This 6.09-carat marquise-shaped diamond from the estate of Peggy Cravens was the top lot at Bonhams’ “California Jewels” sale held last month.
Los Angeles—The estate of late philanthropist Peggy Cravens (1931-2022) proved to be a hit at Bonhams’ “California Jewels” sale last month.
All twenty jewels from Craven’s collection sold, with the $405,000 proceeds benefitting her favorite charities and cultural institutions, most of which are concentrated in Palm Springs, California.
The top lot was Craven’s ring featuring a Type IIa, 6.09-carat, E-color, VVS2 clarity, marquise-shaped diamond set in 18-karat white gold. Expected to earn between $140,000 and $200,000, it sold for $240,000.
Bonhams Los Angeles Director of Jewelry Emily Waterfall said the sale marked, “a dazzling start to the year for our Los Angeles jewelry sales. We are particularly thrilled to have achieved such wonderful results for diamond pieces, and for the exceptional private collection of philanthropist Peggy Cravens.”
Other highlights included the above Cartier platinum and diamond dress clip, circa 1929. The platinum piece features a shield-shaped diamond, fancy-shaped baguette diamonds, round diamonds, and single-cut diamonds.
The diamonds range from D-color to F-color and VS-SI clarity. They total 10.35 carats. The dress clip sold for $95,000, within its pre-sale range.
The above platinum and 5.82-carat emerald-cut diamond ring with tapered baguette diamond side stones also sold for $95,000, above its $50,000-$70,000 estimate.
The above platinum and graduated baguette diamond line necklace featuring 44.95 total carats of diamonds exceeded its $50,000-$70,000 pre-sale estimate, selling for $91,000.
The platinum and three-stone diamond ring above with 6.05 total carats sold for $86,000, well above its $35,000-$55,000 estimate.
The above platinum and diamond bracelet from the Peggy Cravens estate featuring approximately 29.6 carats of diamonds trounced its $22,000-$28,000 pre-sale estimate when it sold for $53,000.
Signed jewels had an impressive showing at California Jewels, with the above “Panthère de Cartier” bracelet selling for $38,000 compared to its $6,000-$8,000 pre-sale range.
The Verdura 18-karat gold and gem-set wood bracelet seen above sold for $23,000, just above its pre-sale estimate.
The Angela Cumming for Tiffany & Co. bracelet above, circa 1982, earned $20,000, above its $8,000-$12,000 pre-sale range.
The above David Webb platinum, 18-karat gold, aquamarine, and diamond bracelet also beat its pre-sale estimate ($8,000-$12,000), selling for $15,000.
In total, California Jewels earned $2.3 million, selling 91 percent by lot and 97 percent by value.
The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
