CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsMay 01, 2019
Document Outlining Cullinan Cutting Smashes Pre-Sale Estimate
Originally estimated to sell for up to $3,900, the paperwork went for $27,720 at Bonhams’ jewelry auction in London Tuesday.
The auction lot featuring the agreement of how the historic Cullinan rough diamond would be handled, cleaved and cut went for well above its pre-sale estimate at Bonhams London Tuesday.
London—The document outlining the handling, cleaving and cutting of the world’s largest gem-quality rough diamond was a hit at auction.
At Bonhams’ London Jewels sale on Tuesday, the historic agreement that facilitated the cutting of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond garnered $27,720 (including the buyer’s premium), going for well above its pre-sale estimate of $2,600 to $3,900.
The Cullinan rough diamond was discovered near Pretoria, South Africa, in 1905. So large it was believed to be a piece of rock crystal instead of a diamond, the rough was named after Thomas Cullinan, chairman of the mine where it was found.
The Bonham’s lot included the original manuscript for the ‘Agreement for the Inspection of the Cullinan Diamond’ between the representatives of King Edward VII and London diamond brokers M.J. Levy & Nephews, dated Jan. 29, 1908.
The document appointed M.J. Levy and Nephews as “inspectors” of the Cullinan and outlined the parameters and guidelines of how it had to be handled, as well as the duties of each party.
It brokered the handling and cutting of the Cullinan by the Asscher Company to create the nine principal Cullinan Diamonds, Bonhams said, which make up part of the collection of the Crown Jewels and the collection of Her Majesty The Queen.
In addition to the document, the auction lot also included a paste replica of the rough Cullinan diamond and two replica sets of the nine principal diamonds, as well as a pamphlet of 15 printed images documenting the various states of the Cullinan during the cutting process.
Highlighting the rest of Tuesday’s London Jewels auction, a 17.43-carat Kashmir sapphire and old brilliant-cut diamond ring from the property of a European noble family was the top lot, garnering about $940,500, nearly double its pre-sale estimate.
This was followed by a transformable necklace by Spanish jeweler Grassy, circa 1935, featuring a 34.59-carat sapphire and approximately 40 carats of diamond accents. It sold for approximately $374,000.
The No. 3 highest-grossing lot was a 9.07-carat step-cut diamond ring that went for about $325,200; at No. 4 was a pair of old brilliant-cut diamond earrings, weighing 11.27 and 10.61 carats, that garnered about $211,400; and at No. 5 was a Cartier “Toi et Moi” crossover ring, set with a 4.35-carat step-cut fancy intense yellow diamond and a 4.47-carat step-cut diamond, which went for $187,100.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
