A 9.22 ct. D-IF marquise-cut diamond ring sold for $969,838 at Bonham’s Fine Jewelry Sale in London on Dec. 8.

Overall, the sale realized $6.38 million, with 82 percent sold by lot and 90 percent sold by value.

Jean Ghika, director of the auction house’s jewelry department, said in a statement that Bonham’s jewelry sales are up 70 percent over 2010. She added that in a difficult economic climate, more buyers want “tangible assets” like diamonds.

Other highlights:

– The largest diamond in the sale, a 24.47 ct. brilliant-cut diamond ring, sold for $393,829.

– An unmounted, 3.64 ct. cushion-shaped fancy intense bluish-green diamond, sold for the exact same price ($393,829).

– The auction house said there was also strong interest in pearls and antique pieces.

 See complete auction results here.

JCK