Single-Owner Group of 12 David Webb Jewels Leads Bonhams Los Angeles Sale

A single-owner group of 12 iconic David Webb designs anchors Bonhams' Fine Jewelry California live auction in Los Angeles on March 5, 2026. The curated Webb ensemble is presented as the focal point of the sale and is explicitly billed as celebrating the house’s bold, sculptural 20th-century aesthetic.

Named Webb lots in the group include an 18k gold Celtic crescent necklace from the early 1970s, estimated at $25,000–$35,000, and a David Webb clip brooch-pendant in 18k gold and platinum set with rock crystal, emeralds, and diamonds, given an estimate of $10,000–$15,000 in Bonhams’ captions. Jewelleryoutlook and Bonhams imagery also identify an 18k gold “scallop” bracelet, estimated at US$15,000–25,000, while JCK highlights a rock crystal frog clip brooch with emerald eyes and a meticulously carved, hinged scallop shell cuff executed in hammered 18k gold among the 12-piece group.

David Webb’s biography and creative touchstones appear in Bonhams’ material: Webb (1925–1975) founded his eponymous house in 1948 and “developed a distinctive signature style—most notably his iconic animal-themed jewels, first introduced in 1957, along with striking creations in enamel and gold.” The auction catalogue frames the Webb lots as illustrating Webb’s “signature use of bold, sculptural gold and whimsical animal motifs,” language that aligns with the pieces offered from the single-owner collection.

Beyond the Webb grouping, Bonhams identifies a leading diamond lot: an 18k white gold bracelet composed of square emerald-cut diamonds, graded VVS1–VS2 and totaling 29.21 carats, with an estimate of US$55,000–75,000. The sale also assembles period masterpieces and signed jewels from major houses, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Andrew Clunn, and Verdura. JCK flags two Tiffany highlights: a cushion-shape sapphire ring dated 1915 of Kashmir origin, and a 13.25 ct. tourmaline pendant-brooch by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1911, which the catalogue links to the early–20th century Arts and Crafts movement.

Caroline Morrissey, Bonhams SVP; Head of Jewelry, US, framed the selection and strategy: “Fine Jewelry California brings together jewels from the world’s leading maisons, featuring diamonds and colored diamonds alongside richly hued gemstones, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, in important period and signed designs. The sale also includes a single‑owner collection of David Webb jewels, reflecting the designer’s distinctive craftsmanship and sculptural style, which continues to resonate with collectors worldwide.”

Bonhams markets the March 5 live auction as “an exceptional selection of signed jewels, loose fancy-color diamonds, rare gemstones, and period masterpieces.” Photos accompanying pre-sale coverage are credited as “Photos courtesy of Bonhams.” For collectors tracking provenance, estimates, and individual lot descriptions, the March 5 catalogue entries will provide the definitive condition and provenance details for each Webb jewel and the sale’s headline diamonds.