A 3.13-carat fancy vivid blue diamond will lead Bonhams New York Jewels auction on December 8. The gem, mounted on a ring, boasts VVS1 clarity with the potential to be internally flawless. Its estimate is $3.5 million – $5.5 million.
“This gemstone is remarkably rare in size, clarity and color, and boasts impeccable provenance,” said Caroline Morrissey, Bonhams SVP and head of Jewelry, US.
The 165-lot sale at Bonhams New York headquarters on Madison Avenue features jewels from leading fine jewelry houses including Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, David Webb, René Boivin, Verdura, Buccellati, Carvin and Van Cleef & Arpels. Among the highlights are the following:
A Tiffany & Co. ring, centered with an internally flawless, D-color 10.08-carat emerald-cut diamond. Its estimate is $350,000 – $550,000.
A diamond ring centered with a 6.92-carat cushion-shaped “royal blue” Kashmir sapphire. The gem is set within an openwork mount accented by two emerald-cut diamonds weighing 2.34 and 2.62 carats. Its estimate is $300,000 – $500,000.
A brooch centered with a 20.82-carat, unheated, pear-shaped Burma sapphire surrounded by a row of old European and old mine-cut diamonds. The gems are set within a detachable frame of sunburst design, set with baguette-cut diamonds with an estimated total diamond weight of 27.30 carats. Its estimate is $280,000 – $300,000.
A pair of 18k gold earclips, each featuring an emerald-cut emerald of Colombia origin weighing 5.15 and 5.59 carats set within a surround of alternating oval-shaped diamonds with yellow tint and pear-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is $200,000 – $300,000.
An 18K pink and white gold ring centered with a 2.66-carat radiant-cut fancy pink-purple diamond surrounded by round brilliant-cut diamonds of pink tint within a mounting of oval, marquise-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds. Its estimate is $180,000 – $280,000.
An 18k gold necklace by New York jeweler, Carvin French, composed of repeating links of sugarloaf amethysts surrounded by round tsavorites, interspersed with square emerald and radiant-cut diamonds with yellow tint, leading to a center piece of a similar design. The estimated colored diamond weight is 17.40 carats and the estimated tsavorite weight 41.40 carats. Its estimate is $135,000 – $185,000
Another item of note is a Tiffany & Co. tourmaline and diamond “Bird on a Rock” brooch pendant necklace conversion. Designed as a bird with a pink sapphire eye, set throughout with round brilliant-cut diamonds, standing on top of a cushion-cut tourmaline weighing approximately 52.49 carats. Transformable into a pendant suspended from a similarly designed necklace accented by marquise-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds, by a round brilliant-cut diamond-set bail attachment. Its estimate is $45,000 – $65,000.
Bonhams To Open New U.S. Flagship in New York
This will likely be the last jewelry auction held at Bonhams Madison Avenue location. The auction house recently announced that it is moving to a new U.S. flagship at 111 West 57th Street. Located in Steinway Hall originally constructed in 1925 to serve as the headquarters for piano makers Steinway & Sons, its historic ornate design was created by Warren & Wetmore, the architects of Grand Central Station. It’s also the home to the world’s thinnest skyscraper, designed by SHoP Architects. The planned opening date is February 9, 2026.
At 42,000 square feet, Bonhams said the new flagship significantly increases the square footage of Bonhams’ current Madison Avenue home. The building unites the historic Steinway Rotunda, with an 80-foot glass atrium serving as the grand reception and main lobby. A staircase leads to an expansive, triple-height gallery bathed in natural light. There will be two “large” auction rooms and a variety of exhibition spaces to accommodate large-scale objects, site-specific works and special installations.
Bonhams will inaugurate its new home with objects that celebrate the new multipurpose space. Returning to the storied past of the Steinway Hall, an original 1910 Steinway & Sons piano used by Elton John will be on display. The opening celebrations will also include a series of guest performances.
The restoration of Steinway Hall was led by JDS Development Group with the goal of returning the hall’s neoclassical design back to its early grandeur, Bonhams said. The exterior limestone facade that bears the Steinway name has been preserved, as well as its ornate domed reception hall, featuring hand-painted mosaics, marble arches and sculptural detailing.