PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
AuctionsMar 30, 2016
The ‘Hope’ raises the auction bar for spinel
The 50.13-carat rose-hued stone sold for $1.5 million at Bonhams Thursday, setting a new per-carat record for a faceted spinel at auction.
London--The Hope Spinel, a rare and large gemstone not seen at auction for 98 years, sold for $1.5 million at the Bonhams Fine Jewellery sale in London Thursday, fetching well over its highest pre-sale estimate of $305,000.
The octagonal-cut spinel is set in a 19th century sterling silver and gold brooch and is surrounded by diamonds. Bonhams said the Swiss gemological laboratory SSEF has confirmed the stone is from ancient mines due to its exceptional transparency, flawless cut, beautiful color and large size. It is “classed as an exceptional treasure of nature.”
The last time it went up for sale was in 1917.
The Hope Spinel originally was part of a gem collection owned by London banker Henry Philip Hope and his older brother, both part of the same family of rich and powerful merchant bankers that once owned the famed blue Hope Diamond.
After being secretly gifted to a nephew, the Hope Spinel became part of a long inheritance feud within the family that ended with the dividing up of the collection.
The Hope Diamond eventually was sold to a dealer in 1901 and now resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Christie’s sold the remainder of the Hope gem collection by 1917, with the Hope Spinel going to a dealer for $1,600 (about $121,500 in today) and later turning up in the collection of Lady Mount Stephen. The seller of it this time around is a direct descendant of hers.
Jean Ghika, director of Bonhams Jewellery for the U.K. and Europe, said, “We are delighted with the price it has made. It was an exceptional gemstone with a priceless provenance and these pieces just don’t come to the open market often and when they do, they are hotly contested.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—HodinkeeThe company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
