This 14.07-carat diamond ring by David Morris was the top lot of Bonhams Fine Jewellery sale in London. The ring was part of the collection of Barbara Taylor Bradford.
A 14.07-carat cushion-cut G color, VS1 diamond ring from the collection of English author Barbara Taylor Bradford sold for $730,148, making it the top lot of Bonhams sale held Thursday in London.
Bradford received the ring, made by London jeweler David Morris, from her husband of 49 years, film and television producer Robert Bradford.
Overall, 40 pieces of jewelry from the collection of Bradford were sold at Bonhams Fine Jewellery sale Thursday, totaling approximately $1.6 million.
It is the largest collection of jewelry ever to be auctioned by a living author, Bonhams said.
Other top pieces that belonged to Bradford include an 18.37-carat Burmese sapphire and diamond ring by Harry Winston that realized $298,436, exceeding its pre-sale high estimate of $200,000. Bradford's 19th century sapphire and diamond brooch sold for $190,508.
"The jewelry has been a part of my life for such a long time, but I'm glad it will begin a new chapter, with a new owner, in a new home. Beautiful things need to be displayed and admired and I'm so pleased that the jewelry will live again and be cherished and enjoyed," Bradford said.