Verdura Cuff, Burmese Sapphire Shine at Bonhams
Several other colored gemstones joined the pieces in the top 10 list.

The gem-set and enamel “Maltese Cross” cuff nearly doubled the high end of its pre-sale estimate, selling for $432,300.
The cuff bangle was designed in 1935 by Sicilian designer Fulco di Verdura, who had just returned to Paris after a year in the United States to resume work with Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.
Later in the decade, “First Lady of American Theater” actress and the first woman to achieve EGOT status, Helen Hayes MacArthur, received the piece as a gift from her husband.
The cuff had remained in the family for the entire time before selling at auction this week, still in the original box and in “pristine condition,” Bonhams said.

The sapphire, an 11.87-carat loose cushion-cut from the estate of the late coin collector Stewart Blay, sold for $660,900, triple its pre-sale estimate.
The 21-lot collection that belonged to Blay, in total, more than doubled its pre-sale estimate of $724,300, achieving $1.5 million.
In total, the 257-lot sale garnered $7.4 million with 88 percent sold by lot and 97 percent sold by value.
“The New York Jewelry sale saw impressive results for the fancy diamonds together with the exceptional collection of colored gemstones,” said Caroline Morrissey, Bonhams director and head of jewelry, New York.
“The rare 1930s Chanel gem-set and enamel ‘Maltese cross’ cuff attributed to Verdura for Chanel formerly owned by American actress Helen Hayes MacArthur achieved double its pre-sale estimate. It was an honor to bring such a rare piece with impeccable provenance to auction for the first time.”
Other highlights of the sale include a 3.91-carat cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire, also from the Blay collection, which achieved $343,400, more than its pre-sale estimate.

Several diamond and colored diamond pieces were also up for sale, including a three-stone fancy intense blue diamond ring, which sold for $381,500, within its estimate of $300,000 to $500,000.

A ring featuring a 6.59-carat emerald-cut diamond accented with colorless and yellow-tinted diamonds sold above its high estimate of $180,000, garnering $203,700.
From the same collection, another ring, featuring a 2.03-carat cushion-cut fancy pink diamond accented with colorless and pink-tinted diamonds sold for $305,300, also achieving above its high estimate, which was $220,000.
Other notable colored diamonds include a 1.37-carat fancy intense purplish pink diamond, a ring featuring a 1.30-carat fancy brownish red diamond, and a necklace featuring a 17.04-carat fancy intense yellow diamond.
The Latest

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.


Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.