The exceptional highlight of Bonham’s Fine Jewellery auction will be this 6 carat pure white gem, amongst a catalogue book featuring all of Henry Philip Hope’s collectables in the form of precious stones and pearls. Bonhams' auction will take place in London on 22nd September 2010.
This volume was originally published in 1839, and lays out Hope’s entire celebrated collection, including the infamous Hope Diamond and the Hope Pear. The Hope Diamond is an unusual vivid blue diamond of 45.52 carats which had been part of the French crown jewels but now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. The stone was once believed to be cursed.
The book itself has a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-3,000. But those real jewellery collectors and lovers will be drawn to the magnificent late art deco diamond ring as the real focus of the auction. The potentially flawless Asscher cut diamond weighs 6.82 carats, is Type IIa and possesses D colour and VVS2 clarity.
Type IIa diamonds are the closest to being chemically pure and possess exceptional optical transparency. They are colourless or white in hue and do not have any faint yellowish or brownish shades which affect Type I diamonds, due to nitrogen impurities present.
This type IIa ring is estimated at £150,000-200,000 for the auction and has never previously been auctioned.
Bonhams is also presenting two other investment-grade diamond rings: a pear cut diamond of 5 carats, with a pre-sale estimate of £80,000-100,00 and a flawless, brilliant cut diamond, weighing 3 carats, carrying an estimate of £70,000-90,000.
Another highlight which collectors will have their eye on is an early 20th century emerald and diamond choker and bracelet combination. The pieces are designed with an intricate series of panels containing brilliant and single cut diamonds with rectangular and calibre cut emeralds. The novelty choker can be separated to form a pair of bracelets and has a pre-sale estimate of £10,000-15,000.
Also featured at the auction is a variety of antique 19th century jewellery, which is very uncommonly seen on the jewellery market. One is a late 19th century diamond and sapphire necklace, estimated at £45,000-55,000. Another is an early 19th century diamond necklace with round bunches of cushion-shaped diamonds, estimated at £25,000-30,000.