Sapphires Sparkle at Bonhams London

RAPAPORT… Sapphires stole the show at the latest Bonhams jewelry sale in London, with the top lot more than doubling its high estimate.

A late-19th-century sapphire, diamond and natural-pearl pendant fetched GBP 206,500 ($273,285) at the December 2 London Jewels sale, Bonhams said last week. That piece was followed by a ring with a 3.52-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamonds, which realized GBP 187,750 ($248,471), within its estimate.

“The exquisite sapphire and pearl pendant and the exceptional sapphire and diamond ring were clearly the standout pieces of the sale — and it is no wonder such showstopping gems attracted the attention of the bidders,” said Emily Barber, head of jewelry for Bonhams UK.

Other notable items included a pair of pearl and diamond earrings, which sold for GBP 94,000 ($124,401), smashing its GBP 30,000 ($39,702) high estimate. A ring set with a step-cut, 4.76-carat, E-color, VVS2-clarity diamond also beat its upper valuation, going for GBP 89,000 ($117,784), while a brilliant-cut, 6.31-carat, fancy-yellow diamond ring garnered GBP 51,500 ($68,156), exceeding its high estimate.

Image: The sapphire, diamond and natural-pearl pendant. (Bonhams)