A ruby and diamond necklace fetched $2.1 million, nearly 15 times its high estimateBonhamsA diamond necklace centered on a 5.02-carat oval-shaped Burma ruby sold for more than $2.1 million to lead Bonhams’ Exceptional Jewels auction on June 8, nearly 15 times its high estimate. The necklace, which features approximately 39 carats of diamonds, came from the collection of Janet Phipps of Denver.Another standout was an unmounted 30.61-carat Mozambique paraiba-type tourmaline accompanied by a hexagonal frame attached to a 14k gold link necklace. The gemstone sold for more than $1.4 million, nearly six times its high estimate. It was from the collection of philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, founder of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance and a prominent supporter of the arts. "Both lots far exceeded their pre-sale estimates, underscoring the continued strength of global demand for rare colored gemstones and exquisitely crafted jewels of exceptional quality," said Caroline Morrissey, senior vice president and head of jewelry at Bonhams.A Paraiba-type tourmaline sold for more than $1.4 million, nearly six times its high estimateBonhamsThe 153-lot sale realized nearly $9.5 million, with 78% sold by lot and 98% sold by value. Colored gemstones and signed jewels led the auction, with pieces by Harry Winston, Chaumet, Bulgari, Graff, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Oscar Heyman, Taffin and J.E. Caldwell among the highlights. Private collections accounted for all the top lots in the auction. Play Puzzles & Games on ForbesThe sale was held at Bonhams’ recently opened New York headquarters in Steinway Hall at the base of 111 West 57th Street.A fancy intense yellow diamond and diamond ring fetched $470,400BonhamsThe third-highest lot was a ring set with a 30.20-carat cushion-cut Fancy Intense Yellow diamond of VS2 clarity. From the Kaufman collection, it sold within estimate for $470,400. Prior to the sale, the fancy-colored diamond had been expected to be the auction's top lot.An an 11.20-carat emerald-cut diamond ring sold for $445,000BonhamsNext was a ring featuring an 11.20-carat emerald-cut diamond achieved $445,000, exceeding its estimate. The piece came from the estate of Linda Dresner, the luxury retailer and fashion industry pioneer who died in April at age 88.A Harry Winston emerald and diamond ring sold for $356,100BonhamsA platinum ring by Harry Winston centered on a 7.08-carat cushion-cut Colombian emerald flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds sold for $356,100, slightly above its high estimate.A Bulgari multicolored sapphire and diamond necklace realized $254,500BonhamsAn 18k gold and platinum Bulgari necklace featuring multicolored sapphires and diamonds, highlighted by a 24.10-carat pear-shaped Sri Lankan yellow sapphire pendant, realized $254,500, also surpassing its high estimate.From the Kaufman collection, an 18k gold bracelet set with five cushion-cut emeralds in quatrefoil flower motifs sold for $203,700. The emeralds have an estimated total weight of 30 to 35 carats.A Fancy red diamond and diamond ring, sold for $191,000BonhamsA ring featuring a 0.53-carat fancy red radiant-cut diamond surrounded by pear-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds, including pink-tinted stones, sold within its estimates for $191,000.Rounding out the top lots were a platinum ring centered on an 8.29-carat emerald-cut diamond of G color and VS1 clarity, and a platinum and white gold bracelet set with two rows of emerald-cut diamonds totaling an estimated 70 to 75 carats. Both pieces sold for $165,600.A spinel and diamond ring, circa 1950, sold for $159, 250BonhamsOne of the sale’s biggest surprises of Bonhams auction was a circa-1950 ring featuring an unheated 18.78-carat emerald-cut Tajikistan spinel set within a partial surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The ring achieved $159,250, more than 10 times its high estimate.