Bulgari Ring Leads Strong Bonhams Sale

RAPAPORT... A number of pieces sold for well above their estimates at the Bonhams London Jewels auction, which garnered a total of GBP 2.7 million ($3.8 million).A Bulgari ring set with a step-cut, 10.04-carat Colombian emerald bracketed by diamonds was the top seller, fetching GBP 598,750 ($835,223), more than double its GBP 250,000 ($348, 736) high valuation, Bonhams said Wednesday. A ring containing a cushion-shaped, 5-carat ruby surrounded by marquise-cut diamonds went for GBP 200,250 ($279, 364), more than 10 times its GBP 20,000 ($27,902) upper estimate.Other notable items at the April 28 auction included a 19th-century spinel and diamond necklace and bracelet set, which achieved GBP 187,750 ($261,924), within estimates, and a cushion-shaped, 7.87-carat sapphire and diamond ring, which sold for GBP 92,750 ($129,393) against a GBP 70,000 ($97,655) high valuation.Jewels belonging to Anne Parsons, countess of Rosse, the mother-in-law of Princess Margaret, also smashed expectations. A late 19th-century emerald, pearl and diamond bangle brought in GBP 85,250 ($118,930), nearly three times its high valuation, while a mid-19th-century onyx cameo, enamel, pearl and diamond bracelet went for GBP 40,250 ($56,152) against a GBP 20,000 ($27,901) upper estimate.Meanwhile, a private royal-family collection featuring 11 items was 100% sold, doubling its presale estimate. One of the pieces was a pendant containing a lock of hair from France's Charles X; two others were similar, but with hair from Britain's Queen Victoria."The energetic bidding seen at today's sale demonstrates that the market for exceptional jewelry continues to thrive," said Emily Barber, UK director of jewelry for Bonhams. "It is always exciting to see items with such wonderful stories capture the imagination of the saleroom."In total, Bonhams sold 76% of items on offer, it noted.Image: The Bulgari emerald ring. (Bonhams)