A rare Chaumet diamond necklace stole the spotlight at the London Jewels sale hosted by Bonhams, surpassing its high estimate by more than double. The necklace, adorned with seven drops of various diamond shapes, fetched an impressive GBP 305,200 ($371,575) during the auction.
Chaumet originally designed this necklace in 1896 as part of a tiara worn by Archduchess Maria Dorothea of Austria for her wedding to Philippe, Duke of Orleans. The jeweler subsequently created multiple versions of this iconic design, with this particular piece dating back to around 1900.
The auction also featured other signed jewelry pieces and period items adorned with significant diamonds and colored gemstones that garnered attention from buyers. Some additional highlights from the sale include:
An Art Deco sapphire and diamond platinum ring from around 1920, showcasing a fancy-cut sugarloaf cabochon Kashmir sapphire weighing 7.12 carats. It sold for GBP 248,050 ($306,878), surpassing its upper presale estimate of GBP 90,000 ($111,345).
A ring by British jeweler Garrard, featuring a 5.65-carat step-cut Colombian emerald at its center, flanked by approximately 4.50 carats of baguette- and caliber-cut diamonds. It fetched GBP 203,600 ($251,886), exceeding expectations.
A platinum necklace from circa 1950, adorned with step-cut aquamarines set between pierced bombé links and pavé-set with old-brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 13.60 carats. It achieved GBP 203,600 ($251,886).
A late-19th-century diamond necklace featuring 16 clusters of collet-set old-brilliant-cut diamonds surrounded by additional old-brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 50 carats. It sold for GBP 127,400 ($157,614), more than doubling its presale estimate.
An Asprey & Garrard platinum collar necklace from 2000, featuring pear, oval, and marquise diamonds, culminating in a marquise-cut diamond clasp with a total carat weight of approximately 59.52. It realized GBP 89,300 ($110,479), surpassing its high estimate.
A Boodles ring adorned with a 3.90-carat fancy-vivid-yellow diamond set within an openwork scalloped design embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds. It fetched GBP 79,775 ($98,695).
A ring featuring a step-cut Colombian emerald set between tapered baguette-cut diamonds, which sold for GBP 70,250 ($86,911), more than three times its presale high estimate.
Another standout sale was a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels diamond “Disques” platinum earclips from around 1935. Each earring features spiraling pavé-set diamonds and achieved a price of £51,200 ($62,375), surpassing its high estimate.
