Bonhams Fine Jewelry Auction to be Held October 7, 2014 in New York

New York – Bonhams, one of the world's largest international auctioneers will offer a large selection of signed Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry in its Fine Jewelry Sale on October 7 in New York. Among these offerings are numerous signature pieces such as "Alhambra" chains and an unusual group of chrysoprase jewelry. Extraordinary Burmese rubies, fine Colombian emeralds, and large diamonds are other star lots.

Among the Van Cleef & Arpels pieces is a ruby and diamond bracelet (est. $100,000-200,000) designed as a graduated band of oval-cut ruby cluster links enhanced by round brilliant-cut diamond borders. This lot is accompanied by a diamond extender that transforms the striking bracelet into a choker. The shimmering Burmese rubies are a spectacular and lively shade of red. Another lot, a ruby and diamond ring (est. $30,000-60,000) was designed to complement the bracelet.

Another top lot is a beautiful diamond solitaire ring, signed Tiffany & Co (est. $225,000-325,000). The glittering piece is set with a large cornered square step-cut diamond weighing 7.38 carats, flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamond shoulders. Several other large diamond rings are also available: 14.51 carat round brilliant-cut diamond ring (est. $150,000-200,000), a 12.27 carat cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond ring (est. $150,000-200,000), and an oval brilliant-cut diamond ring, weighing 8.63 carats, mounted in an elaborate setting and framing the center diamond from all sides (est. $90,000-120,000). Fancy colored diamond rings are available in various colors and sizes, for example a 9.08 carat fancy intense yellow and diamond ring (est. $150,000-180,000), and a fancy yellow diamond, weighing 4.02 carats in a diamond surround enhanced with two half diamonds (est. $30,000-40,000).

A natural triple strand pearl necklace is another noteworthy offering, estimated at $60,000-80,000. The necklace consists of 369 graduated natural gold pearls of superb luster and quality.

Other highlights include art nouveau pendant necklace by René Lalique, in the original fitted box. Based on the address stamped in the fitted case, this necklace was sold between 1902 and 1905 (est. $15,000-25,000); this piece reflects a transition in Lalique's career as he moved from jewelry making to glass works.

Contemporary Van Cleef & Arpels collectors will find the diamond and 18 karat white gold "Lotus between the finger ring," (est. $15,000-25,000) interesting. The whimsical design has a pavé-set diamond lotus flower and petals that wind around and between the fingers as two rings, and also folds into a single ring.

A pair of ruby and diamond ear clips by the Aletto Brothers ($30,000-40,000) is another spectacular piece. The painstakingly crafted ear clips are each in bombé form set with invisibly-set rubies and flanked by round brilliant-cut diamonds. The weight of the rubies total 24 carats and the diamonds 2.40 carats. Also by the Aletto Brothers is a similar design, a ruby and diamond geometric ring estimated at $20,000-30,000.

A beautiful and colorful ring (est. $50,000-70,000) featuring a fantastic cut-cornered square-step Colombian emerald, weighing 5.40 carats will be offered as well. For those who collect gems of interesting colors, this sale features a fine Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring (est. $65,000-85,000).

The preview will be on from October 4 to 6.

The catalog is now available.

Inquiries
For further information and images call Vyoma Venkataraman at 917.206.1692 or email her at or pr.us@bonhams.com.

NOTES FOR EDITORS
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com