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
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
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.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
