【New York, US】Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction

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Editor’s Note

This report details the successful auction of a distinguished single-owner jewelry collection at Bonhams New York, which achieved a near-total sell-through and realized close to $5 million.

Oscar Heyman emerald ring
Auction Results

Bonhams New York’s recent auction of a single-owner jewelry collection achieved a total of nearly $5 million, with all but a few lots finding buyers.

The 61-lot sale, “Exceptional Jewels from A Distinguished Collection,” took place on September 26. It was 100 percent sold by value and 98 percent sold by lot.

Oscar Heyman Highlights

The auction included the sale of several Oscar Heyman jewels.

One of the top lots, an emerald and diamond ring mounted by the American jeweler, sold for $508,500, more than $58,000 per carat. The ring features an 8.68-carat emerald flanked by step-cut trapezoid diamonds. It topped its pre-sale estimate of $250,000-$350,000.

“Competition among bidders was fierce, especially for the emerald ring. The ring’s final selling price was a testament to the rarity of the emerald, which was one of the finest quality stones I’ve ever handled,” said Emily Waterfall, Bonhams director and head of jewelry, Los Angeles.
Oscar Heyman Birds in Flight bracelet Mondrian bracelet

Another jewel from Oscar Heyman, the gem-set “Birds in Flight” bracelet, sold for $203,700, more than double its highest estimate of $120,000. The piece depicts tropical birds in flight amid floral sprigs set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, onyx, and diamonds.

An Oscar Heyman diamond and gem-set “Mondrian” bracelet with step-cut sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and brilliant-cut yellow sapphires also outdid its estimate ($50,000-$80,000), selling for $108,450.

“The single-owner collection was truly exceptional, representing a distinguished collection of colored stone jewels from a family with fabulous taste and a genuine passion for selecting and wearing fine jewelry. The entire collection was chic, classic, and elegant and we were honored to sell the jewels, delivering strong results,” said Waterfall.
Paraíba Tourmaline Success

Other highlights of the auction included the sale of two pieces featuring Paraíba tourmaline.

A ring with a cushion-cut Paraíba tourmaline weighing approximately 5.44 carats and surrounded by diamonds achieved $533,900 (about $98,000 per carat) against a pre-sale estimate of $40,000 to $60,000.

A pair of ear clips, each centering an oval-shaped Paraíba tourmaline set within a surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds, sold for $140,200, more than four times its low-end estimate of $30,000.

Bonhams Paraíba tourmaline ring
Other Notable Sales

Other standout pieces from the auction include an emerald and diamond bracelet, which sold for $356,100 against a high-end estimate of $180,000, as well as two pieces featuring pink sapphires.

A ring featuring a 14.23-carat cushion-cut pink sapphire flanked by half-moon shaped diamonds sold for 10 times its low-end estimate, fetching $305,300.

A pink sapphire and diamond necklace outdid its lowest estimate by three times, selling for $152,900.

Auction House Perspective
“Bonhams is privileged to have presented such a colorful offering in this single-owner auction. The spectacular collection of Oscar Heyman jewelry showcased the ingenuity of his designs, which celebrated the natural beauty of these vivid colored gemstones in timeless pieces,” said Caroline Morrissey, Bonhams director and head of jewelry, New York.
“It is a rare honor to bring a collection that truly had everything to the auction block—impressive diamonds, vibrant colored gemstones, and classic jewelry designs. We are absolutely delighted that the results achieved figures above the pre-sale estimates and reflected the quality of exceptional pieces that were on offer.”
Emerald and diamond bracelet
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⏰ Published on: September 30, 2024