Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
‘Hope Spinel’ resurfaces after nearly 100 years
The historical 50.13-carat gemstone was once owned by the same family that possessed the Hope Diamond and is expected to sell for more than $300,000 at Bonhams this month.
London--A rare and large spinel that has not been offered for sale for nearly 100 years is set to hit the auction block at Bonhams this month.
Called the “Hope Spinel,” the 50.13-carat rose-hued stone has an octagonal-cut and is set as a brooch in 19th century sterling silver and gold, surrounded by diamonds.
The “size of a small plum,” Bonhams said it expects the gemstone brooch to fetch as much as 200,000 British pounds ($310,000) at its Sept. 24 Fine Jewellery sale in London.
Originally, the Hope Spinel was part of a gem collection owned by London banker Henry Philip Hope and his elder brother, both from a family of rich and powerful merchant bankers that is, incidentally, the same family that once owned the famed blue Hope Diamond.
When Henry secretly gifted the collection to a nephew, it became the subject of a decade-long inheritance feud within the family, which ended in the collection being divided up to resolve the issue.
A nephew, Henry Thomas Hope, ended up with not only the Hope Spinel but the Hope Diamond. When he died, the jewels were inherited by his widow, Anne Adele. As Henry and Anne’s only daughter was married to a notorious gambler, Anne bequeathed the gems to her second grandson.
But the grandson went bankrupt only nine years later, and he sold the Hope Diamond to a dealer in 1901. That stone now resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
By 1917, Christie’s had sold the remainder of the Hope gem collection, with the Hope Spinel going to a dealer for $1,600 (about $121,500 in today’s dollars) and later turning up in the collection of Lady Mount Stephen, who was married to a Canadian philanthropist living in the United Kingdom.
The spinel was passed down through that family, and the current owner is a direct descendant of Lady Mount Stephen. That descendant is selling the stone through Bonhams.
“An incredible 98 years since it was last auctioned, the Hope Spinel is now for sale again for the first time since the original sale,” said Bonhams’ Emily Barber. “It’s not only had the amazing provenance but it’s also an exceptional gemstone in its own right.”
Bonhams said the Swiss gemological laboratory SSEF has confirmed the stone is from ancient mines due to its exceptional transparency, flawless cut, beautiful color
The Latest
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.