Magnificent jewellery to feature in Bonhams “London Jewels” auction

Bonhams presents a magnificent selection of jewellery at the London Jewels sale on 21 September, 2023.  The 245-lot sale will feature vibrant pieces from notable houses including Cartier, Chaumet and Tiffany & Co. including designs by Jean Schlumberger (1907-1987), Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti (1940-2021) for Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Grima, Adler and Van Cleef & Arpels.

The sale will showcase an array of exquisitely crafted designs and exceptional gems from Art Deco and heritage collections, including the private estate of renowned British actress Jean Simmons OBE (1929 – 2010), to nature inspired and statement pieces.

Emily Barber, Bonhams Head of Jewellery, UK, said: “The selection of jewels represents best in class examples of jewellery design from the 19th and 20th centuries.  The sumptuous Chaumet necklace, that would also have converted to a tiara, dating from 1900, is a rare survivor from the glamorous Belle Époque era. The three exquisite Art Nouveau gold and gem-set bangles, made by Tiffany & Co. in the 1880s, have been enjoyed by four generations of the same family. We are also delighted to offer for the first-time, jewels from the collections of British art patron Maud Russell, a close friend of 007-creator Ian Fleming, and Hollywood actress Jean Simmons.”

Statement necklaces and suites of minimal silhouettes and timeless designs lead the London Jewels sale:

• A rare Chaumet diamond necklace, circa 1900. The chain is designed as a ribbon of old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds, suspending a fringe of drops pavé-set with old brilliant and table-cut, cushion, and pear-shaped diamonds, each with a delicate rose-cut diamond laurel-leaf surmount. Chaumet first conceived the design of this jewel in 1896 when they were commissioned to make Archduchess Maria Dorothea of Austria’s tiara for her wedding to Philippe, Duke of Orleans.  Such was the designs popularity; several versions were made including the lot on offer. This rare survivor has an estimate of £120,000-150,000.