Events & AwardsJun 06, 2023
Meet the 2023 Couture Design Award WinnersThe jewelry trade show awarded brands and individuals across 14 categories.
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
ColumnistsJun 06, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: The Challenge of Closing Sales Many times, customers walk away without buying because of this one thing salespeople neglect to do, Peter Smith writes.
Policies & IssuesJun 06, 2023
Grandview Klein Diamonds, Local Partners Donate to Primary SchoolThe donation to a school in Namibia included computer equipment, infrastructure repair and sanitary wear.
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond ReportsThe most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2023
HardRock Summit Organizers Gear Up for Third Annual ShowMore than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald EarringsThey’re a testament to the power of excellent design.
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin DeterminationNavigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las VegasThe industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in VegasCreated by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service OfferingsThe marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerThe jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCKLuxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company HeritageOne of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor RelationsRob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New BrokerageWith the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in BrooklynIt is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education SessionsFrom consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 HonoreesThey will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond GradingGemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough CompsThe company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.
Supplier BulletinMay 25, 2023
RAE Fine Jewelry Collection Debuting at JCK Luxury 2023Sponsored by Noam Carver
TechnologyMay 25, 2023
State of Retail: Why Jewelers Need to Invest in Cybersecurity NowAs cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.
IndependentsMay 25, 2023
Louis Anthony Jewelers Is Remodeling and ExpandingThe Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.
