Bonhams London Jewels sale, held on April 30, saw some “strong prices” achieved for several pieces, among them a 17.43 carat Kashmir sapphire ring, which sold for £723,062 (approximately $950,000, and $53,956 price per carat) – far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of £300,000-400,000.
The sapphire and diamond ring dates from the late 19th to early 20th century and is the property of a “European noble family”.
The second highest performing lot, according to Bonhams, was “A Diamond and Sapphire Transformable Necklace by Spanish jeweller Grassy”. Dated circa 1935 and featuring a 34.59 carat Sri Lankan sapphire, the necklace sold for £287,562 (approximately $378,000) against its pre-sale estimate of £120,000-180,000.
Another piece that performed well was “one of the most admired diamond lots during the sale’s preview in London, Geneva, Hong Kong and New York” – a 9.07 carat step-cut diamond ring. The step-cut diamond, F colour, Type IIa stone sold for £250,062 (approximately $329,000).
