Rare gemstones and heritage jewels drew competitive bidding at Bonhams’ recent New York Jewels sale, where more than 90 percent of the 123 lots found buyers.
Leading the sale was a dramatic emerald and diamond necklace featuring 15 graduated emerald-cut stones totaling over 116 carats. Accented with 67.20 carats of diamonds in mixed cuts, the piece sold for $597,400—more than three times its estimate.
Other highlights included a platinum ring with a 4.32-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire, which brought in $559,300, and a vibrant 4-carat Paraíba tourmaline ring from Brazil that fetched $483,100. Both far exceeded their initial projections.
A standout from the Belle Époque was a Boucheron pendant dated circa 1900, centered on a carved jadeite figure of Juno, framed by enamel, diamonds, and a cushion-cut yellow sapphire. Shown at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, the intricate pendant realized $508,500.
Further down the list, a 50.63-carat Tajikistan spinel pendant surrounded by diamonds, pearls, and a briolette emerald fetched $470,400, while emerald and diamond earclips by Piranesi achieved $445,000. A René Boivin orchid brooch from 1939, crafted with both white and yellow-tinted diamonds, crossed the block at $267,200. A triple swag ruby and diamond necklace, totaling nearly 130 carats, closed at $229,100.
Not every top lot sold, however. A 14.52-carat fancy light-blue heart-shaped diamond, estimated at $2–3 million, failed to meet reserve—proof that even in a strong sale, top-tier buyers remain discerning.