Emerald Set Prompts Bidding War at Bonhams

RAPAPORT... Three Art Deco emerald and diamond pieces by legendaryBritish designer Hennell sold for $2.7 million (GBP 1.9 million) at Bonhams in Londonfollowing a bidding war. The collection's top-seller was an early-20th-century,double-sided-cabochon, 12.13-carat emerald and diamond pendant necklace (pictured), whichwent for $1.8 million (GBP 1.3 million), far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of$206,723 to $275,631 (GBP 150,000 to GBP 200,000). A polished-sugarloaf-cabochon, 9.28-carat emerald and diamondring fetched $508,194 (GBP 368,750), beating its estimate of $206,723 to$344,538 (GBP 150,000 to GBP 250,000). The third item, a clip brooch featuring approximately 40.15carats of diamonds surrounding a pear-shaped, 7.49-carat diamond, garnered $318,009(GBP 230,750), surpassing its estimate of $137,816 to $206,723 (GBP 100,000 toGBP 150,000). The pieces came from the private collection of LouiseStephens, a member of the Stephens Ink family. "The jewels are simply magnificent," said Emily Barber, UK directorof jewelry for Bonhams. "Superb emerald specimens like this do not come tomarket very often. The crescent-shaped emerald is no doubt an historic Indiangem, cut to maximize its 'green fire,' and the sugarloaf-cabochon emerald, acut favored by early-20th-century Art Deco jewelers, is one of the finestexamples we have seen." Other items that yielded high sales included an Art Decoemerald and diamond necklace and bracelet set that earned $1.5 million (GBP 1.1million), more than four times its pre-sale estimate of $206,723 to $344,538(GBP 150,000 to GBP 250,000). In addition, a Cartier Art Deco emerald and diamondbracelet made $425,505 (GBP 308,750), against a pre-sale estimate of $110,252to $165,378 (GBP 80,000 to GBP 120,000). The auction achieved a total of $10.8 million (GBP 7.8million), with 91% of lots sold by value. Bonhams will hold its Hong Kong Rare Jewels andJadeite sale on May 27.