Bonhams’ London Jewels Sale Spans Eras

By Annie Davidson Watson | June 06, 2024

Nearly 120 lots of fine jewelry—from 19th-century Archaeological Revival pieces to signed art deco treasures—are headed to Bonhams’ London Jewels auction on June 13.

“London Jewels showcases best-in-class examples from every era, including Kashmir sapphires, certificated diamonds, and many grades of exceptional colored diamonds including fancy light yellow, fancy yellow, fancy intense yellow, and fancy vivid yellow stones,” said Jennifer Tonkin, Bonhams’ co-head of the U.K. jewelry department, in a statement. “Jewelry designs include an array of bracelets from Castellani to Cartier, including art deco jewels showcasing the artistry and technical ingenuity of the most celebrated jewelers during this period.”

Headlining the sale is a ring by Mouawad (pictured at top) with a 5.13 ct. radiant-cut fancy purple-pink diamond obliquely set with a 5.03 ct. radiant-cut fancy intense blue diamond. The toi et moi ring, which also has pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds of pink and blue tint, is expected to achieve between $1.3 million and $1.9 million.

Other standout lots are a fringe necklace boasting over 82 carats of diamonds, a Bulgari diamond double brooch, a Persian-inspired Cartier multicolor bangle, and a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet from the 1950s. Also offering antique jewels with ancestral provenance, the London Jewels sale should provide something for every type of fine jewelry enthusiast or collector.