November 15, 2016: An exceptional collection of gemstomes and jewellery will lead the final Bonhams London Fine Jewellery sale of 2016 on December 4. Gracing the catalogue front cover is an extremely rare Kashmir sapphire single-stone ring, weighing 14.13 carats. The cushion-shaped sapphire has no indications of heating and is estimated at £600,000–800,000.
Jean Ghika, Head of Jewellery for Bonhams UK and Europe, says: "Kashmir sapphires are amongst the most highly prized gems for serious collectors. The mines, located high in the Himalayan mountain range in north west India, were only open for a period of approximately 30 years from the late 1880s onwards. Supplies were soon exhausted, making an example of this size a very rare specimen.”
Bonhams is also presenting a Fancy pink-brown diamond ring for sale at the auction. The step-cut diamond weighs 21.33 carats and is estimated at £600,000–800,000.
The Bonhams sale also includes three impressive lots created in the Art Deco period, featuring emeralds. The first, an Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, by Cartier, circa 1935, is estimated at £80,000–100,000. The bracelet has been designed with a series of undulating square-shaped links pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, each centrally set with a cut-cornered step-cut Colombian emerald.
The second lot is an Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, by Chaumet, circa 1930. The bracelet is set with five cabochon emeralds, of sugarloaf and oval shape, alternating with old brilliant-cut diamonds. Estimated at £100,000–150,000, the emeralds are of Colombian origin.
The third lot, a 1920s Art Deco Emerald Single-Stone Ring, is set with an impressive step-cut emerald, weighing 14.70 carats. Estimated at £150,000–200,000, this gem-quality emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indication of clarity modification. It is also accompanied by an appendix letter from the world-renowned SSEF Laboratory stating that this stone merits special mention and appreciation.
Natural pearls continue to be in demand globally as a result of waning supply due to over fishing and pollution. The first notable lot up for auction is a pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendent Earrings, estimated at £40,000–60,000. The second notable lot is a Single-Strand Natural Pearl Necklace. The 93 natural pearls, graduating in size from 5.3mm–12.00mm are estimated at £80,000–120,000.
Signed jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels is always sought after and Bonhams London is offering a number of excellent examples of pieces in its sale. These include a Gold and Diamond Necklace/Bracelet combination, Earclip and Ring Suite by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970, at a pre-sale estimate of £40,000–50,000.
In a Cultured Pearl, Turquoise, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace and Earclip Suite by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1975, the necklace set with a detachable brooch/pendant of openwork cluster design, is set with brilliant-cut diamonds, cabochon turquoise and sapphires and a central cultured pearl, estimated at £15,000–20,000.
The Bonhams December sale will also feature animal themed pieces, all by Cartier: a Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond 'Panthère' Brooch, circa 1995, estimated at £120,000–180,000; a Diamond ‘Panthére’ Ring, designed as a lounging panther with articulated head and paws, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated at £25,000–30,000; and an Onyx, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond ‘Parrot’ Ring, circa 1995, the sculpted feathers pavé-set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, with carved sapphire and emerald plume, estimated at £30,000–40,000.
An Enamel and Emerald 'Serpenti' Bracelet-Watch by Bulgari, circa 1965, is a rare surviving example of the famed Bulgari Serpenti design bracelet watch dating from circa 1965. Estimated at £50,000–60,000, the bracelet is composed of a series of overlapping scales which are rendered in palest blush-pink enamel.
Bonhams has a long held reputation for selling pieces created by the famed society jeweller Andrew Grima. On offer is a Ruby, Diamond and Gold Choker by Andrew Grima. The meandering 18 carat yellow gold ‘brick texture’ choker, set with oval cabochon rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds, is accompanied by the original design sketch by Andrew Grima, signed and dated 1986. It is estimated at £6,000–8,000.
The auction takes place at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street on Sunday 4 December at 10.30am and bids can be placed online on Bonhams website www.bonhams.com, via telephone, in writing, and also in person on the day of the sale.
