RAPAPORT... Bonhams auction house, one of the world’s largest auctioneers founded in 1793, garnered $7.2 million (GBP 5 million) at a jewelry auction this month in London.
Selling 88 percent of the 129 lots on offer, Bonhams noted a strong interest in diamonds as well as pink and blue sapphires.
The top lot (pictured) was a step-cut, 15.52-carat, D, VVS2 diamond ring by Harry Winston which sold for $1.6 million (GBP 1.1 million), or $101,500 per carat. Its selling price exceeded the upper pre-sale estimate of $1.3 million (GBP 900,000), the auction house reported.
Other notable gems sold included a pair of marquise and pear-shaped diamond earrings, also by Harry Winston, that weighed 25.37 carats and fetched $384,000 (GBP 266,500). Its pre-sale upper estimate was $288,000 (GBP 200,000).
“The sale performed exceptionally well, generating interest from buyers in the UK, Europe, the US and Asia,” said Jean Ghika, head of Bonhams Jewellery for the UK and Europe. “Our headline lots achieve strong prices, demonstrating that top quality diamonds, colored gemstones and signed jewels remain highly desirable.”
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