Bonhams to host jewellery auction

An auction of high-quality mineral specimens, gold nuggets, works of art, gemstones and jewellery will be held by Bonhams in New York on June 1, 2009. The auction would offer 525 lots on sale, of which over 50 contain Tourmaline in both polished and unpolished, mounted and unmounted jewellery. The company suggests that there is a growing interest for the stone amongst the trade as of today and its characteristics make it an ideal stone for everyday wear jewellery.

The quality of the featured bue Tourmalines is rare. Other offerings in the auction is a multicolor jewellery suite of 59 small and intricately hand-carved flowers from German lapidary expert Manfred Wild. This has a presale estimate of $28,000- and $35,000. The jewellery includes a necklace and pair of earrings, made of tourmalines sourced from across the globe. Wild is also placing hand-carved tourmaline jewellery comprising of a transparent green Brazilian box with a lining of 18-karat gold, and carrying a presale estimate of $15,000 -$18,000. Another is a multicolor and sterling silver presentation box with a Liddicoatite slice from Madagascar. Its presale estimate is between $12,000 to $15,000. A mouse shaped intense pink Madagascar tourmaline having an estimate of $4,500 to $5,500, a unique bicolor pink and green tourmaline and a grasshopper sculpted in 18-karat gold with a presale estimate of $3,500 and $4,500 are some more of the lots being offered.

Other pieces include some carvings by Gerd Dreher, Sylvia and Luis Quispe. Of the jewellery, is a 99 carat carved black opal and diamond pendant by Lightning Ridge, precious creations by Robert Wander.