Eighties jewellery prices ‘soaring’, says Bonhams

Eighties jewellery such as giant hoop and drop earrings, torque bangles and sprung-collar necklaces are back in vogue with prices soaring, according to auction house Bonhams. 

According to Bonhams collectors and investors are reappraising key designers as bold, colourful and outgoing jewellery is becoming increasingly popular in the auction rooms.

Bonhams says jewellery characterised by abstract design, yellow gold, colourful precious stones and gemstones – the foundations of Eighties style – is attracting new interest from buyers all over the world and prices are now soaring.

Jean Ghika, head of jewellery in the UK and Europe at Bonhams, said: “There is definitely a feeling that these designs have been unappreciated, even as recently as four or five years ago. But many aspects of Eighties fashion are already making a serious comeback and so we’re seeing pieces that may have been gathering dust for the past 25 years on sale again.

“Now is definitely the moment to dig out any Eighties jewellery you might have hidden away in a box and have a look. It could be worth trying on again or selling if you’re still not convinced.”

Recent sales include £11,000 for an amethyst and ametrine choker, and £17,000 for a moonstone and gem set necklace, both by US designer Tony Duquette whose large, bold and outlandish pieces are increasingly sought after.

Other designers whose Eighties work is most sought-after and the best prices include Paloma Picasso, Schlumberger, VCA, Cartier, Marina B, Bulgari, Aldo Chipulo for Cartier and Angela Cummings for Tiffany.

According to Bonhams the interest in their designs has meant that many estimates have doubled, trebled and even quadrupled on the auction house floor.