Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
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
and large size. It is “classed as an exceptional treasure of nature.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
