An 8.45-carat
Although the diamond was the top lot, it was among the few colorless diamonds to make a statement at an auction otherwise dominated by rare sapphires, emeralds and other colored gems. As a signed piece, it was among many that were in high demand at the December 8 sale, which realized $4.1 million.
“More contemporary signed jewels continue to thrive in the auction environment,” said Susan Abeles, VP and director of Jewelry at Bonhams North America, “The sale was dominated by colorful estate property, which was well received by an international audience.”
Cartier diamond ring. Photo credit: image courtesy of Bonhams
The other notable sale was a rare antique Renaissance Revival suite of sapphire, demantoid garnet and enamel jewelry attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany for
Arts and crafts suite attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany. Photo credit: image courtesy of Bonhams
The pendant is centered by an oval, irregularly-domed cabochon sapphire. It sits within a scrolling frame suspending a flexible swag, accented by circular and oval-cut demantoid garnets and sapphires, highlighted by enamel floral sprays and suspended from a chain of floral links. It is completed by a box clasp set with circular-cut sapphires, pendant earrings en suite; chain and pendant earrings.
Other highlights of the sale include:
* A 3.2-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring that fetched $118,750, almost twice the high estimate.
* A sapphire and diamond brooch with a diamond weight of 6.85 carats, which realized $112,500, nine times the high estimate.
* A Colombian emerald and diamond ring, featuring a large emerald cabochon weighing approximately 50 carats surrounded by diamonds. It achieved $106,250, over 3.5 times the high estimate.
* A late art deco ruby and diamond bracelet, circa 1935, with a total diamond weight of 14.00 carats, which sold for $106,250, well past its high estimate.
* Natural button pearl diamond ear studs, each over 10 mm, realizing $45,000, close to 6.5 times its high estimate.
