PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
AuctionsJul 29, 2020
These 2 Kashmir Sapphires Sold for $1.6M at Auction
One went for more than two times its pre-sale low estimate at Bonhams’ New York Jewels sale Tuesday.
These two exceptional Kashmir sapphires led the Bonhams New York Jewels auction Tuesday, with the 9.23-carat stone at left selling for $1.2 million, while the 6.95-carat stone at right went for $381,325.
New York—Two exceptional Kashmir sapphires led the Bonhams New York Jewels auction Tuesday, with one selling for more than two times its pre-sale low estimate.
The top lot, a 9.23-carat cushion-shaped sapphire, garnered $1.2 million, compared with its estimate of $475,000 to $775,000.
The No. 2 lot was a 6.95-carat cushion-shaped sapphire, which fell within its pre-sale estimate range when it sold for $381,325.
The two stones originally were purchased in the late 19th and early 20th century by two brothers for engagements rings and have been passed down through the family since, remaining in its possession for more than a century.
According to Bonhams, the stones were sold to two different anonymous buyers Tuesday.
Falling behind the sapphires was a ring set with a 15.52-carat old mine-cut diamond that garnered $156,325; a Bulgari “Serpenti” watch with blue and green enamel scales and pear-shaped ruby eyes for $92,575; and another diamond ring, this one set with a 9.03-carat rectangular-cut diamond flanked by twin tapered baguette-cut diamonds in a wide 18-karat gold band that sold for $81,325.
Click through the gallery below to see lots No. 6 through 10.
Tied at No. 6 was a pair of iconic ballerina brooches from John Rubel circa 1950 that sold for $62,575 each. The two ballerina pieces were crafted with rose-cut diamond faces, ruby and sapphire head pieces and skirts, and ruby details on the ballet flats, all set in 18-karat gold.
They were followed by a “toi et moi” ring from the estate of American actress, singer, model and activist Diahann Carroll. The ring is set with a cut-cornered square modified brilliant 6.03-carat and a 13.43 mm cultured pearl, which went for $56,325.
At No. 9 was this 18-karat gold necklace comprised of 42 graduated fluted emerald beads measuring from about 12.11 x 11.41 mm to 21.58 mm x 16.98 mm, with round brilliant-cut diamond rondelles and two larger round brilliant-cut diamond and gold scrolled spacers. It sold for $52,575.
Rounding out the top 10 was this signed Cartier ring set with a cushion-shaped ruby weighing 8.06 carats with pear-shaped diamond accents and round brilliant-cut bifurcated shoulders that garnered $47,575 Tuesday.
Overall, the New York Jewels auction totaled $3.7 million and was 80 percent sold by lot. To see all the lots, visit Bonhams.com.
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.
