After greater than 5 many years of curating a few of the most extraordinary vintage and interval jewelry in Edinburgh, Joseph Bonnar is retiring. He’s forsaking a exceptional legacy that we’ll be celebrating in a single-owner assortment public sale this month. We’re proud to current The Joseph Bonnar Assortment. This public sale gives a singular alternative for collectors and jewelry lovers to amass items from his extraordinary assortment.
From Jenners to Joseph Bonnar Jewellers
Bonnar’s journey began with an unlikely starting in window dressing at Jenners when he was simply 16. He shortly discovered himself drawn to jewelry when an antiques market opened reverse his flat in 1970. When recalling his involvement with the market, Bonnar advised us “I assumed this might be my pastime,”. Fortunately for the jewelry business in Edinburgh, what began as a pastime quickly grew to become a ardour. By 1972, he had turn out to be a full-time vintage jewelry seller.
A pivotal second in his journey got here when David Letham, an area vintage jeweller, invited him to open a store on Thistle Avenue. Letham was engaged on a mission to remodel a uncared for space in Edinburgh’s New City right into a hub for Scotland’s prime sellers. This may be by invitation solely. “It was an enormous praise and an excellent alternative,” Bonnar remembers.
That pastime shortly grew to become a lifelong career and Joseph Bonnar Jewellers was born.
By the point he opened the store on Thistle Avenue, he had already constructed a status as a seller with a watch for distinctive items. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than his store grew to become an establishment. Attracting collectors, vacationers, and even celebrities, all eager to find the treasures hidden inside its partitions.
A Assortment of Significance
All through his profession, Bonnar developed a eager sense for buying items of historic significance and distinctive provenance. One of many highlights of his profession was buying jewelry from the property of the first Marquess of Dalhousie. Governor-Common of India.
From his assortment of Artwork Deco items to the well-known shoebox of jet linked to Balmoral, his finds usually carried with them a narrative. Whereas it might be simple to be awed by the gorgeous imperial topaz ring, some elegant diamond earrings, and even an opal and diamond tiara. It’s value a few of the quieter items to find their story. The cufflinks celebrating a well-known racehorse despatched us down a analysis rabbit gap concerning the legacy of racehorses within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Whereas a mourning ring led us to study a beloved mom and spouse from eighteenth-century Aberdeenshire. It’s simple to see why Bonnar’s dedication to preserving and researching provenance made his store a favorite amongst these collectors on the lookout for one-of-a-kind objects. His dedication to providing the best and most original items to his loyal clients didn’t go unnoticed.
Acclaim and awards
Over time, the store gained acclaim at house and overseas. The publications singing its praises ranged from revered papers similar to The Scotsman and the Monetary Instances to glamorous magazines like City & Nation and Harper’s Bazaar. Acknowledgement from one’s friends is commonly extra significant than worldwide acclaim. It’s no shock that Bonnar’s journey to The Dorchester Resort in the summertime of 2003 was one explicit recollection he shared with us. It was at The British Antiques and Collectables Awards (BACA) the place he was nominated in (and received) the Specialist Vendor, Jewelry class.
Profitable such a prestigious award amongst business specialists and fellow sellers solidified his standing as a number one determine in vintage jewelry. It was a second that celebrated his experience. Additionally, his dedication to preserving and selling the wonder and historical past of the items he so fastidiously curated.
Wanting Again on 5 A long time
For Joseph Bonnar, his profession was all the time about extra than simply jewelry. In an interview with The Scotsman, he shared a key ingredient of his method that undoubtedly contributed to his success. His focus was on making folks feel and look wonderful, whether or not they had been adorned within the best gems or costume jewelry. This inclusive philosophy—the place every bit, no matter worth, had the facility to remodel the wearer—grew to become an indicator of his enterprise.
The relationships he constructed together with his purchasers had been equally important. As he displays on his profession, Bonnar stated, “What I’ll miss most is the folks I’ve met.” This highlighted the deep private connections that formed his journey. His store on Thistle Avenue wasn’t only a vacation spot for lovely jewelry; it was a spot the place friendships blossomed, and the place purchasers, collectors, and fellow lovers grew to become lifelong mates. Entering into the store, you weren’t solely captivated by the brilliance of the gathering but additionally by the heat of the folks there. Not simply the employees but additionally the photographs of mates and purchasers adorned in Bonnar’s jewelry which lined the partitions of the principle showroom.
A type of cherished mates was the actress, mannequin, and activist April Ashley. A real icon, April’s affect prolonged far past the world of trend. She was a trailblazer within the combat for trans rights within the UK. Her shut connection to Joseph Bonnar Jewellers was immortalised in two massive photographic portraits that took delight of place above the jewelry showcases, that includes her modelling a few of the very items now up for public sale. One such merchandise, a shocking pearl necklace, may be seen in certainly one of these iconic photographs. To study extra about April Ashley’s exceptional life and legacy, we lately spoke to a historian, and you may see the complete interview right here.
This public sale doesn’t simply provide jewelry. It gives items of historical past and a glimpse into the lives and relationships that formed the Joseph Bonnar Jewellers story.
Now, as Joseph Bonnar steps into retirement, we’re actually honoured to share this ultimate assortment with the world. This public sale isn’t nearly jewelry. It’s about celebrating the unimaginable legacy of a person whose ardour for vintage items has left an enduring mark on the business. We hope that The Joseph Bonnar Assortment is a becoming tribute to his 50 years of dedication and experience, providing a uncommon alternative to amass extraordinary items wealthy with historic significance.
We’d love to listen to your recollections of Joseph Bonnar Jewellers. Whether or not it’s a memorable piece you’ve bought or a narrative about your time in his store. Please be happy to share your recollections with us through e-mail at good day@fellows.co.uk or by calling 0121 212 2131.
We’ll be internet hosting viewings at each our London and Birmingham places of work. Earlier than, the public sale takes place on twenty third October 2024 at our Jewelry Quarter saleroom in Birmingham. For these unable to attend in particular person, the public sale may even be out there to view and bid on through our web site. We look ahead to welcoming many mates and purchasers to those particular occasions as we rejoice the enduring legacy of this unimaginable profession.
This exceptional assortment of 476 heaps consists of all the things from vintage gems to bespoke creations. All reflecting Bonnar’s impeccable style and experience.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to promote with us. Our specialists will worth your merchandise with an estimate, so you’ll find out what it might obtain at public sale.
The method is straightforward. You possibly can fill in a type on-line or e-book an appointment to go to both of our places of work in Birmingham or London. Alternatively, if you happen to can’t attend digital valuation appointments are additionally out there.
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Alexandra Whittaker BA (Hons) | Head of Partnerships and Occasions
