London – Sapphires reigned supreme at Bonhams London Jewels sale today on (Thursday 2 December) at New Bond Street. A sapphire, diamond and natural pearl pendant, from the late 19th century was the top lot, achieving £206,500, followed by a Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, dating from circa 1920, which sold for £187,750.

Emily Barber, Bonhams Head of Jewellery UK, commented: "We're very pleased with the result of today's sale. The exquisite sapphire and pearl pendant, and the exceptional sapphire and diamond ring, were clearly the standout pieces of the sale – and it is no wonder such show-stopping gems attracted the attention of the bidders."

Kashmir sapphires were first discovered in the late 1870s high in the snow-clad Great Himalayas of north-western India, where a landslide revealed unknown deposits in a rock valley 4500m above sea level. By 1882, the Maharaja of Kashmir had taken control of the mine, that could only be worked from July-September each year due to the high altitude and near perpetual heavy snowfall. By 1887 the 'Old Mine' was nearly exhausted and a 'New Mine', on the valley floor 250m below, gave up some fine sapphires but generally of lesser quality, size and quantity. The area was worked sporadically until the early 1930s, but the glory years of the 1880s were never repeated.

Other highlights of the sale include:

• A Spinel and Diamond Pendant, sold for £47,750, and a Spinel and Diamond Ring, which sold for £44,000. Both hailed from the same geographical location as the very best historic specimens, including the Hope Spinel, and at this size and quality are considered rare and exceptional.

• Pearl and Diamond Earrings. Sold for £94,000.

• Diamond Ring. Sold for £89,000.

• Fancy Coloured Diamond Ring. Sold for £51,500.

• Pair of mid-20th Century Sapphire and Diamond Pendent Earrings. Sold for £50,250.

2 December 2021