NEW YORK, NY.- Diamonds are set to sparkle at Bonhams New York this December as the auction house reveals its top lots ahead of the holiday season.

Susan Abeles, Head of Jewelry for Bonhams US, and her team have curated a 189-lot sale featuring a selection of rare jewels and magnificent gemstones from around the world.

Leading the sale is A Superb Diamond Ring estimated at US$1,400,000 - 1,800,000. The oval-shaped brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 13.61 carats, is D color, Internally Flawless and Type IIa. Diamonds classified as Type IIa are highly sought because they are the purest type of diamonds in the world.

Gracing the cover of the Bonhams catalog is A Harry Winston Magnificent Diamond Rivière Necklace, formerly owned by Hollywood icon Zsa Zsa Gabor. The necklace, created by legendary “King of Diamonds” American jeweler Harry Winston in 1964, features 45 graduated round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 66 carats, and is estimated at US$1,200,000-1,500,000.

Other important diamonds featuring in the sale include:

• A Diamond Solitaire Ring, centering a round brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 10.01 carats, estimated at US$600,000 - 800,000.

• A Magnificent Diamond Ring by Graff, featuring a square-shaped emerald-cut diamond, weighing 16.53 carats, estimated at US$550,000 - 750,000.

• An Important Diamond Ring, centering a pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 8.22 carats, flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds, estimated at US$175,000 - 225,000.

Susan Abeles, Head of Jewelry for Bonhams US, said: “Diamonds are never out of fashion. Since time immemorial diamonds have represented eternal love, and even today they remain an enduring symbol of romance. Easy to wear, elegant and effortlessly stylish, diamonds remain popular.

“This sale presents a broad offering of variously shaped diamonds available in a range of size, color and clarity. Buyers will have a wonderful opportunity to truly find their perfect diamond which best reflects their personal style.”

Signed jewelry by Jean Schlumberger, Boucheron and Bulgari set to appeal to collectors

Signed jewelry also features in the sale that will take place at Bonhams New York on Monday 4 December at 3pm EST. Highlighted lots to go under the hammer include:

Jean Schlumberger
An 18K Gold, Diamond and Enamel Bangle Bracelet by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. The gold and enamel bracelets first appeared in 1962, and were popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who received her first bracelet that year. This Schlumberger design soon became known as the "Jackie" bracelet. Estimated at US$30,000-50,000, this particular bracelet is applied with black enamel panels. Other examples of works Jean Schlumberger include his famous A Citrine and Diamond ‘Bird on a Rock’ Brooch. The pave-set bird, accented by a circular-cut ruby eye, is perched on a cushion-shaped citrine, weighing approximately 54.00 carats, and is estimated at US$15,000 - 25,000, and the “Dromedary” Brooch is estimated $10,000-15,000. Both examples reflect his whimsical demeanour, as does A Multi-colored Sapphire, Diamond and Ruby Gem-Set Nautilus Brooch, attributed to his work, estimated at $10,000-15,000.

Bulgari
A Retro 18K Rose Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Ruby Bracelet, signed Bulgari, circa 1940, estimated at US$20,000 - 30,000, is unusual because of the wide extremely flexible band, with few examples existing from that time period.

Boucheron
History lovers will delight in the story behind the origins of An 18K Gold and Diamond ‘Delilah’ Necklace, signed Boucheron, and estimated at US$12,000 - 18,000. The Grand Duke Wladimir became entranced by a young woman when he picked up a scarf she had dropped during a ball they were both attending. In 1874 they married. To pay homage to their first encounter and to mark the extraordinary moment forever, in 1883 he asked Frédéric Boucheron to create a gold necklace that could mimic the suppleness of the finest scarf, as a symbol of his eternal love for his wife.

For lovers of impeccable craftsmanship, this Diamond and Platinum ‘Escalier’ Bracelet, signed Boucheron, would be a tasteful choice. With its fluid stepped design, known as the ‘moving staircase’, the bracelet is composed of three lines of articulated links of three-dimensional form, accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds, and has a pre-sale estimate of US$20,000 - 30,000.

Sapphires
Traditionally, sapphires symbolize truth, sincerity and faithfulness so they make the perfect choice for a thoughtful gift from a loved one and for those who want to add more pieces with color into their jewelry collection. The sale featured a number of important sapphires including:

• A Sapphire and Diamond Ring centering a rectangular-shaped emerald-cut sapphire, weighing 18.44 carats. Estimated at US$100,000 - 150,000, the sapphire originates from Ceylon (Sri Lankan) and has no indications of heat or clarity enhancement.

• A Sapphire and Diamond Ring centering a cushion-shaped mixed-cut sapphire, weighing 14.48 carats, set within an ornate frame of rectangular and round brilliant-cut diamonds. Estimated at US$ 80,000 - 100,000, the sapphire is of Burmese (Myanmar) origin and has no indications of heat or clarity enhancement.

• A Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring featuring an oval-shaped sapphire, weighing 4.57 carats, within a pave-set and baguette diamond mounting, estimated at US $65,000-85,000.

Jewelry from the Estate of Mary Clark Thompson will also feature in the sale. Thompson was the daughter of Myron Holley, elected Governor of New York State in 1855. In 1857, she married Frederick Ferris Thompson, son of prominent New York banker John Thompson. The Thompsons became generous benefactors to multiple organizations and established themselves as philanthropists. Mrs Thompson was one of the founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and also a great benefactor to the Bronx Zoo and Woman’s Hospital. Highlighted lots from the Estate include An Exquisite Edwardian Diamond Bracelet, circa 1910, estimated at US $50,000-70,00, pictured above, and A Rare Natural Pearl and Diamond Drop Pendant, estimated at US $30,000-50,000. This natural salt water pearl is accompanied by GIA and SSEF reports and special letters indicating the pearl is of exceptional quality.

Tiara time!
From Russia and the Middle East to China, the bejeweled semi-circular headpiece is back in vogue with jewelry houses like Cartier taking new orders from their global clients. In its forthcoming sale, Bonhams New York will be auctioning A Diamond Diadem. Designed with graduating foliate motifs with garland and fan accents, set throughout with old mine, old European, old single and rose-cut diamonds, it has a pre-sale estimate of US$30,000 - 50,000 and would be a wonderful gift for appreciators of history and for those who just want to wear a tiara!

Exceptional collection of decorative enamel boxes
The sale also includes a fine collection of important enamel and gold boxes dating from the late 18th century sale as well as a collection of enamel compact and lipstick cases.

The jewelry will be previewed at Bonhams in New York, Los Angeles and Bonhams Hong Kong during November and December before the auction. This will take place at Bonhams New York, 580 Madison Avenue, and can be viewed live online as well as attended in person.