MajorsJan 20, 2023
Quality Gold Acquires Herco AuctionsFeb 10, 2023
Report: Private Equity Firm Looking to Sell Bonhams
Epiris reportedly is in the early stages of gauging market interest in the auction house, which it acquired in 2018.
The inside of Cornette de Saint Cyr auction house in Paris. Cornette de Saint Cyr was one of five acquisitions Bonhams made after private equity firm Epiris bought it in late 2018. Now, Epiris is reportedly exploring the idea of selling Bonhams in a $1 billion deal. (© Fatima Jellaoui)
New York—Private equity firm Epiris is reportedly looking to sell Bonhams after buying the 230-year-old auction house a little over four years ago and growing the business via a series of acquisitions.
Citing confidential sources close to the matter, Bloomberg reported Monday that the London-based private equity firm is working with advisers at JPMorgan Chase & Co. as it debates the idea of putting the auction house up for sale.
Epiris will value the auction house at $1 billion in any deal, according to Bloomberg. Talks reportedly are in the “early stages” and may not result in any transaction.
Bonhams directed press inquiries about the potential sale to Epiris. Epiris declined to comment on the report.
Epiris bought Bonhams, which was founded in London in 1793, in 2018 for an undisclosed amount.
Since its purchase by the private equity firm, Bonhams made five acquisitions worldwide over a 14-month period.
Its first acquisition took place in April 2021 when it bought The Market, an online marketplace for classic cars and collectible motorcycles.
It bought Bukowskis, an auction house with its flagship showroom in Stockholm, Sweden, in January 2022.
Then, in the same week in March 2022, Bonhams announced it was acquiring both Boston-based Skinner and Bruun Rasmussen, which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Its fifth acquisition took place in June of that year, buying the Cornette de Saint Cyr auction house in Paris.
The acquisition helped push Bonhams’ sales over the $1 billion mark for the first time in company history.
The company said its sales registration levels rose by 57 percent year-over-year in 2022—almost four times its pre-pandemic (and pre-acquisitions) levels—and more than half of those who bought something from Bonhams last year were first-time customers at the auction house.
North America and Europe were Bonhams’ biggest markets, each accounting for about 33 percent of sales, followed by the U.K. at 19 percent and Asia-Pacific at 16 percent.
The auction house held a number of notable single-owner sales last year, including the personal property of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Vegas mainstays Siegfried & Roy, and actor Sir Michael Caine. Caine’s possessions included a collection of watches that belonged to him and his wife, Lady Shakira Caine, as well as a number of pieces of jewelry she designed and wore.
Among Bonhams’ top lots of the year was a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet, which sold for $3.2 million.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
GradingJan 17, 2023
IGI CEO Confirms Report of Potential Sale 
GradingJan 13, 2023
Sarine To Acquire Majority Stake in GCAL More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
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.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
