Fellows Auctioneers are Delighted to Present ‘The Joseph Bonnar Collection’
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Fellows Auctioneers is proud to announce a single owner collection auction. The entire collection from Joseph Bonnar Jewellers in Edinburgh will go under the hammer this month, following the retirement of its proprietor.
Joseph Bonnar, a renowned Edinburgh jeweller with over 50 years of experience, is highly regarded for his expertise in antique and period jewellery. For decades, collectors and enthusiasts have flocked to his Thistle Street shop, which has become a cherished institution, celebrated both locally and internationally. Bonnar’s extensive knowledge of important gemstones and his role in making antique jewellery fashionable has solidified his reputation in the industry.
“I started by just selling things I found visually appealing.” Bonnar remarked during an interview with The Scotsman. His first shop was on St Stephen’s Street in 1972, eventually relocating to Thistle Street. Bonnar tells The Scotsman the story of how he acquired remarkable pieces like a shoebox full of jets with ties to Balmoral. Bonnar’s unique finds and charming boutique gained international attention, even attracting the notice of Harper’s Bazaar. His shop welcomed all with Bonnar insisting “It was never just about antique jewels.” He believed that “Splendid jewels, be they diamonds or paste, can turn everyone into a star.”
With Joseph Bonnar’s retirement, collectors and jewellery enthusiasts now have a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from the shop’s vast inventory, including unique antique items, bespoke and custom pieces, and exquisite gemstones.
The auction will take place at Fellows’ Jewellery Quarter saleroom in Birmingham on Wednesday 23rd October 2024. It will also be available to view and bid online with in-person viewings taking place at both their London and Birmingham offices.
Stephen Whittaker, Managing Director & Auctioneer, said:
“We are delighted to handle the sale of such an esteemed collection. Joseph Bonnar has built an Edinburgh institution. For decades, he has curated an extensive and impressive collection. I feel privileged that we can give jewellery collectors the chance to own a piece of this legacy. The collection reflects a lifetime of passion and expertise in the world of jewellery.”
Joseph Bonnar’s full interview with The Scotsman can be found here.
