Jewellery | Bonhams
Bonhams - delivers strong results from private collection of Hermès jewellery
| 2025-10-22 |     |
Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr saw successful results from the sale Hermès: Treasure trove of gold and silver, a private collection on October 21 2025, a sale dedicated solely to the world of Hermès jewellery. The live auction traced part of the maison’s rich heritage, presenting 280-lots of jewellery spanning the period from 1960 to 2020.
A notable lot was a Hermès Paris by George Lenfant, ‘Vendôme’ bracelet in yellow gold with anchor chain link, circa 1960. Offered with an estimate of €12,000-15,000 and sold for an impressive €38,400. Additionally, the Hermès Paris, Kelly Bracelet in Rose Gold set with 515 diamonds, weighing 3.25 carats, featuring the iconic clasp and buckle design and a twist lock clasp was offered with an estimate of €12,000-15,000, and sold for €20,480. As well as The Hermès Paris, Bracelet Chaîne d’Ancre in yellow gold, offered with an estimate of €8,000-12,000, sold for €28,160.
Hubert Felbacq, Director of the Fashion and Accessories department at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris, commented
“We were pleased to see exceptional results for vintage Hermès gold jewellery, with several pieces achieving record-breaking prices. The Bracelet Vendôme by Georges Lenfant realised €38,400 – the highest price ever achieved for this model – while the iconic Chaîne d’Ancre, first introduced in around 1938, sold for €28,160. The collection’s remarkable breadth, featuring many of the maison’s most recognisable motifs and lines, attracted strong interest from international collectors and reaffirmed the enduring global appeal of Hermès craftsmanship. We look forward to seeing fashion lovers with our upcoming Paris auction, taking place on 25-26 November entitled The art of Luxury: Hermès, Chanel, Vuitton.”
Another sale highlight was a Hermès Paris Galop GM bracelet in pink gold, set with diamonds. The design featured the iconic Hermès horse set in rose gold and adorned in diamonds. Offered with an estimate of €12,000-15,000 and sold for €17,920.
Founded in Paris in 1832, Hermès has established itself as one of the leading luxury maisons, synonymous with impeccable craftsmanship. Originally formed as an atelier making horse harnesses for Europe’s nobility, today they are most recognised for the Birkin and Kelly bags which command high demand at auction. It was in 1927, that the first jewellery lines appeared at Hermès crafted of leather and silver, inspired by equestrian art and the codes of the maison. In 1938, after a visit to Le Havre, Robert Dumas-Hermès designed a new link for the bracelet and necklace collections, marking the beginning of one of the house's signatures: the Chaine d'Ancre link.
During the 1960’s writer and film maker Jean Cocteau was invited as guest jewellery designer and in 1976 Hermès launched the enamel bracelet in gold and plated rose-gold which feature the iconic Hermès scarf prints. In 2000, the H Bracelet, nicknamed the Click Clac H bracelet was launched and became an instant modern jewellery icon. The 21st Century brought new energy with Pierre Hardy, joining the house in 2002 as artistic director of the fine jewellery collections, shaking up the designs and bringing a fresh approach with the use of platinum and rose gold, as well as semi-precious stones such as quartz and aventurine. This led to the creation of miniature bag pendants: Kelly and Constance.
Other notable sale highlights included
- A Hermès Paris, Sellier Gourmette bracelet in yellow gold, offered with an estimate of €8,000-12,000, sold for €25,600.
- A Hermès Paris, bracelet Alea PM in 925 sterling silver, offered with an estimate of €900-1,100, sold for €17,920.
- A Hermès Paris Collier mini Chaine d’Ancre in 925 rose gold, offered with an estimate of €8,000-12,000, sold for €15,360.
- A Hermès Paris, Manchette Niloticous Ombre cuff in rose gold set with diamonds, offered withan estimate of €6,000-8,000, sold for €12,160.
- A Hermès Paris, bracelet Alea PM in 925 sterling silver, offered with an estimate of €1,000-1,200, sold for €12,160.
About The Bonhams Network
Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.