Bonham's Upcoming Jewelry Auction Presents an Opportunity for New Investors

This spring, the jewelry auction season has demonstrated the dramatic power of investing in jewels and gemstones. The magnificent jewels sold through Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonham's in New York, London, and Hong Kong have created quite a stir in the industry, with the price of diamonds steadily rising to unprecedented heights. While this is thrilling to read and write about, it also presents a sense of urgency to enthusiasts and investors who don't have millions to spend, but want to get in on the action. On June 10, 2013 in London, Bonham's London jewelry auction offers a unique opportunity for new investors to enter into the market. With an estimated price range between $750 and $18,000, and average estimated prices of $3,000-$6,000, investors with a moderate amount to spend can add some unique and stunning antique and/or designer pieces to their collections. Most certainly the highlight of this sale is the pictured sapphire and diamond ring. Most probably made of white gold, this ring features an octagonal head with a large cabochon blue sapphire. Along each side edge, eight blue sapphires are set in a channel setting, with one round diamond at each end point. Likely vintage 1930s Verdura-Chanel, this ring {Lot 311} is expected to realize up to $18,000 in the sale. For those collectors interested in contemporary designer jewelry, the sale also features an elegant gold elephant tassel necklace made in 1994 by the esteemed British Crown jewelers, Garrard & Co {Lot 136}. Interested buyers can also bid on several astonishing pieces made by English gold master Charles de Temple {Lots 77, 78, 263, and 264}. According to this fascinating video, Charles de Temple, who mastered the ancient art of sculpting in gold, created the gold finger used in the 1965 James Bond movie, Goldfinger. In this video, you can see the artist at work and the actual gold finger used in the film. For collectors of antiques, Bonham's also offers several pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including several spectacular Art Deco pieces. A geometric brooch set entirely in diamonds is listed at $2,200-$3,000 {Lot 304}, and a ruby and diamond clip by Cartier is expected to fetch between $11,000 and $13,000 {Lot 309}. Both pieces are exceptional examples of the period. A coral and diamond pendant necklace is listed as having been made in the 19th century {Lot 293}. The pendant is a large oval coral drop with applied rose-cut diamond foliate design. This truly remarkable necklace is expected to sell for between $2,200 and $3,000. Another piece, listed "from the 1830s", is a micromosaic polychrome plaque depicting 'The Doves of Pliny' which forms the central portion of a brooch. The antique jewel is expected to realize between $1,500 and $2,200 {Lot 285}. Many of these beautiful pieces from the sale have been on view by appointment since yesterday at Bonham's on Montpelier Street in London. These and many other beautiful antique, vintage, and contemporary pieces will go up for sale on June 10, 2013, in Knightsbridge, London at Bonham's 1793. For more information or to bid online, we invite you to visit their website.

*More About Photo: This gorgeous late 19th century Victorian North South diamond ring is crafted of solid 18k yellow gold. The ring features a centered Old Mine cut diamond with a round Old European cut diamond set to each side atop a black enameled plaque accented with milgrain edging.