Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Diamond lots top Bonhams NY sale
Bonhams recent jewelry sale held in New York totaled $6.3 million, with diamond pieces dominating the top 10 lots.

The auction, which took place Thursday, was sold 85 percent by lot and 86 percent by value.
The top lot of the sale overall was a 5.85-carat sapphire and diamond ring that sold for $461,000, exceeding its pre-sale high estimate of $200,000.
An 8.06-carat pear-shaped natural fancy light pink diamond sold for $389,000, and an 8.45-carat diamond, 18-karat gold and platinum ring garnered $293,000, more than twice its pre-sale high estimate of $120,000.
The auction also included the jewelry from the estate of Margaret Nielsen Stiegele.
Stiegele, who passed away in March at the age of 90, was the daughter of Arthur Nielsen, who founded the television ratings systems company Nielsen. Nielsen still exists today and owned National Jeweler until it sold its expositions and publications portfolio earlier this year.
The highest-grossing piece of Stiegele jewelry was an emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet, created between 1935 and 1940. It sold for $81,250.
Bonhams said most interest in the auction originated from bidders in the United States, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Italy and Australia.
Susan Abeles, head of U.S. jewelry at Bonhams, said the sale “saw a remarkably strong market response to sapphires of various origins.”
“Signed and vintage pieces, particularly those from private estates, were also in high demand. Designs by Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels were especially popular,” said Virginia Salem, director of Bonhams jewelry department in New York.
The Latest

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.