Editor’s Note
This week’s Bonhams auction in California presents a curated selection of 245 jewelry lots, featuring signed pieces, rare gems, and designs from Art Deco to contemporary styles. It marks a key event in the autumn auction calendar.
A significant event of the fall auction season comes this week, with Bonhams’ California Jewels sale on Sept. 26. Its 245 lots include signed jewels, rare gemstones, and period pieces spanning styles, from art deco to bold contemporary.
Leading the auction is a diamond necklace by the storied American jeweler Raymond Yard that holds a 5.1 ct. oval opal within a surround of diamonds and pear-shape rubies. Believed to have originally been designed as a ring, the jewel belonged to Doris Merrill Magowan, the only daughter of Merrill Lynch founder Charles Merrill.
The necklace, which features a total of approximately 6.3 cts. diamonds and is set in platinum, carries a presale estimate of $30,000–$50,000.
Following the success of its May 20 California Jewels sale, which realized a total of over $2.1 million, Bonhams anticipates strong international interest and similarly impressive results for the upcoming auction. With its mix of historic and contemporary treasures, California Jewels underscores Bonhams’ role as a key player in the fine jewelry market.
Before live bidding commences, clients will have the opportunity to view items in the auction at Bonhams’ L.A. showroom, 7601 W. Sunset Blvd., from Sept. 23 to Sept. 25. Below are just a few highlights.
– Necklace (circa 1925), convertible to two bracelets, in platinum with a carved sugarloaf cabochon emerald, two carved emerald beads, and old European–cut diamonds, estimate $5,500–$7,500
– Ring in platinum with 4.19 ct. pear-shape fancy intense yellow diamond, round diamonds, and pear-shape diamonds, estimate $25,000–$35,000
– Bracelet in platinum with approximately 28.9 cts. t.w. round, tapered baguette, and marquise-shape diamonds, estimate $20,000–$30,000
– Ring (circa 1950) in gold with 3.05 ct. oval diamond and baguette diamonds, estimate $15,000–$25,000
(Photos courtesy of Bonhams)
