The Italian Connection

Whether it be fashion, exotic sports cars, or jewelry, the Italians possess a certain style and class that seems to be inherent in their national character. Bulgari, established in 1884, is a jeweler whose name carries a cache that can only be achieved following almost a century and half of producing some of the most fantastic jewelry created. Purveyors to royalty, actors, and the rich and famous; owning a piece of Bulgari jewelry means that “you have arrived.” 


In yet another sign that “diamond are forever,” a fifty year old blue diamond ring commissioned from Bulgari in the 1960’s, that has never been sold at auction, is scheduled for auction at Bonhams Fine Jewellery Sale in London on September 21, 2011.  With an estimate of USD960,000 to USD1.28 million, the ring is being sold by the offspring of the couple for who the ring was commissioned.


A stunning example of the period, the crossover-style ring is set with two large pear-shaped diamonds that face away from each other – a 3.72 carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond and a 3.93 carat, D color, VS2 white diamond. The band is embellished with smaller white diamonds. It is a superb example of Bulgari design and craftsmanship, with the blue diamond adding an extremely rare touch to an exemplary piece of jewelry.


But why is such a fuss being made over this ring? Okay, so it is a Bulgari, but Bulgari have created many pieces of jewelry which have not garnered this sort of interest. Similarly, there are rings with bigger and more brilliant diamonds, there are definitely more expensive rings; so what is the big attraction in this instance?


The answers are numerous and varied. Firstly, this is a ring that was privately commissioned and has never seen the light of day as such. It is like the beautiful new girl at the prom; this ring has never been auctioned before and possesses outstanding progeny. Also, this ring is a truly outstanding example of period jewelry from the 1960s. After almost half a century the ring retains a classic, timeless elegance. For those without a background in jewelry trends, this ring may have been created yesterday and undoubtedly in another fifty years will retain this character as class is truly eternal. Combine these reasons and the interest in this ring is fully understandable. 


Bonhams has a reputation for auctioning items of extreme luxury, and in auctioning this ring, Bonhams is definitely enhancing this reputation.

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