Blue Diamond Estimated at $3M to $5.5M Leads Bonhams’ New York Jewels Sale

By Annie Davidson Watson | November 17, 2025

On Dec. 8, Bonhams will bring a 3.13 ct. fancy vivid blue diamond (pictured at top) to auction, positioning the stone—which carries a presale estimate of $3.5 million to $5.5 million—as one of the most significant offerings in its end-of-year calendar. The top lot in Bonhams’ New York Jewels sale, the pear-shape blue diamond comes from a private collection and is set on a ring. It is graded VVS1 and classified as type IIb.

“This gemstone is remarkably rare in size, clarity, and color, and boasts impeccable provenance. We are delighted to present it to the world,” said Caroline Morrissey, senior vice president and head of jewelry for Bonhams U.S., in a statement.

Fancy vivid blue diamonds remain among the most tightly held gemstone categories, and such stones over 3 cts. with high clarity rarely reach the open market—though last week, Christie’s sold the Mellon Blue, a 9.51 ct. fancy vivid blue pear-shape (also type IIb and VVS1 clarity), for $25.6 million.

sapphire ring — *Ring with 6.92 ct. cushion-shape royal blue Kashmir sapphire flanked by 2.34 ct. and 2.62 ct. emerald-cut diamonds, estimate $300,000 –$500,000*

“New York Jewels has an impressive selection,” Morrissey said. The sale’s other top-value lots, all with estimates between $300,000 and $550,000, are a 10.08 ct. Tiffany diamond ring; a gold ring featuring a center 6.92 ct. Kashmir sapphire and two emerald-cut diamonds over 2.3 cts. each; a pair of Colombian emerald earrings weighing nearly 11 cts. total; and a 20.82 ct. Burmese sapphire set on a brooch with 27.3 cts. t.w. diamonds, including a detachable sunburst-style frame of baguette-cut diamonds.

The auction also includes a 2.66 ct. fancy pink-purple diamond ring with pink-tinted brilliants and a Tiffany & Co. “Bird on a Rock” brooch/pendant featuring a 52.49 ct. cushion-cut tourmaline, along with other signed pieces and high-quality gemstones from major jewelry houses. The 165 New York Jewels lots reflect Bonhams’ ongoing strategy of sourcing fresh property across established collector segments.