Three unmounted colored diamonds, comprising: a pear brilliant-cut fancy vivid pink diamond, weighing 0.21 carat, an oval brilliant-cut fancy pinkish-purple diamond, weighing 0.26 carat, and a cushion-cut pink purple diamond, weighing 0.39 carat. Sold for $11,250; EST. $1,800 - 2,500. Images: Courtesy of Bonhams.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- Leading the quarterly Salon Jewelry & Watches auction at Bonhams, March 25 in San Francisco, was a coral graduated three-strand necklace that flew past its estimate of $6,000-8,000 to achieve $11,563. It was a shining example among many which far exceeded their estimates to bring strong results to the sale. 

A coral graduated three-strand necklace. coral beads measuring approximately: 15.5 to 4.2mm; mounted in eighteen karat gold; length: 14 3/4in. Sold for US$ 11,562. Images: Courtesy of Bonhams

Star lots continued with two offerings that more than doubled their high estimates. First, a grouping of three unmounted colored diamonds, including a pear brilliant-cut fancy vivid pink 0.21 carat diamond; an oval brilliant-cut fancy pinkish-purple 0.26 carat diamond; and a cushion-cut pink-purple 0.39 carat diamond brought $11,250, ahead of a $1,800-2,500 estimate. To follow, a 10.70 carat diamond bracelet, mounted in platinum, from a New York Estate sold for $10,625, ahead of a $3,000-5,000 estimate. 

A diamond bracelet estimated total diamond weight: 10.70 carats; mounted in platinum; length: 7 1/8in. Sold for US$ 10,625. Images: Courtesy of Bonhams

According to Lynne Arkin, Fine Jewelry Specialist at Bonhams in San Francisco, the sale was a success. “Color was a big winner in this sale, along with signed pieces from Cartier, Schlumberger and Tiffany & Co.” 

According to Lynne Arkin, Fine Jewelry Specialist at Bonhams in San Francisco, the sale was a success. “Color was a big winner in this sale, along with signed pieces from Cartier, Schlumberger and Tiffany & Co.” 

Earrings, too, were a popular draw in the sale. A pair of carved jade, black onyx and diamond earrings sold for $8,125, far ahead of an estimate of $2,500-3,500; a pair of French, enamel and 18 karat gold earclips by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co., sold for $6,875, past an estimate of $1,200-1,500; a pair of turquoise and diamond earclips brought $6,250, and a pair of diamond and 18 karat gold flower earclips by Van Cleef & Arpels brought $6,000, past an estimate of $1,200-1,500. 

A pair of carved jade, black onyx and diamond earrings knot motif jade carvings measuring approximately: 25.9 x 9.1 x 2.2 and 25.6 x 9.7 x 2.2mm; estimated total diamond weight: 1.00 carat; mounted in eighteen karat gold; length: 1 1/4in. (one diamond deficient). Sold for US$ 8,125. Images: Courtesy of Bonhams

In conjunction with the Salon sale, Bonhams held its Period Art & Design auction the day prior. The sale saw great results across its various categories. Its top jewelry highlights included a collection of nine assorted gold coin pendants that sold for $3,500, and two separate 18 karat gold integral bracelet wristwatches from the aforementioned estate of Bruce L. Jones Jr.; one by Concord, that sold for $3,125, and another by Omega that brought $3,000. The sale’s top lot outside of the jewelry category was a first-quarter 20th century, French gilt bronze and cloisonné enamel four glass mantel clock retailed by P. Kierulff & Co., Peking, sold for $6,250, beyond an estimate of $1,000-1,500.