carats realized $1,447,500 at the Fine Jewelry auction at Bonhams on Dec. 6 in New York. The sale, which featured a strong group of sapphires and emeralds made a total of $6,381,000 in the 171-lot sale.
Anticipation had been building for the moment when auctioneer Matthew Girling, Global CEO and Group Jewelry Director opened the bidding on the last lot of the sale, the 17.97 carat rectangular step-cut diamond solitaire ring. Estimated at $1,000,000-1,500,000, the platinum-mounted diamond - D color, VS1 clarity, Type IIa - attracted prospective buyers from around the world. After frenzied bidding, it was finally hammered down to a United States buyer on the phone.
Susan Abeles, Director of Jewelry, Bonhams US, commented, “The success of the entire sale, including this top lot, illustrates the buoyancy of the Jewelry market. I am delighted at this exceptional result.”
Additional diamond highlights include:
Lot 153. A diamond solitaire ring centering a pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 6.00 carats, with tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders. Estimate US$ 75,000-125,000. Sold for US$ 211,500 (€197,110). Photo: Bonhams.
accompanied by an 18k gold jacket, signed VCA; mounted in platinum; size 3 1/4
Accompanied by GIA report # 5171651112, dated May 24, 2016, stating the diamond as: D color, VS1 clarity
Lot 109. A diamond solitaire ring centering a marquise brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 11.93 carats, flanked with baguette-cut diamond shoulders. Estimate US$ 50,000-70,000. Sold for US$ 181,250 (€168,918). Photo: Bonhams.
mounted in 14k white gold; size 6
Accompanied by GIA report # 2175905303, dated September 27, 2016, stating the diamond as: I color, SI1 clarity.
Lot 170. A diamond ring centering a pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 5.19 carats, with tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders. Estimate US$ 50,000-70,000. Sold for US$ 131,250 (€122,320). Photo: Bonhams.
mounted in platinum; size 7
Accompanied by GIA report # 2175817560, dated August 22, 2016, stating the diamond as: F color, VVS2 clarity.
STRONG SHOWING BY SAPPHIRES
Bonhams also made waves with a rich blue Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring by Shreve & Co. dating from the 1900s, the cushion mixed-cut 7.12 carats gem sold for $931,500, hurdling past its estimate of $70,000-90,000. Susan Abeles, Director of Jewelry, Bonhams US, adds: “Fine and rare Kashmir sapphires typically display a velvety quality unique to the region as exemplified in this turn of the century example. They are among the most highly prized gems for serious collectors given their extreme rarity.”
Lot 178. A 6.90 carats Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, Shreve & Co., circa 1900. Estimate US$ 70,000 - 90,000 (€66,000 - 85,000). Sold for US$ 931,500 (€868,126). Photo: Bonhams.
A cushion modified mixed-cut sapphire weighing 27.49 carats, flanked by 4.95 carats diamonds reached $175,000 (estimate: $100,000-150,000). In addition, a sapphire and diamond pendant necklace belonging to a royal family – featuring an oval mixed-cut sapphire, weighing 25.26 carats – made $143,750 against an estimate of $80,000-120,000.
Lot 170. A sapphire and diamond ring centering a cushion modified mixed-cut sapphire, weighing 27.49 carats, flanked either side by triangular-shaped diamonds. Estimate US$ 100,000 - 150,000 (€94,000 - 140,000). Sold for US$ 175,000 (€163,094). Photo: Bonhams.
In the moments after the climatic and energetic sale, Abeles commented “The collection of property offered in this sale was beautiful; prices were strong for colored gemstones and diamonds. I am thrilled at the opportunity to offer this to our international community."