10ct. Ring Leads Bonhams NY Auction

RAPAPORT... Bonhams New York will feature a 10.01-carat solitairediamond ringwith an estimate of $500,000 to $700,000 at its spring jewelry salethis month.The round brilliant-cut, F-color, VVS2 piece is from aprivate collection in the US, according to the auction house. Other notable lots include ruby and diamondcombinations: a Cartier Art Deco bracelet valued at $80,000 to $100,000; aBulgari necklace worth $200,000 to $300,000; and a Mermod & Jaccard ringestimated at $80,000 to $120,000."Rubies are far rarer than colorless diamonds, a fact thathas been recognized in the world record-breaking prices they set at auction,"said Caroline Morrissey, senior jewelry specialist at Bonhams New York. "Giventhe international appetite for specimen rubies, together with a greaterappreciation of this gemstone, we are anticipating keen interest in thesepieces."The sale will also offer sapphire and emerald jewelry, aswell as pearls and a 16-piece collection by American designer David Webb.Bonhams will also hold a spring jewelry auction in London,featuring a group of Hennell Art Deco emerald and diamond pieces. Thecollection includes a pendant with a 12.13-carat, double-sided cabochon emeraldcrescent, a pear-shaped, 6.23-carat emerald drop, and marquise- and oldbrilliant-cut diamonds. The pendant's estimate is between $210,225 and $280,300(GBP 150,000 to 200,000).Signed jewels from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari,and Tiffany & Co. will also go under the hammer in London.The New York sale will take place on April 17, with the auction house holding previews of the items beforehand at its New York, Los Angeles, Geneva and Hong Kong locations. The London sale will follow soon after on April 25.