Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsSep 22, 2016
3.81-Carat Fancy Intense Blue Diamond Sells for $3M
The oval-cut stone went above its pre-sale estimate of $1.7 to $2.4 million at Bonhams London’s Fine Jewellery sale Tuesday.
This 3.81-carat fancy intense blue diamond sold for $3 million at Bonhams London Tuesday, making it the top lot of the auction house’s Fine Jewellery sale.
London--A fancy intense blue diamond from a private British collection went above its pre-sale estimate when it hit the auction block in London Tuesday.
The 3.81-carat oval-cut stone, estimated to sell for between $1.7 and $2.4 million, garnered $3 million at Bonhams’ Fine Jewellery sale Tuesday, making it the top lot of the event.
Other notable blue stones finished at the top of the sale, with a pair of late 19th century Kashmir sapphire earrings, weighing 8.97 carats and 8.93 carats, selling for $1.1 million, also going over their pre-sale high estimate of $790,000.
In fact, many lots sold for more than expected, with nine out of the top 10 besting pre-sale estimates.
A marquise-cut 11-carat diamond in a six-claw 18-karat gold setting more than doubled its estimate when it garnered $799,560 (high estimate $330,000); a 13.77-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring from J. Roca went for $393,599 (also a high estimate of $330,000); and an early 20th century bow brooch/pendant set with old brilliant-cut diamonds garnered $151,584 (high estimate $52,500).
A Harry Winston necklace featuring an articulated line of alternating marquise-cut and pear-shaped diamonds sold for $143,777 (with a pre-sale high of $78,700).
The only lot in the top 10 to fall within its pre-sale estimated range was a pair of earrings set with cushion-shaped sapphires weighing 4.16 and 5.01 carats and a border of old brilliant-cut diamonds, which garnered $221,847.
The full list of results can be found on Bonhams.com.
This early 20th century bow brooch/pendant set with old brilliant-cut diamonds set in silver and gold garnered $151,584.
A pair of diamond pendent earrings circa 1830, weighing 3.02 and 3.25 carats, with a pinched collett setting, garnered $135,970.
This ring from J. Roca features a 13.77-carat brilliant-cut diamond of I color and VVS2 clarity between shoulders set with trios of graduated baguette-cut diamonds. It sold for $393,599.
This marquise-cut 11-carat diamond set in a six-claw 18-karat gold setting sold for $799,560.
This pair of earrings featuring two cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphires weighing 8.97 carats and 8.93 carats, each surrounded with old brilliant-cut diamonds and an old brilliant-cut diamond surmount, sold above their highest pre-sale estimate when they garnered $1.1 million.
This pair of earrings, set with cushion-shaped sapphires weighing 4.16 and 5.01 carats and a border of old brilliant-cut diamonds, went for $221,847.
This Harry Winston necklace, featuring an articulated line of alternating marquise-cut and pear-shaped diamonds weighing 38 total carats, sold for $143,777.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
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.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
