Top lot: an unmounted oval-shaped emerald, sold for US$83,050. Image courtesy of Bonhams
LOS ANGELES – Bonhams presented Fine Jewelry California on March 5, 2026, a live auction featuring an exceptional array of signed jewels, loose fancy-color diamonds, rare gemstones, and important period pieces.
The sale included creations from renowned houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, as well as works by Andrew Clunn and Verdura, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship and design.
The extraordinary single-owner collection of 12 iconic pieces by David Webb achieved a 100% sell-through rate, underscoring the continued demand for Webb’s distinctive designs.
The 318-lot sale made a total of US$3,072,212 with 85% sold by lot and 99% sold by value.
The top lot was an unmounted oval-shaped emerald, of Colombian origin, weighing 2.95 carats.
The emerald achieved US$83,050 more than 13 times its pre-sale estimate of US$6,000-8,000.
Another sale highlight was a platinum, emerald and diamond necklace, centering a heart-shaped emerald of Colombian origin, suspended from a scroll motif, set throughout with marquise-shaped, round brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds.
The necklace achieved US$83,050 more than four times its pre-sale estimate of US$18,000-22,000.
A platinum, emerald and diamond necklace, sold for US$83,050. Image courtesy of Bonhams.
Caroline Morrissey Bonhams SVP, Head of Jewelry, US, said: “Fine Jewelry California brought together jewels from some of the world’s most prestigious maisons, presenting diamonds and colored diamonds alongside richly hued gemstones, in important period and signed designs.
“The sale sparked multiple bidding frenzies, with particularly strong demand for high-quality colored stones. Emeralds performed exceptionally well, achieving results above their pre-sale estimates, highlighted by a loose Colombian emerald that realized US$83,050. We are also delighted that the single-owner collection of David Webb jewels achieved a 100% sell-through rate, reflecting the designer’s enduring appeal. His distinctive craftsmanship and sculptural style continues to captivate collectors around the world.”
