Auctions

Bonhams Sees White-Glove Sale of Lapidary Masterpieces

AuctionsMar 15, 2019

Bonhams Sees White-Glove Sale of Lapidary Masterpieces

The top lot was this musical gemstone carousel, which went for well above its pre-sale estimate when it sold for $262,575.

20190311_Cafesjian-header.jpg
This musical gemstone carousel, which required 960 hours of stone sculpting and cutting to make, was the top lot in Bonham’s “100 Lapidary Treasures from The Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian” auction Tuesday.

Los Angeles—Interest in philanthropist and businessman Gerard Cafesjian’s personal lapidary collection proved to be high with Tuesday’s auction in Los Angeles selling 100 percent of the lots.

On March 12, Bonhams Los Angeles hosted “100 Lapidary Treasures from The Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian,” showcasing a collection that reflects the late Cafesjian’s love of gemology, color, and form.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925 to Armenian immigrants, Cafesjian served in the Navy during World War II and then went to school to earn degrees in geology, economics and, later, a law degree.

In 1952, he started a decades-long career with West Publishing Company, one of the largest publishers of legal materials, rising through the ranks and eventually amassing personal wealth.

He was known for his philanthropic pursuits, including launching an annual art exhibition called “Art and Law,” founding the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and establishing the Cafesjian Family Foundation to donate millions to Armenian charities.

Tuesday’s sale of Cafesjian’s personal collection was led by an illuminated musical gemstone and gold carousel by Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, circa 1991, which went for nearly double its pre-sale estimate when it garnered $262,575.

Cafesjian commissioned the carousel directly from the artist. The piece required 960 hours of stone sculpting and cutting, 3,250 hours of goldsmithing and 210 hours of stone setting to complete, according to Bonhams.

And the carousel wasn’t the only piece to go for well above its estimate.


The No. 2 lot in the sale was the ruby, granite and gold eagle sculpture by Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio, circa 2007, pictured above.

It sold for $62,575 Tuesday, compared with a pre-sale estimate of $25,000 to $35,000.


It was followed closely by the “Bleeding Hearts” gold flower study (seen above) by renowned lapidary artist Manfred Wild.

It is comprised of 15 ruby flowers, white Cacholong opals from the Caspian Sea, 12 green leaves carved from Brazilian emerald, 109 pave-set diamonds, carved rock crystal with four inset sapphire slabs, two marquise-shaped ruby cabochons, and two triangular-shaped emerald cabochons.

The piece went for above its estimate of $30,000 to $50,000, selling for $56,325.

Rounding out the top lots were a carved agate falcon on a copper base by lapidary artist Gerd Dreher and a natural citrine carving of a lion by Gerhard Becker.

Meanwhile, the two online-only sales—“Gemstones from The Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian” and“Minerals from The Estate of Gerard L. Cafesjian”—are

still currently open for bidding. They end tomorrow (March 16).

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Tanishq Atlanta store
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Woman wearing Brilliant Earth jewelry
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement Recovery

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

Chopard Insofu emerald collection
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the Future

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Chris Anderson
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, Treasurer

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America’s new natural and lab-grown diamond brochure
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

A rough diamond and a polished diamond
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

New Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman Kirit Bhansali
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Diamonds Do Good honoree Govind Dholakia at medical camp
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

Marla Aaron Liberty London Shop-in-Shop
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to London

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

JA New York sign
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo Lineups

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Jaythan Lawrence Gilder and body scan
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red Carpet

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Marco Bicego 25 Years Campaign Isabeli Fontana
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, Campaign

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Hill & Co The List
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer Database

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

Amy-Elise Signeavsky GIA
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual Luncheon

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Picture of Terry Chandler, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

MaeVona King of the Mountains Torc
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ Collection

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

The Jewelry Symposium 2025 Scholarship Winners
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Jane Fonda, America Ferrera, Mariska Hargitay, Laura Harrier, Mattia Furlani, Gianvito Martino, Sabina Belli in Pomellato International Women’s Day campaign
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD Campaign

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

Yeprem Golden Strada Statement Necklace
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ Necklace

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.

Kyle Slosson
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities Manager

Longtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.

Dan and Hope Wixon with dog
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy