Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Presents Successful Fine Jewellery Paris Auction

Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr hosted its Fine Jewellery Paris auction on March 19, 2026, presenting a diverse array of 182 lots that garnered significant interest from collectors. The sale showcased a compelling selection of antique designs, contemporary creations, and signed pieces from renowned jewelry houses, with a particular emphasis on diamonds and exquisite colored gemstones, including a notable collection of emeralds.

Auction Highlights and Key Lots

The auction featured a striking diamond necklace, designed as a series of articulating links set with old brilliant-cut diamonds, which achieved €70,250 including premium. Another standout was a Graff pair of fancy yellow and white diamond earrings, selling for €82,950 including premium.

A significant emerald and diamond ring, featuring a rectangular-cut emerald of Colombian origin weighing 16.82 carats within a brilliant-cut diamond surround, was offered with an estimate of €18,000-22,000 and later sold for €4,096 inc. premium. Another notable emerald piece was a Bulgari emerald and diamond ring, showcasing a step-cut emerald of Colombian origin weighing 3.41 carats, which was offered with an estimate of €15,000-20,000.

The sale also included a selection of antique jewelry, with a diamond cuff bracelet from the late 19th century selling for €35,840 including premium. This piece was described as set to the front with an old cushion-shaped diamond and two rose-cut diamonds, to a yellow gold supple Milanese bracelet with Greek-key motifs.

Further reinforcing the sale's success was the performance of signed pieces. A Boucheron diamond clip brooch, circa 1930, designed with scrolling motifs set throughout with various diamond cuts, was offered with an estimate of €10,000-15,000. A Bulgari coloured gemstones sprung bracelet, circa 1980, featuring pink and green tourmalines, amethysts, blue topaz, and citrine cabochons, was another highlight, estimated at €12,000-18,000.

A Curated Selection of Antique and Signed Jewels

Marine Girardet, Bonhams Head of Jewellery, France, commented on the sale's offerings: 'The forthcoming Fine Jewellery Paris sale offers a remarkable selection of jewels, many sourced from private collections. The lots highlight exceptional craftsmanship across eras, from antique and Art Deco masterpieces to contemporary designs, featuring an abundance of colourful gemstones, including a significant collection of emeralds and playful, vibrant creations.'

Among the antique highlights was a garnet and diamond necklace, circa 1880, originating from a Greek Princess. This piece, designed as articulated floral links with garnet cabochons, was offered with an estimate of €20,000-25,000.

The selection of signed jewels also included notable pieces such as a Chaumet sapphire bracelet, featuring an articulating series of drop-shaped plaques, each set with an oval-cut sapphire, offered with an estimate of €5,000-7,000. The auction also featured creations by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati.

Bonhams' Global Jewellery Expertise

Bonhams' Jewellery department holds over 40 auctions annually across key markets including New York, London, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles. The department is known for its expertise in a wide range of jewelry, from antique and period pieces to contemporary designs and works by 'artist jewellers'. Bonhams has a strong track record of achieving record prices, including for spinels, fancy blue diamonds, and fancy pink diamonds. With a global network of specialists and offices in 22 countries, Bonhams offers buyers and sellers access to a worldwide pool of collectors, aiming to achieve the highest prices and ensure customer satisfaction.