MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
AuctionsSep 07, 2015
‘Hope Spinel’ resurfaces after nearly 100 years
The historical 50.13-carat gemstone was once owned by the same family that possessed the Hope Diamond and is expected to sell for more than $300,000 at Bonhams this month.
The Hope Spinel; Bonhams said spinels sometimes are confused with rubies because they’re found in the same rock formations, are chemically similar and often have a pinkish-red coloring.
London--A rare and large spinel that has not been offered for sale for nearly 100 years is set to hit the auction block at Bonhams this month.
Called the “Hope Spinel,” the 50.13-carat rose-hued stone has an octagonal-cut and is set as a brooch in 19th century sterling silver and gold, surrounded by diamonds.
The “size of a small plum,” Bonhams said it expects the gemstone brooch to fetch as much as 200,000 British pounds ($310,000) at its Sept. 24 Fine Jewellery sale in London.
Originally, the Hope Spinel was part of a gem collection owned by London banker Henry Philip Hope and his elder brother, both from a family of rich and powerful merchant bankers that is, incidentally, the same family that once owned the famed blue Hope Diamond.
When Henry secretly gifted the collection to a nephew, it became the subject of a decade-long inheritance feud within the family, which ended in the collection being divided up to resolve the issue.
A nephew, Henry Thomas Hope, ended up with not only the Hope Spinel but the Hope Diamond. When he died, the jewels were inherited by his widow, Anne Adele. As Henry and Anne’s only daughter was married to a notorious gambler, Anne bequeathed the gems to her second grandson.
But the grandson went bankrupt only nine years later, and he sold the Hope Diamond to a dealer in 1901. That stone now resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
By 1917, Christie’s had sold the remainder of the Hope gem collection, with the Hope Spinel going to a dealer for $1,600 (about $121,500 in today’s dollars) and later turning up in the collection of Lady Mount Stephen, who was married to a Canadian philanthropist living in the United Kingdom.
The spinel was passed down through that family, and the current owner is a direct descendant of Lady Mount Stephen. That descendant is selling the stone through Bonhams.
“An incredible 98 years since it was last auctioned, the Hope Spinel is now for sale again for the first time since the original sale,” said Bonhams’ Emily Barber. “It’s not only had the amazing provenance but it’s also an exceptional gemstone in its own right.”
Bonhams said the Swiss gemological laboratory SSEF has confirmed the stone is from ancient mines due to its exceptional transparency, flawless cut, beautiful color
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
and large size. It is “classed as an exceptional treasure of nature.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
