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Bonhams Australia is hosting a closed door auction of jewels so pretty they’ll hurt your heart

COVID-19 has turned our world upside down but the famed auction house is still bringing exquisite items to the public.

L to R: Yvett Klein, Bonhams Director Merryn Schriever, Francesca Cavazzini and jewellery specialist Fiona Frith with items form the upcoming Auction. Picture: John Appleyard
L to R: Yvett Klein, Bonhams Director Merryn Schriever, Francesca Cavazzini and jewellery specialist Fiona Frith with items form the upcoming Auction. Picture: John Appleyard

The pandemic has turned our world upside down and in so many ways. But clever businesses have pivoted hard – taking their businesses online or adapting and providing different services altogether.

Famed auction house Bonhams has had to think on its feet in order to keep its day-to-day business up and running. But it has done so and in a genuinely impressive fashion.

The group will stage its Australia Jewels hybrid auction on Wednesday 27 May at 6pm. As per usual the auction will appeal to jewellery lovers with exquisite pieces from the great houses of Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Tiffany and Piaget together with Australian jewellery houses Paspaley, Cerrone and Tony White.

L to R: Yvett Klein, Jewellery Specialist Fiona Frith, Francesca Cavazzini and Bonhams Director Merryn Schriever with items form the upcoming auction at Bonhams of Woollahra. Picture: John Appleyard
L to R: Yvett Klein, Jewellery Specialist Fiona Frith, Francesca Cavazzini and Bonhams Director Merryn Schriever with items form the upcoming auction at Bonhams of Woollahra. Picture: John Appleyard

Highlights include a Cartier diamond ‘love’ bangle, a Cartier diamond ‘Trinity’ ring, and a Tony White emerald and diamond ring.

There are jewels that remind us of our mothers and grandmothers at their most glamorous, including a large aquamarine cocktail ring, rings with pyramids of diamonds and gems, bold and bright brooches and sweet Art Deco style rings.

This follows the current trend for nostalgic jewels, older pieces of jewellery that are reminiscent of happy youthful times. Pieces that can be worn and enjoyed or re-engineered and upscaled to become the family heirlooms of the future.

Director of Bonhams Australia Merryn Schriever says this auction will be categorically different from those in pre-COVID times.

Bonhams Director Merryn Schriever with a coloured gem-set necklace. Bonhams of Woollahra is holding an auction"Australia Jewels" on May 27th. Picture: John Appleyard
Bonhams Director Merryn Schriever with a coloured gem-set necklace. Bonhams of Woollahra is holding an auction"Australia Jewels" on May 27th. Picture: John Appleyard

“In this pandemic business environment internet technology in our industry, as with many cultural institutions, is playing a greater role and this may well continue in the future,” she explains.

“Our policy has been to offer select categories for each auction, extend preview times and limit the number of people and time.

“Our Australia Jewels Auction, with just 57 lots, offers exceptional pieces and presents a secure investment in these challenging economic times.”

So all the fabulousness that has long been associated with Bonhams remains.

Only this time round the auction’s actual processes will run a little differently.

Jewellery specialist Fiona Frith with items from the auction. Picture: John Appleyard
Jewellery specialist Fiona Frith with items from the auction. Picture: John Appleyard

The auction, which will take place on Wednesday May 27 at 6pm, will be staged ‘behind closed doors’ (although the very keen can watch through the glass door of the auction room if they wish). The auction will be live-streamed and you can make bids beforehand or during the auction itself.

Bids can be taken via telephone, online and there will also be absentee bidding.

There is still time to view the jewels which are on display until Tuesday May 26 at 5pm. And having seen them up close, we can recommend you check them out.

Jewellery specialist Fiona Frith holds items from the auction. Picture: John Appleyard
Jewellery specialist Fiona Frith holds items from the auction. Picture: John Appleyard

There’s nothing quite so magical as getting up close and personal with beautifully designed and created items especially those of the jewellery variety.

Given current restrictions, Bonhams Australia is also inviting clients for a ‘Champagne for Two Preview’.

This is an exclusive opportunity to preview upcoming Australia Jewels Auction – weekdays until Tuesday May 26 between 3pm and 5pm at Bonhams rooms at 97-99 Queen Street, Woollahra.

A Diamond and gem set leaf brooch. Bonhams of Woollahra is holding an auction "Australia Jewels" on May 27th. Picture: John Appleyard
A Diamond and gem set leaf brooch. Bonhams of Woollahra is holding an auction "Australia Jewels" on May 27th. Picture: John Appleyard
Diamond, emerald and enamel ring by Piajet and a diamond and emerald ring from Tony White. Picture: John Appleyard
Diamond, emerald and enamel ring by Piajet and a diamond and emerald ring from Tony White. Picture: John Appleyard
Clockwise from Top left: Coral brooch, diamond, emerald and enamel ring by Piajet and a diamond and emerald ring from Tony White, Tiffany diamond earrings by Schlumberger and diamond and gem set leaf brooch. Picture: John Appleyard
Clockwise from Top left: Coral brooch, diamond, emerald and enamel ring by Piajet and a diamond and emerald ring from Tony White, Tiffany diamond earrings by Schlumberger and diamond and gem set leaf brooch. Picture: John Appleyard
L to R: Coral and diamond Ring by Tony White, aquamarine and diamond cocktail and amethyst and diamond cocktail ring. Picture: John Appleyard
L to R: Coral and diamond Ring by Tony White, aquamarine and diamond cocktail and amethyst and diamond cocktail ring. Picture: John Appleyard

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/bonhams-australia-is-hosting-a-closed-door-auction-of-jewels-so-pretty-theyll-hurt-your-heart/news-story/4749532e87296219b0d808dbff66c853