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RAPAPORT... Bonhams & Butterfields' Salon Jewelry and Watches auction held this week in San Francisco achieved $985,000 and realized strong prices for diamond jewelry, the company reported.
Highlights from the 365-lot sale, which coincided with the SoMa Estate Auction with Jewelry sale, sold well above presale estimates and included a jadeite and diamond bracelet that fetched $34,160, a cabochon sapphire and diamond ring set in platinum that achieved $12,200 and an antique diamond, ruby, seed pearl, and enamel brooch that sold for $6,500.
Other top lots included a five-strand coral bead necklace mounted in eighteen karat gold, with a distinct 2 ¼-inch-wide gold filigree clasp that sold for $10,980, a David Webb pink spinel and cultured pearl necklace, which sold for $11,590, and a diamond and silver-topped 18-karat gold pendant with chain that garnered $10,370. An emerald and cultured pearl necklace, a pair of enamel and diamond earclips and a jadeite and diamond ring by David Webb sold for $9,760 each.
"It was a great success for the firm. There were amazing coral, jade, and signed pieces on offer amidst the well-selected jewelry that helped bolster sales, said Bonhams & Butterfields' jewelry department gemologist, Lynne Arkin. "Bidder participation exceeded our expectations."
Arkin noted that a the sales preview, which included a presentation by award winning gemstone carver and fine jeweler Glenn Lehrer on March 19 titled "The Artistic Mysteries of Gem Carving" also contributed to the sale's success.
Bonhams & Butterfields' monthly SoMa Estate Auction with Jewelry, which took place on March 20-21 was highlighted by select estate jewelry including a diamond mother of pearl and 18-karat gold tank wristwatch by Cartier that sold for $5,856 and a collection of four sapphire, diamond, and platinum rings, which achieved $4,636.
The firm's fine jewelry sale will take place on April 11 in New York with a simulcast to San Francisco and Los Angeles, following previews on March 25-27 in Los Angeles, April 1-3 in San Francisco, and April 8-10 in New York. The next SoMa Estate Auction will take place April 17-18 in San Francisco following the preview two days before.
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