New York – Bonhams presented its anticipated New York Jewels sale on December 9. The top lot was a diamond pendant, centering a heart-shaped diamond, weighing 10.22 carats, with a round brilliant-cut diamond bail. The spectacular necklace sold for US$343,400, over double its pre-sale estimate of US$180,000-250,000.

The 195-lot collection of jewelry featured an impressive range of diamonds, colored diamonds and vibrant gemstones from emeralds, sapphires and rubies set in spectacular signed pieces from names including Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Oscar Heyman, Seaman Schepps, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura.

The sale made a total of US$4,261,854, with 82% sold by lot and 93% sold by value.

Caroline Morrissey, Bonhams Director and Head of Jewelry, New York, commented: "We were privileged to present a delightful collection of signed jewels with colorful and vivid gemstones together with several impressive single-owner collections in our final New York Jewels sale of the year. We are delighted with the results of the sale and proud to have achieved such a strong result for the private estate of the late Cortney Beebe where the vendor will be donating his proceeds raised to the Cortney and Kevin Beebe TNBC Research Fund, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Breast Cancer Center".

Other notable sale highlights included:

· A sapphire and diamond pendant necklace, centering a cushion-shaped sapphire of Burma origin, weighing approximately 15.61 carats, set within a multiple surround of marquise-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds, and marquise-shaped sapphires, to a bezel-set diamond chain. The necklace sold for US$140,200, over four times its pre-sale estimate of US$30,000-50,000.

· A Fancy yellow diamond ring, centering a cushion-cut Fancy Yellow diamond, weighing 16.48 carats, flanked by trillion-shaped diamonds. Sold for US$203,700.

· A diamond ring, centering an emerald cut diamond, weighing 10.63 carats, flanked by two tapered baguette-cut diamonds. Sold for over US$254,500.

· A Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1970. Centering an emerald-cut sapphire of Burma origin, weighing 7.81 carats, set within a surround of round brilliant cut diamonds, further enhanced by diamonds on the shank. Sold for US$127,500.

· A Vacheron Constantin diamond 'Lady Kalla' wristwatch. With manual movement, the dial, bezel and five-row bracelet are set throughout with cut-cornered step-cut diamonds to the sapphire crystal. Sold for US$89,400.

An impressive single owner collection from the private estate of the late Cortney Beebe featured in New York Jewels, the exquisite selection of jewelry embodied her taste and discernment as a collector.

In 2023, Cortney was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined to make her legacy last beyond her time, the couple established the Cortney and Kevin Beebe TNBC Research Fund for the benefit of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Breast Cancer Center. Cortney Beebe passed on August 24, 2024, yet her legacy will live on, and her generosity will continue to help those most in need.

The vendor, Cortney Beebe's husband, Kevin Beebe will donate his proceeds raised to the Cortney and Kevin Beebe TNBC Research Fund, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Breast Cancer Center who work tirelessly in the research around treatment for breast cancer. Notable lots included:

· A Bulgari diamond 'Serpenti Viper' necklace, designed as a geometric serpent set throughout with round brilliant-cut diamonds. Sold for US$89,400.

· A Bulgari diamond 'Serpenti Viper' bracelet, designed as a geometric serpent set throughout with round brilliant-cut diamonds. Sold for US$48,640.

· A Bulgari 'Serpenti Viper' ring, designed as a geometric serpent set throughout with round brilliant-cut diamonds. Sold for US$15,360.