Bonhams is set to present one of the most significant high jewellery auctions of the year as its Exceptional Jewels sale in London on 11 June 2026 brings together rare historic masterpieces, aristocratic provenance, exceptional gemstones, and creations from some of the world’s most revered jewellery maisons.
Quick Summary
- Bonhams will host its Exceptional Jewels auction in London on 11 June 2026
- A rare 1924 Boucheron diamond tiara is expected to headline the sale
- The tiara carries an estimate of GBP 200,000–300,000
- Jewels from Cartier, Bulgari, Chanel, Buccellati, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels will feature
- Rare Kashmir sapphires, Burmese sapphires and coloured diamonds are among the highlights
- The auction includes jewels with historic and aristocratic provenance
- Dame Nellie Melba’s Cartier sautoir will be offered during the sale
- Several Art Deco and Belle Époque masterpieces will appear at auction
Rare 1924 Boucheron Tiara to Lead the Auction
A magnificent diamond bandeau tiara by Boucheron is set to headline the forthcoming Exceptional Jewels auction presented by Bonhams in London on 11 June 2026, carrying an estimated value of GBP 200,000 to GBP 300,000 (approximately USD 267,000 to USD 401,000, or INR 2.56 crore to INR 3.90 crore).
Historic Craftsmanship and Classical Inspiration
Dating back to 1924, the exquisite openwork tiara is a rare masterpiece of early 20th-century craftsmanship and will appear publicly for the first time in more than a century since its original commission by Boucheron in London. Inspired by classical antiquity, the jewel is designed with stylised olive leaf motifs symbolising peace, prosperity, and hope. At its centre rests a pear-shaped old brilliant-cut diamond drop weighing 3.60 carats, framed by scroll and quatrefoil motifs set throughout with old brilliant-, old single-, and rose-cut diamonds. Collet-set old brilliant-cut diamond accents further enrich the intricate composition, enhancing the tiara’s regal elegance and historical significance.
Prestigious Jewellery Houses Featured in the Sale
The Exceptional Jewels sale will feature six distinguished private collections showcasing an extraordinary selection of antique, period, 20th-century, and signed jewels from some of the world’s most celebrated maisons, including Cartier, Bulgari, Buccellati, Chanel, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Bonhams Highlights Museum-Worthy Jewels
Jennifer Tonkin, Head of Jewellery UK at Bonhams, noted that the upcoming sale represents one of the auction house’s most important jewellery presentations in recent years. She highlighted the exceptional rarity of the Boucheron tiara, emphasising its historical provenance and refined craftsmanship. Tonkin also drew attention to several museum-worthy creations included in the auction, notably a circa 1910 diamond and seed pearl sautoir by Cartier that once belonged to legendary Australian opera soprano Dame Nellie Melba, as well as a rare Art Deco ruby and diamond convertible necklace by Sterlé.
Spectacular Sterlé Art Deco Necklace
Among the standout highlights of the sale is a spectacular Sterlé Art Deco ruby and diamond necklace, estimated at GBP 150,000 to GBP 250,000 (approximately INR 1.92 crore to INR 3.20 crore). Showcasing exceptional versatility and craftsmanship, the remarkable creation can also be converted into a pair of bracelets, reflecting the innovation, elegance, and glamour synonymous with Art Deco jewellery design.
Aldao Diamond Suite Among Key Highlights
Another significant highlight of the auction is an Aldao diamond suite featuring a bracelet and matching ear studs, estimated at GBP 120,000 to GBP 180,000 (approximately INR 1.54 crore to INR 2.31 crore). The bracelet is designed with graduating step-cut diamonds interspersed with baguette-cut diamond links, while the coordinating ear studs showcase refined step-cut diamonds, underscoring the suite’s timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship.
Exceptional Diamond Ring to Attract Collectors
Collectors of exceptional gemstones are also expected to take interest in a striking ring set with an 8.54-carat VS1-clarity step-cut diamond, accented by trilliant-cut diamond shoulders. The remarkable piece carries an estimated value of GBP 85,000 to GBP 120,000 (approximately INR 1.09 crore to INR 1.54 crore), highlighting the continued demand for rare and high-quality diamonds at auction.
Historic Sidmouth Family Jewel
Bonhams will also offer a historically significant jewel from The Sidmouth Family collection — a rare miniature portrait of Alexander I of Russia dating to circa 1810. Estimated at GBP 80,000 to GBP 120,000 (approximately INR 1.02 crore to INR 1.54 crore), the exceptional piece features a finely painted watercolor portrait set beneath a portrait-cut diamond within a rose-cut diamond mount, later enhanced with old brilliant- and cushion-cut diamonds arranged in elaborate foliate motifs.
Kashmir and Burmese Sapphire Jewels to Shine
Exceptional coloured gemstones will also take centre stage at the sale. Among the highlights is a striking ring set with a sugarloaf cabochon 5.63-carat Kashmir sapphire accented by trilliant-cut diamonds, estimated at GBP 80,000 to GBP 120,000 (approximately INR 1.02 crore to INR 1.54 crore). Another notable creation is an Aldao ring featuring a 14.65-carat Burmese sapphire flanked by demi-lune-cut diamonds and complemented by a pavé-set diamond gallery, carrying an estimate of GBP 70,000 to GBP 100,000 (approximately INR 89 lakh to INR 1.28 crore).
Vintage Cartier Bracelet Adds Further Prestige
Further elevating the auction is a remarkable 1925 Cartier bracelet centred around a 5.82-carat old brilliant-cut diamond, highlighted by black enamel terminals and intricate millegrain detailing. The exceptional Art Deco jewel is estimated at GBP 60,000 to GBP 90,000 (approximately INR 77 lakh to INR 1.15 crore).
Dame Nellie Melba’s Cartier Sautoir
A particularly historic highlight of the auction is the Belle Époque seed pearl and diamond sautoir by Cartier, formerly owned by Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931). Estimated at GBP 60,000 to GBP 80,000 (approximately INR 77 lakh to INR 1.02 crore), the circa 1910 jewel showcases a radiant floral pendant set with old-cut diamonds, suspended from a seed-pearl linked chain accented with intricate scroll and floral spacers.
Chanel High Jewellery Creation Featured
Collectors of contemporary high jewellery will also be drawn to the dazzling Fil de Comète necklace by Chanel, designed in the form of a shooting star and embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds. The striking creation carries an estimate of GBP 60,000 to GBP 80,000 (approximately INR 77 lakh to INR 1.02 crore), reflecting the enduring appeal of modern haute joaillerie designs.
Rare Emeralds and Fancy Coloured Diamonds
Adding further prestige to the sale are several extraordinary gemstone jewels referenced by Bonhams, including a Colombian “no oil” emerald ring by Bulgari, a 20-carat Fancy Deep Brownish Greenish Yellow diamond ring, a vibrant 25-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire ring, and a superb royal blue Kashmir sapphire ring.
The Sidmouth Family Provenance
The auction will also feature jewels from The Sidmouth Family collection. Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757–1844), was a prominent British Tory statesman who served as Speaker of the House of Commons and later as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1804.
One of the Defining Jewellery Auctions of the Year
With its blend of aristocratic provenance, historic craftsmanship, exceptional gemstones, and creations from the world’s most revered jewellery houses, Bonhams’ Exceptional Jewels auction promises to be one of the defining high jewellery sales of the year.
FAQ
When will the Bonhams Exceptional Jewels auction take place?
The Bonhams Exceptional Jewels auction will take place in London on 11 June 2026.
What is the highlight of the Bonhams jewellery auction?
The headline piece is a rare 1924 Boucheron diamond bandeau tiara estimated at GBP 200,000 to GBP 300,000.
Which jewellery maisons are featured in the sale?
The auction includes creations from Cartier, Bulgari, Buccellati, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Sterlé and other renowned maisons.
What gemstones are included in the auction?
The sale includes Kashmir sapphires, Burmese sapphires, Colombian emeralds, coloured diamonds, and exceptional white diamonds.
What is special about the Sterlé necklace?
The Sterlé Art Deco ruby and diamond necklace is convertible and can be transformed into a pair of bracelets.
Which historic provenance pieces are included?
The auction includes jewels from The Sidmouth Family collection and a Cartier sautoir formerly owned by Dame Nellie Melba.
Source: SVAR Media Network
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