Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
The ‘Hope’ raises the auction bar for spinel
The 50.13-carat rose-hued stone sold for $1.5 million at Bonhams Thursday, setting a new per-carat record for a faceted spinel at auction.
London--The Hope Spinel, a rare and large gemstone not seen at auction for 98 years, sold for $1.5 million at the Bonhams Fine Jewellery sale in London Thursday, fetching well over its highest pre-sale estimate of $305,000.
Purchased by a private bidder via telephone, the stone also set a per-carat world record price for a faceted spinel at auction when it garnered $30,000 per carat. The previous record, set in 2013, was $16,000 per carat.
The octagonal-cut spinel is set in a 19th century sterling silver and gold brooch and is surrounded by diamonds. Bonhams said the Swiss gemological laboratory SSEF has confirmed the stone is from ancient mines due to its exceptional transparency, flawless cut, beautiful color and large size. It is “classed as an exceptional treasure of nature.”
The last time it went up for sale was in 1917.
The Hope Spinel originally was part of a gem collection owned by London banker Henry Philip Hope and his older brother, both part of the same family of rich and powerful merchant bankers that once owned the famed blue Hope Diamond.
After being secretly gifted to a nephew, the Hope Spinel became part of a long inheritance feud within the family that ended with the dividing up of the collection.
The Hope Diamond eventually was sold to a dealer in 1901 and now resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Christie’s sold the remainder of the Hope gem collection by 1917, with the Hope Spinel going to a dealer for $1,600 (about $121,500 in today) and later turning up in the collection of Lady Mount Stephen. The seller of it this time around is a direct descendant of hers.
Jean Ghika, director of Bonhams Jewellery for the U.K. and Europe, said, “We are delighted with the price it has made. It was an exceptional gemstone with a priceless provenance and these pieces just don’t come to the open market often and when they do, they are hotly contested.”
The Latest
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
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.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
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.