People are Buying! Bonhams High Jewelry Auction Shatters Estimates
If there’s one thing the Bonhams High Jewelry Auction proved this season, it’s that passion for rare gems never fades.
Inside the glittering auction hall, bidders raised their paddles with growing excitement. One moment, a soft gasp echoed as numbers climbed. The next, someone smiled quietly as they secured a piece that would soon tell a story of its own.
By the end of the night, almost every lot had shattered its estimate, proof that even in uncertain times, beauty, rarity, and craftsmanship still hold powerful sway.
Star of the Show: Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
Among all the sparkle, one piece captured every gaze: a 5.44-carat Paraiba tourmaline ring.
The stone glowed with that electric blue only Paraibas can possess, the kind that seems to hold sunlight under water. Set with glittering diamonds and flawless symmetry, it wasn’t just jewelry; it was emotion sculpted into a gem.
The audience watched in awe as bids kept rising. When the hammer finally came down at $533,900, nearly nine times its estimate, a quiet cheer rippled through the room.
For collectors, this wasn’t just a sale; it was a reminder of why we fall in love with gemstones in the first place.
Oscar Heyman’s Emerald Ring: A Legacy of Green Fire
The next spark came from an Oscar Heyman emerald ring, the kind of piece that whispers elegance rather than shouts it.
The emerald, 8.68 carats of deep, velvety green, sat nestled among bright white diamonds, a contrast that made the stone look almost alive.
It was expected to fetch around $300,000. Instead, it crossed half a million.
Collectors know that an Oscar Heyman piece is more than jewelry; it’s a piece of history. Every facet carries decades of expertise and a legacy of perfection.
The Pink Sapphire Ring That Outshone Its Estimate
There’s something about pink sapphires, soft, romantic, and in cushioned shape. The 14.23-carat sapphire ring that went under the hammer that night embodied all of it.
With its half-moon diamond accents and graceful proportions, it was as feminine as it was powerful.
Estimated to sell for up to $300,000, it finally went for $305,300.
Not record-breaking, more than six times its upper estimate. It showed how collectors are beginning to rediscover colored gemstones, gems that tell stories of individuality and taste.
Emeralds That Glowed Like Summer Gardens
A stunning bracelet featuring three rows of graduated emerald-cut Colombian emeralds interspersed with step-cut diamonds was a standout piece at the auction. This exquisite creation captivated bidders, ultimately selling for $356,100. This impressive result nearly doubled its high estimate of $180,000, underscoring the enduring appeal of fine Colombian emeralds and the appreciation for well-designed, high-quality jewelry.
Experience the same exquisite luxury at a more accessible price point – create your stunning piece with lab-grown diamonds, offering identical brilliance and quality to natural diamonds without the premium cost.
Black, Starr & Frost Paraiba-type Tourmaline Necklace
Just when it seemed the night had reached its peak, a Black, Starr & Frost necklace took the stage. At its center, a 12.92-carat Paraiba-type tourmaline, glowing like tropical waters beneath diamond waves.
The room fell silent for a moment, then the bidding began again. The final sale? $279,900, well above its estimate.
Paraiba tourmalines, whether natural or lab-grown, have become the heartbeat of modern collectors. Their color feels alive, like bottled energy.
A Touch of Romance: The Renelle Necklace
To close the night, a Renelle pink sapphire and diamond necklace brought elegance back to center stage.
It’s graduated cushion-cut sapphires alternated with diamonds in a rhythm that felt almost musical.
When the hammer fell at $152,000, double the pre-sale estimate, it was clear, romance still rules the jewelry world.
Image source: Rapaport
What the Auction Tells Us About Today’s Market
The Bonhams auction wasn’t just a sale — it was a mirror reflecting what today’s collectors truly value:
- Rarity Over Quantity – Extraordinary color and limited availability drive demand.
- Brand Heritage Matters – Names like Oscar Heyman or Black, Starr & Frost still command loyalty.
- Emotion in Design – Buyers are drawn to jewelry that tells a story.
- Resilient Demand – Even amid global shifts, fine jewelry continues to thrive.
Emily Waterfall, Bonhams Los Angeles Jewelry Director, summed it up perfectly:
“The competition was fierce. These pieces were chic, classic, and elegant, and buyers recognized that instantly.”
Turn Auction Dreams Into Your Own Masterpiece
The Bonhams auction may have ended, but its spirit of artistry and passion lives on. Each of those record-breaking jewels, from the vivid Paraiba tourmaline to the emeralds and pink sapphires, began as a designer’s dream.
At Finegrown Diamonds, we bring that same dream within reach. Whether you’re inspired by a specific auction piece or want to create something entirely your own, our designers can craft it with the same level of luxury, precision, and brilliance, using lab-grown diamonds and gemstones that rival the world’s finest. Here is our work portfolio;
Your story deserves more than imitation; it deserves individuality. From sketch to finish, we turn your inspiration into a wearable work of art that reflects who you are and what you love.
Inspired by Bonhams’ masterpieces?
Let’s create yours, a one-of-a-kind high jewelry piece with the same elegance, craftsmanship, and lasting value.