Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction - realized $39.4 million

New York--Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction here realized $39.4 million, the highest total ever realized by the auction house for a spring jewelry sale, Sotheby’s announced last week. 

Held April 14, the auction sold 84 percent by lot and 93 percent by value. The top lot was a emerald-cut diamond weighing 30.52 carats. Estimated at 3,000,000—4,000,000 USD. and Sold for 3,386,500 USD. Accompanied by GIA report no. 2115516430 stating that the diamond is D color, VVS1 clarity, with Excellent Polish and Excellent Symmetry. 

A 3-carat marquise-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond garnered the second-highest bid of the day, bringing in $3.3 million.

Meanwhile, The pear-shaped diamond weighing 20.74 carats, surmounted by an emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately .50 carat, and an old European-cut diamond weighing approximately .85 carat. that was estimated at 800,000—1,200,000 USD. had doubled its pre-sale estimate and Sold for 2,154,500 USD 

It was accompanied by GIA report no. 1122998496 stating that the diamond is D color, VS2 clarity. 

At least 10 bidders competed for a circa 1920 Cartier, Tiffany & Co. diamond jabot pin, featuring One terminal set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.31 carats, the other set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 2.00 carats, framed by small round and single-cut diamonds, signed Cartier and Tiffany &Co. The larger diamond originally mounted by Tiffany &Co., circa 1900, converted into a jabot by Cartier, circa 1920. 

The pin was estimated at 600,000 - 800,000 USD and sold for 1,986,500 USD, more than double its pre-sale estimate. 

It was accompanied by GIA report no. 2125998478 stating that the 15.31 carat diamond is D color, VVS2 clarity.  

“Collectors are willing to pay a premium for diamonds with charm, and that was a hallmark of today’s sale,” Gary Schuler, director of jewelry in New York, said. “Whether they feature old-world cuts or magnificent and unique colors, the opportunity to compete for these stones is exactly why buyers come to auction.” 




Pictures courtesy of Sotheby’s 
Article courtesy of National Jeweler

A 10.09 Carat Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink Diamond Estimated at $12 to $15 Million.

Another unusual diamond is set to capture global attention with its color, size and price. Christie's will auction a 10.09 cushion cut fancy vivid purplish-pink diamond at the April 12 Magnificent Jewels sale in New York. The auction house has estimated the diamond at $12-15 million.

In the recent past, fancy color and large diamonds broke a string of price records. Four pink diamonds have fetched more than $1 million p/c at Christie's auctions, among them a vivid pink, 5-carat cushion-cut diamond that sold for more than $2.1 million p/c at Christie's Hong Kong in December 2009. 

Photo courtesy of Christie's

“Collector demand for large colored diamonds has never been stronger, especially where pink diamonds of this size and quality are concerned,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry at Christie's New York.

“At Christie’s New York this past December, jewelry collectors competed for a 6.89 carat Fancy Vivid purplish-pink diamond, which ultimately sold for $6.9 million or $1 million per carat. This larger stone, with its richer, deeper hue of pink and electrifying purple tone is positioned to become one of this season’s top-selling diamonds,” Kadakia added.

The auction house did not disclose who the seller is, though it is believed to be a diamond company.

Article courtesy of Idex online news