AuctionsFeb 10, 2023
Report: Private Equity Firm Looking to Sell Bonhams AuctionsFeb 13, 2023
Diamond Rings and Signed Bangles Star in Bonhams Auction
The auction house’s upcoming California Jewels Sale features jewelry by Cartier, David Webb, Verdura, and Tiffany & Co.
Among the highlights of Bonhams’ California Jewels sale this month are signed cuff bracelets from major jewelry houses like Verdura and David Webb. This double-hinged 18-karat gold and emerald Cartier cuff is estimated to sell for between $6,000 and $8,000.
Los Angeles—Diamond lovers and collectors of pieces from major jewelry houses won’t want to miss Bonhams’ upcoming auction.
The California Jewels sale is slated for Feb. 22 in Los Angeles.
The lot with the highest pre-sale estimate is an exceptional diamond ring (below).
Crafted in 18-karat white gold, it features a Type IIa, 6.09-carat, E-color, VVS2 clarity, marquise-shaped diamond center stone. The ring is expected to fetch between $140,000 and $200,000.
The ring is one of 20 jewels from the estate of philanthropist Peggy Koerner Cravens, who lived from 1931 to 2022.
Cravens was a charitable force in Palm Springs, California, who raised money for organizations including the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Opera Guild, Palm Springs International Piano Competition and ACT for Multiple Sclerosis.
She and her late husband, Life Magazine photojournalist Donald Cravens, donated the Donald and Peggy Cravens Student Services Center to College of the Desert.
“She was a woman of grace, character, compassion, brains, and beauty,” said former Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon. “She wanted everyone around her to be better off.”
Proceeds from her collection will benefit Cravens’ favorite charities.
Another sale highlight is the above Cartier diamond dress clip circa 1929. Crafted in platinum, it features a shield-shaped diamond and fancy-shaped baguette diamonds, as well as round and single-cut diamonds.
All the stones range from D-color to F-color and are between VS and SI clarity. They total 10.35 carats. The dress clip is expected to sell for $75,000 to $100,000.
Diamonds are a major focus of the sale.
The above platinum and graduate baguette diamond line necklace features 44.95 total carats, with stones ranging from G-color to I-color and VS to SI clarity. It’s expected to earn between $50,000 and $70,000.
Also estimated to sell for $50,000-$70,000 is the above platinum and diamond ring. The center stone is a 5.82-carat, I-color, SI1 clarity, emerald-cut diamond flanked by tapered baguette diamonds.
Another notable diamond ring is the above platinum and three-stone diamond ring. It features three oval-cut diamonds weighing a total 6.05 carats. The stones are E-F color and range between VVS2 and VS2 clarity.
The ring is expected to sell for $35,000 to $55,000.
Diamond bracelet lovers will delight in the above platinum and diamond bracelet that features a total 265 diamonds. The stones are a combination of marquise-shaped, baguette and round diamonds, all G-, H-, or I-color and VVS-VS clarity.
The bracelet is estimated to sell for between $22,000 and $28,000.
Speaking of bracelets, there are several bold cuffs from major jewelry houses on offer.
The below Verdura 18-karat gold and gem-set wood bracelet features the brand’s signature Maltese cross. It’s encrusted with ruby and emerald cabochons, round cultured pearls and round diamonds.
It’s expected to sell for between $18,000 and $22,000.
The below David Webb cuff ($8,000-$12,000) is crafted in 18-karat gold with a 16.10-carat aquamarine set in platinum and surrounded by round diamonds.
The below Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. hinged bracelet ($8,000-$12,000) circa 1981 features coral and aventurine inlay that forms a rose.
Finally, the below “Panthère de Cartier” bracelet ($6,000-$8,000) features double hinges. It’s 18-karat gold with pear-shaped emerald for the panther’s eyes.
The full listing of all 244 sale lots is live on Bonhams.com.
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