Single-owner collections are all about prestige and fascinating backstory. Carefully assembled and curated by one person over decades, lots from such collections arouse special interest at the auctions. And worshippers from all over the world have a great opportunity to snap up some valuable items in early December at the London Jewels sale from Bonhams. The bidding event presents 150 breathtaking pieces made between the 18th and 21st, showcasing natural pearls, certified colored diamonds, and a stunning array of vibrant gemstones, including Burmese sapphires and rubies, Colombian emeralds, and vintage items from renowned designers. The event will take place at the flagship London salesroom on New Bond Street.
One dazzling necklace made from natural pearls, diamonds, and rubies, previously owned by a private collector, is among the auction highlights. It features 5 strands of pearls that gracefully increase in size towards the center. Floral spacers from precious stones are set on both sides and add elegance to the piece. The two floral elements include a central old brilliant-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of oval-cut rubies and adorned with single-cut diamond accents. The pavé-set petals, composed of both brilliant and single-cut diamonds, are beautifully complemented by baguette-cut diamonds. This stunning piece is estimated to fetch between $188,400 and $314,000 (£150,000 and £250,000).
Another remarkable lot is a mid-19th century sapphire and diamond necklace, which is expected to go for between $94,000 and $125,700 (£75,000 and £100,000). The piece will likely captivate those who appreciate antique jewelry and historical craftsmanship. The design suggests influences from Victorian or Edwardian jewelry, known for its elaborate detailing. This necklace features a series of decorative plaques, each showcasing a cushion-shaped or oval-cut sapphire from Sri Lanka, surrounded by cushion- and pear-shaped diamonds. The plaques are connected by diamond-encrusted coronet-style and figure-eight-shaped links. The clasp is adorned with a smooth, cabochon-cut sapphire. The neckpiece comes from a private UK collector.
Kate Flitcroft, Bonhams Co-Head of Department, Jewellery, UK, mentioned two other pieces that lead the sale of antique and signed 20th-century jewels. These are the radiant-cut Fancy Intense Green diamond, weighing 1.77 carats, and the old pear-shaped diamond of Light Pink color, weighing 2.27 carats, within a heart-shaped surround of diamonds.
Dame Joan Collins. 2010 Photo from Wikipedia.
Eight jewels from the Collection of Dame Joan Collins are presented at London Jewels. Dame Joan has been famous for more than seven decades for her acting career, but her talents are not limited to this field, she is also an accomplished producer and a published author, who released her 19th book last year. At seventeen, 1 year after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Dame Joan shot her first movie in Britain. And it was just a thrilling beginning, followed by Broadway and the West End performances and tours across the UK and North America. In 1997 and 2015, she was awarded a British order of chivalry for her services to the arts. Dame Joan actively supports many charities, especially those that help women, children, and families. She was honored with the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) for her lifelong dedication to charitable work.
The auction organizers are especially proud to offer three pieces from the collection: all of them were designed by an Italian luxury brand and feature diamonds and colored gemstones.
The first piece is a ruby and diamond neckpiece made in approximately 1960. It is anticipated to fetch up to $22,600 (£18,000). The item consists of square plaques increasing in size towards the center. Each element includes a ruby cabochon and smaller diamonds.
The second piece is drop earrings (circa 1965) that feature the same stones and fine rigato engraving throughout. They are valued at up to $12,500 (£10,000).
The last magnificent lot is the Buccellati heliodor dress ring, made in the 1960s. It is estimated to be worth at least $7,500 (£6,000).
