Bonhams Fine Gems Sale Achieves $2.2M, Red Spinel Leads at $504,000
The Facts
Bonhams' Fine Gems, Opals and Lapidary Arts sale achieved $2.2 million in total sales on May 2 in Los Angeles, led by an exceptional red spinel that sold for $504,000. The gem, discovered in Burma in the 1970s, was cut from rough into an "old world" cushion-cut by a collector and is noted for its exceptional color, clarity, luster, and size. Other highlights included a multi-color conch pearl necklace, Queen Conch, which sold for $189,000, and The Cathedral Window, a fine black opal that sold for $139,000—more than four times its estimate. A rare Paraiba tourmaline from the Original Type Locality achieved $105,000, more than five times its estimate, and Manfred Wild's The Winter Egg, an enamel, quartz, and gold creation with a diamond snowman pendant, sold for $95,000, double its estimate.
The Signal
The strong performance of the red spinel and other colored gemstones signals sustained collector demand for rare, high-quality natural stones with provenance, particularly those from historic sources like Burma. The sale's multiple lots exceeding estimates—including the opal and tourmaline—suggest that the market for fine gems remains robust, with buyers willing to pay premiums for exceptional color, size, and craftsmanship. For collectors, this underscores the value of investing in unique, well-documented pieces that stand out in a competitive auction environment.
- Artists: Manfred Wild
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: Los Angeles
- Prices: $504,000, $2.2 million, $189,000, $139,000, $105,000, $95,000
📊 Market Intelligence
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