AuctionsMar 06, 2023
Pharrell Williams Brings Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry to Auction AuctionsMar 07, 2023
Palm Springs Philanthropist’s Estate Tops Bonhams' ‘California Jewels’ Sale
Peggy Cravens’ estate sold 100 percent by lot.
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.
Full sale results are available online.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Full sale results are available online.
More on Auctions
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
