Bonhams’ pearls of wisdom

The Art of Jewels: Fine Jewellery in Iconic Gems will take place on Wednesday 9th December at Bonhams Bond Street. One of the highlights of the sale will be a pearl necklace, belonging to philanthropist and benefactor Lady Houston.

The double-row necklace with graduated pearls is expected to fetch £30,000-£50,000. It is made up of large natural pearls of 5.8-12.8mm. The owner Lady Houston, donated a considerable amount of her personal fortune in support of British aviation which would eventually lead to the design of the Spitfire, an integral part of the national defence during WW2.

Other jewels include a pendant commemorating the Delhi Durbar of 1911, an event brought to recent attention by the current Maharaja exhibition at the V&A. Designed by Boucheron, the central band is set with rose-cut diamonds. It is expected to fetch between £3,000-4,000. A rare piece of Renaissance gold work will also be sold in the sale. Expected to generate £15,000-20,000 this piece portrays a maiden bathing by a fountain in the foreground, with the water rendered in blue and white enamel, surrounded by her attendants.

Bonhams was founded in 1793 and is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 50 specialist areas.