The auction, featuring 113 lots, achieved a total of £6,590,562, with an impressive 78% of lots sold by number and a staggering 99% by value.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Mouawad diamond and fancy coloured diamond 'Toi Et Moi' ring, which fetched an astonishing £2,952,400. This exquisite piece features a radiant-cut fancy intense blue diamond weighing 5.03 carats, elegantly set with a radiant-cut fancy purple-pink diamond weighing 5.13 carats. Adorned with pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds in hues of pink and blue on the gallery and shoulders, the ring far exceeded its pre-sale estimate of £1,000,000-1,500,000.
Jennifer Tonkin, Bonhams Co-Head of Department, Jewellery, UK, expressed her delight at the exceptional results of the sale, noting, “London Jewels showcased best-in-class examples from every era, including Kashmir sapphires, certificated diamonds, and a variety of exceptional coloured diamonds ranging from fancy light yellow to vivid yellow stones. The auction highlighted the artistry and technical brilliance of renowned jewellers, underscoring our commitment to offering the finest jewellery pieces to our discerning clientele.”
Among the standout lots was a Belle Époque Marcus & Co. enamel, pearl, diamond, and gem-set brooch from circa 1895, which sold for £165,500 against an estimate of £60,000-80,000. This exquisite piece, adorned with iridescent cloisonné enamel, old-brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, and accented by circular-cut emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, exemplifies the craftsmanship and elegance of the era.
The auction also featured a diverse selection of jewellery, including a 1950s diamond bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, a diamond fringe necklace circa 1950, and a 19th-century diamond rivière necklace, all achieving significant results and demonstrating the enduring appeal of classic designs.
Noteworthy sales also included a ruby and diamond ring with a cushion-shaped Burmese ruby weighing 7.10 carats, which sold for £216,300, surpassing its pre-sale estimate threefold. Another highlight was a coloured diamond and diamond ring, featuring a 10.01-carat step-cut fancy intense yellow diamond, which fetched £165,500, doubling its pre-sale estimate.
The auction further showcased a Rubel Frères Art Deco diamond sautoir from circa 1925, which sold for £165,500, and a rare Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ‘Lattice’ bracelet from the 1950s, which achieved £121,050.
As the curtain fell on the Bonhams London Jewels sale, the remarkable results underscored the continued allure and investment potential of exquisite jewellery pieces, driven by their rarity, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
