A 4.32-carat diamond ring beat expectations at the Bonhams California Jewels sale earlier this month, selling for $101,175.

The round, F-color, VVS2-clarity ring was the top item at the November 9 auction, Bonhams said in a recent statement. The piece carried a presale estimate of $70,000 to $100,000.

All of the three most expensive items at the auction were diamond jewels. A rectangular mixed-cut, 4.05-carat, E-color, SI1-clarity diamond ring fetched $44,475, within expectations. Meanwhile, a diamond- and gem-set bracelet — in the Egyptian-revival style and featuring birds, vases and flying scarabs in sapphire, ruby and onyx set in diamonds — went for $31,875 against a high estimate of $9,000.

Other notable items at the sale included a diamond and sapphire necklace by Oscar Friedman, which garnered $30,600, beating its $20,000 high estimate. A ring featuring an emerald-cut, 5.41-carat, L-color, I1-clarity diamond center stone also exceeded its $15,000 presale price tag, going for $28,050.

Meanwhile, two Van Cleef & Arpels lots smashed their high estimates. The first, a pair of gold and diamond earclips, sold for $28,050 against an upper valuation of $6,500. A set comprising a diamond and turquoise brooch and earrings scored $21,675 against a presale high estimate of $6,000.

In total, Bonhams sold 74% of items on offer at the auction, bringing in $1.3 million.

Image: The 4.32-carat diamond ring. (Bonhams)