Bonhams Brings Centuries of Jewelry Design to Los Angeles With Upcoming Sale

By Annie Davidson Watson | July 21, 2025

On July 22, Bonhams will host its California Jewels sale in Los Angeles, offering a mix of antique, vintage, and contemporary jewelry from major houses and private collections. The auction features more than 200 lots, with pieces ranging from 19th-century diamond earrings to 1960s coral necklaces and modern colored diamonds.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world’s oldest and most respected auction houses, known for its reach across fine art, jewelry, and collectibles. The California Jewels sale has become a mainstay of the West Coast auction calendar, combining estate pieces with signed designs from the likes of Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, Buccellati, Piaget, and more.

yellow diamond ring — *Ring in platinum and 18k gold with 5.54 ct. fancy yellow diamond, 1.18 ct. and 1.15 ct. oval white diamonds, and yellow and white diamond accent stones, estimate $40,000–$60,000*

sapphire ring — *Ring (circa 1930) in white gold with a 1.5 ct. Kashmir sapphire, 0.95 ct. t.w. old European–cut diamonds, and antique-cut diamond accents, estimate $25,000–$35,000*

The top lot is a custom platinum, Burmese no-heat sapphire, and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, estimated at $80,000–$120,000. Unheated sapphires of this quality rarely appear at auction, and the house’s signature craftsmanship adds to the ring’s value. Other highlights include a fancy yellow and white three-stone diamond ring (estimate of $40,000–$60,000), and a 1930s white gold, Kashmir sapphire, and diamond ring (estimate of $25,000–$35,000).

david webb necklace — *David Webb necklace (circa 1965) in platinum with coral, diamonds, and cultured pearls, estimate $18,000–$22,000*

tri color cuff — *Bracelet (circa 1940) in tricolor gold and palladium with diamonds and rubies, estimate $5,500–$7,500*

antique earrings — *Earrings (circa 1880) in 18k rose gold with old mine–cut diamonds, estimate $4,000–$6,000*

For collectors drawn to mid-century design, there’s a 1965 David Webb coral, diamond, and cultured pearl necklace (estimate of $18,000–$22,000) and a tricolor gold, diamond, and ruby bracelet from the 1940s (estimate of $5,500–$7,500). Those looking for earlier pieces will find a pair of 18k rose gold and diamond earrings dating to around 1880 (estimate of $4,000–$6,000).

Top: Van Cleef & Arpels ring in platinum with a 7.13 ct. Burmese no-heat sapphire and diamonds, $80,000–$120,000

(Photos courtesy of Bonhams)

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