On June 13, the much-anticipated Bonhams Jewels auction will be held in London featuring 118 exciting lots.
Today we take a look at some of the most interesting and notable lots.
Mouawad Diamond and Colored Diamond “Toi et Moi” Ring
Established in 1890 and today run by the fifth generation of the same founding family, Mouawad creates jewels of exceptional craftsmanship beloved by collectors and celebrities alike. Everything is carefully considered and executed right down to the smallest detail – setting the shoulders of this ring with diamonds of pink tint next to the 5.03cts Fancy Intense Blue diamond and stones of blue tint next to the 5.13cts Fancy Purple-Pink diamond is a signature hallmark of the firm’s attention to detail and design philosophy, which has remained consistently true to its roots.
The ring is estimated £1,000,000 – £1,500,000
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS: DIAMOND ‘LATTICE’ BRACELET, CIRCA 1950
See Possémé, E., ‘Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art of High Jewelry’, p.155, for a diamond ‘lattice’ bracelet of similar design, dated 1952. This example, set with a lattice of brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds, was given by the Conseil National de la Principauté de Monaco in 1956 to H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco, in honour of her marriage to Prince Rainer III of Monaco.
The bracelet is estimated £70,000 – £90,000
MARCUS & CO: ENAMEL, PEARL, DIAMOND AND GEM-SET JEWEL, CIRCA 1895
Of abstract foliate form, the iridescent enamel graduating from blue to green with burnt orange accents, applied with sinuous tendrils, millegrain-set with old-brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, accented by circular-cut emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the central 13.5mm bouton pearl of purple tint atop bicoloured enamel leaves, issuing an old brilliant-cut diamond quatrefoil, terminating with a later natural pearl drop weighing 13.25 carats, via a single-cut diamond surmount, the reverse decorated with finely engraved basket and fluted motifs, mounted in silver and gold, signed Marcus & Co., old brilliant-cut diamonds approximately 15.10 carats total, later clip fitting, length 10.2cm
The set is estimated £60,000 – £80,000
CARTIER: ART DECO GEM-SET ROCK CRYSTAL BANGLE, CIRCA 1930
This exquisite bangle combines 1930s sculpturesque opulence with Cartier’s distinctive use of Persian decorative motifs. Significant archaeological discoveries during the second half of the 19th century led to a rediscovery of civilisations beyond Europe’s borders. By the turn of the 20th century, Islamic art had become a field of study and inspiration for museums, artists, musicians, dancers, such as the Ballet Russes, and jewellers, such as Cartier.
The bangle is estimated £25,000 – £35,000