DIAMONDS are forever, and as we prepare to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Bonhams of Oxford is donating thousands of pounds from its latest auction to help create a legacy for the county’s charities.

Bonhams, which has its saleroom at Shipton-on-Cherwell, near Kidlington, this week announced it would donate a percentage of its commission from a high-profile jewellery sale to the Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire.

The fund was launched in January and aims to raise millions of pounds for struggling charities and community projects, through the generosity of the general public and businesses.

Michael Wynell-Mayow is the director of Bonhams Oxford.

He said: “We heard about the Jubilee Fund and really wanted to be involved.

“Bonhams has been holding sales here in Oxfordshire for 10 years and although we receive lots of requests from charities, we liked the fact that the Jubilee Fund benefits so many small and different groups.

“On June 12, we will be holding a large sale of jewellery, on behalf of sellers from across the country.

“It is all affordable, with most pieces priced between £300 and £1,000, but we hope it will enable Bonhams, through donating a percentage of our commission, to contribute several thousands of pounds to the Jubilee Fund.”

Among the lots in the sale are diamond stud earrings, with an estimated value of £1,500 to £2,000, and a diamond pendant valued between £500 and £700.

Mr Wynell-Mayow said: “Anyone who comes along and purchases a piece will know they are buying a beautiful piece of jewellery and making a difference to a lot of worthy groups.”

The Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire is being overseen by the Oxfordshire Community Foundation, which distributes grants to local charities.

Foundation chief executive Jayne Woodley said: “We’re so excited about this unique opportunity to work in partnership with Bonhams. This is an extraordinary example of how businesses can support local causes if it’s relevant to them. We’re very grateful to Bonhams for this diamond gesture.”

Tess Parry, Bonhams’ jewellery expert, said: “I have the pleasure of working with diamonds every day, and with the wide range of jewellery available at auction there will always be a jewel to suit everybody. Remember, a diamond is forever and not just for the Jubilee.”

l To donate to the Jubilee Fund or to volunteer to fundraise on its behalf, email jubilee@oxfordshire.org, call 01865 798666 or drop into OCF’s offices at 3 Woodins Way, Oxford.

Alternatively, donate by phone by texting JBLE 12 to 70070 with a donation.

lTo apply for Jubilee Fund cash, see oxfordshire.org lThe jewellery auction (Auction No 19830) starts at 11am at Bonhams’ saleroom in Banbury Road, Shipton-on-Cherwell, on Tuesday, June 12. Details of all the lots are available on the Oxford page of bonhams.com