AuctionsJun 23, 2022
Auction House Freeman’s Appoints First Rep in Florida AuctionsJun 29, 2022
Bonhams Expands Again with Purchase of Paris Auction House
It is the fifth acquisition under the ownership of private equity firm Epiris, which bought Bonhams in 2018.
The inside of Cornette de Saint Cyr auction house in Paris. Bonhams just bought the company, marking its fourth acquisition of 2022 and its fifth since being purchased by a private equity firm in 2018. (© Fatima Jellaoui)
London—Bonhams has acquired another auction house, this time picking up Paris-based Cornette de Saint Cyr.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pierre Cornette de Saint Cyr established the auction house that bears his name in 1973.
Today, his sons Arnaud Cornette de Saint Cyr and Bertrand Cornette de Saint Cyr run the business as CEO and head of valuations and collections, respectively.
Bonhams said Arnaud and Bertrand will remain with the company after the acquisition, and the auction house will operate as Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.
The acquisition of Cornette de Saint Cyr gives Bonhams a second location in Paris in addition to the salesroom it opened in September 2021, and more of a foothold in Europe. In addition to its flagship on Avenue Hoche in Paris, Cornette de Saint Cyr has a saleroom in Brussels, Belgium.
Bonhams CEO Bruno Vinciguerra said the acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to develop into a global player with a balanced presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Arnaud remarked on the “wonderful synergy” between Bonhams and his family’s business.
“This new adventure will help the auction house my father founded go from strength to strength,” he said.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved and much look forward to working with Bonhams to further our goals and our international reach.”
Cornette de Saint Cyr has 16 departments including Jewelry and Collection Clocks, Haute-Couture, Comics & Illustrations, Books & Manuscripts, and Natural History.
It is known for its high-profile single-owner sales, including Alain Delon’s abstract art (2007); the estate of the Franco-Japanese painter Foujita (2011); furniture and fittings from the Hotel Royal Monceau (2008); and the couture collection belonging to Hélène Rochas, the former CEO of French fashion house Rochas. (2016).
In October, the auction house is slated to sell Asian art from the personal collections of members of the Rousset family.
The purchase of Cornette de Saint Cyr marks Bonhams fourth acquisition this year and fifth since U.K. private equity firm Epiris bought it in 2018.
Bonhams bought Stockholm-based Bukowskis, an auction house that dates to 1870, in January, as well as Boston-based Skinner, and Bruun Rasmussen in Denmark in the same week in March.
Prior to that, Bonhams picked up The Market, an online platform for classic cars and motorcycles, in April 2021.
“This acquisition represents a huge step forward for our ambitions in an important market and cements Bonhams’ position as the world’s leading core-market auction house,” Epiris partner Alex Fortescue said of the purchase of Cornette de Saint Cyr.
“Well-planned and well-executed mergers and acquisitions are a key part of our strategy to add scale, strategic position, and growth to the companies that Epiris invests in. Bonhams really embodies this.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online StorefrontPlus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not DeadPeter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque NecklaceThe necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
