CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
AuctionsJul 26, 2021
2 of Sammy Davis Jr.’s Diamond Rings Top Bonhams Jewelry Auction
They both sold for well above their pre-sale estimates in the recent “California Jewels” sale.
This diamond and gold ring once belonging to performer Sammy Davis Jr. sold for $69,063 at Bonhams on July 20, making it the top lot of the auction.
Los Angeles—Jewels with a celebrity provenance always drum up plenty of excitement at auction and pieces once belonging to Sammy Davis Jr. were no exception.
Born in Harlem to Afro-Cuban vaudeville dancers, Davis (1925-1990) spent his life in showbusiness, breaking down myriad racial barriers to become a successful comedian, actor, dancer, and singer.
A part of the “Rat Pack” and a Tony-nominated performer, he also had a flair for style, always seen wearing a suit and donning at least one big gold ring.
So when a few of his pieces recently went up on the block at Bonhams Los Angeles’ July 20 “California Jewels” sale, they were understandably popular with buyers who wanted a piece of the history that helped represent who he was.
Topping the auction was a gold ring centered on an octagonal-shaped modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 6.28 carats, seen at the top of the article.
Estimated to go for between $30,000-$40,000, the ring sold for much more than its high estimate, garnering $69,063.
Also at the top of the sale, coming in at No. 3, was the 18-karat gold ring seen below, featuring a round-shaped brilliant-cut fancy deep yellow-brown diamond weighing 10.75 carats and marquise diamond accents weighing 1 total carat.
This fancy deep yellow-brown diamond ring once belonging to Sammy Davis Jr. sold for $40,313 at Bonhams L.A.
It also went for well above its pre-sale estimate of between $7,000 and $9,000, selling for more than four times that at $40,313.
Davis’ 18-karat bicolor gold, diamond, and enamel monogram necklace also fell within the top 10 lots, selling for $20,313 compared with a pre-sale high estimate of $8,000.
“Sammy Davis Jr. was an iconic performer with incredible style. He wore his jewelry everywhere, and the brown diamond in particular was one of his favorites, appearing in countless photographs,” said Bonhams Los Angeles Head of Jewelry Emily Waterfall.
“There was palpable excitement during bidding and the outstanding prices achieved by the two rings from his personal collection demonstrate the strong demand for one-of-a-kind jewels with unmatched provenance.”
Coming in at No. 2 in the auction was a Bulgari set, pictured below, featuring a gold and pavé-set diamond link necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings with an estimated total diamond weight of 20 carats that sold for $40,313.
This Bulgari gold and diamond set, sold as one lot, garnered $40,313 at auction.
There was also a multicolor sapphire and diamond brooch that garnered $37,813, compared with a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-$7,000, and a multicolor sapphire and diamond bracelet that sold for $31,563, compared with an estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.
Meanwhile, the jewelry auction also included six pieces from modernist designer Art Smith, known for making jewelry influenced by biomorphism and Surrealism.
Smith (1917–1982) trained at Cooper Union in New York City and sold his jewels at his store in Greenwich Village from 1946 to 1979. He would eventually be featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar as well as numerous museum collections.
The pieces featured in the Bonhams auction came from a collector who said her mother became friends with Smith in the late 1940s and bought several pieces at his Greenwich Village store.
This opal bead and gold ring from Art Smith sold within its pre-sale estimate range when it garnered $2,550 at Bonhams’ California Jewels auction.
This unsigned Art Smith sterling silver cuff sold for $1,657.
Of the six items put on the block, only two sold during the event—a gold and opal bead ring and a sterling silver cuff bracelet, both of which can be seen above.
Overall, the California Jewels auction achieved $1.3 million. To see the full results, visit Bonhams.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
