A Big Pink and a Big Blue Diamond Fetched Big Bucks At Christie’s

Two fancy colored diamonds were the top sellers at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday. Meanwhile, the diamond engagement ring that Kris Humphries gave to Kim Kardashian at the same sale made lots of noise but ended up only having the 12th highest sale price at $749,000.

The top lots among the 389 offered were:

* An 8.77-carat rectangular-cut fancy intense pink VVS1 diamond that sold for more than $6.3 million, or $721,200 per carat (top photo). The buyer was Moussaieff Jewellers, a luxury retail jeweler with stores in London and Geneva.

* A 3.81-carat rectangular-cut fancy vivid blue VS1 diamond that sold for nearly $4 million, or more than $1 million per carat (pictured above). The buyer requested anonymity.

The other top lots are as follows:

* A 25.30-carat rectangular-cut D color VVS1 diamond that sold for more than $3.1 million.

* An 18.28-carat cushion-cut D color VVS2 diamond that sold for more than $2 million.

* A 15.88-carat cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire that sold for more than $1.8 million.

* A 10.75-carat rectangular-cut D color internally flawless diamond that sold for nearly $1.4 million.

* A 17-carat rectangular-cut F color VS1 diamond ring that sold for more than $1.2 million. The ring was part of Diana Dollar Knowles Collection. Knowles, who died March 4 at the age of 95, was a noted San Francisco philanthropist and patron of the arts.

The auction at Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters took in more than $46.6 million with 75 percent of the items sold by lot and 85 percent sold by value.

However, the sale also notable for a number of big-ticket items that failed to sell. Among them:

* An 18k pink gold and platinum ring set with a 2.47-carat heart-shaped fancy purple-pink diamond and flanked on either side by a modified heart- shaped fancy intense blue diamond, weighing approximately 1.22 and 1.16 carats. Its high estimate was $1.55 million.

* A 37.20-carat modified pear-shaped fancy deep brown-yellow diamond mounted in 18k rose gold with a high estimate of $800,000.

* An 11.70-carat circular-cut diamond, with the shoulders set with baguette-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum that had a high estimate of $800,000.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Two fancy colored diamonds were the top sellers at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday. Meanwhile, the diamond engagement ring that Kris Humphries gave to Kim Kardashian at the same sale made lots of noise but ended up only having the 12th highest sale price at $749,000.

The top lots among the 389 offered were:

* An 8.77-carat rectangular-cut fancy intense pink VVS1 diamond that sold for more than $6.3 million, or $721,200 per carat (top photo). The buyer was Moussaieff Jewellers, a luxury retail jeweler with stores in London and Geneva.

* A 3.81-carat rectangular-cut fancy vivid blue VS1 diamond that sold for nearly $4 million, or more than $1 million per carat (pictured above). The buyer requested anonymity.

The other top lots are as follows:

* A 25.30-carat rectangular-cut D color VVS1 diamond that sold for more than $3.1 million.

* An 18.28-carat cushion-cut D color VVS2 diamond that sold for more than $2 million.

* A 15.88-carat cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire that sold for more than $1.8 million.

* A 10.75-carat rectangular-cut D color internally flawless diamond that sold for nearly $1.4 million.

* A 17-carat rectangular-cut F color VS1 diamond ring that sold for more than $1.2 million. The ring was part of Diana Dollar Knowles Collection. Knowles, who died March 4 at the age of 95, was a noted San Francisco philanthropist and patron of the arts.

The auction at Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters took in more than $46.6 million with 75 percent of the items sold by lot and 85 percent sold by value.

However, the sale also notable for a number of big-ticket items that failed to sell. Among them:

* An 18k pink gold and platinum ring set with a 2.47-carat heart-shaped fancy purple-pink diamond and flanked on either side by a modified heart- shaped fancy intense blue diamond, weighing approximately 1.22 and 1.16 carats. Its high estimate was $1.55 million.

* A 37.20-carat modified pear-shaped fancy deep brown-yellow diamond mounted in 18k rose gold with a high estimate of $800,000.

* An 11.70-carat circular-cut diamond, with the shoulders set with baguette-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum that had a high estimate of $800,000.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Kim Kardashian’s 20-Carat Engagement Ring Fetches $749,000 At Auction

Kris Humphries reportedly said he just wanted to move on so he can’t be too disappointed for the price his 20.5-carat diamond engagement ring to Kim Kardashian achieved at auction Tuesday.

The NBA basketball player, who paid a reported $2 million for the diamond and platinum ring for the reality TV star in 2011, saw the ring sell for $749,000 during Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction. While the ring did not sell for its original price it did easily exceed the high auction estimate of $500,000.

Listed simply as an “Impressive Diamond Ring,” the ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz is set with a 16.21-carat rectangular-cut diamond with I color, VS1 clarity. The diamond is flanked on either side with a trapeze-cut diamond, each weighing approximately 1.80 carats. 

The celebrity couple separated after 72 days of marriage in 2011. The divorce became final in 2012.

Although reports started circulating as to the owner of the ring, the provenance wasn’t confirmed until an unidentified person representing Humphries told E! News that it was indeed being sold by him. 

“He has long-since moved on and is very much looking forward to a successful auction at Christie's on Tuesday, and of course to returning to the court this upcoming NBA season as a Boston Celtic,” the representative said in a statement to the entertainment news network.

Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, who led the auction, announced that a portion of proceeds will benefit a charity. 

Bidding began at $200,000 and quickly rose to $480,000. After a pause it went to $520,000. It then slowly climbed to reach a final bid of $620,000. Commission and fees bought the price of the ring to $749,000.

It was the last item of the morning session of the auction. It is scheduled to resume at 2:30 p.m.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Kris Humphries reportedly said he just wanted to move on so he can’t be too disappointed for the price his 20.5-carat diamond engagement ring to Kim Kardashian achieved at auction Tuesday.

The NBA basketball player, who paid a reported $2 million for the diamond and platinum ring for the reality TV star in 2011, saw the ring sell for $749,000 during Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction. While the ring did not sell for its original price it did easily exceed the high auction estimate of $500,000.

Listed simply as an “Impressive Diamond Ring,” the ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz is set with a 16.21-carat rectangular-cut diamond with I color, VS1 clarity. The diamond is flanked on either side with a trapeze-cut diamond, each weighing approximately 1.80 carats. 

The celebrity couple separated after 72 days of marriage in 2011. The divorce became final in 2012.

Although reports started circulating as to the owner of the ring, the provenance wasn’t confirmed until an unidentified person representing Humphries told E! News that it was indeed being sold by him. 

“He has long-since moved on and is very much looking forward to a successful auction at Christie's on Tuesday, and of course to returning to the court this upcoming NBA season as a Boston Celtic,” the representative said in a statement to the entertainment news network.

Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, who led the auction, announced that a portion of proceeds will benefit a charity. 

Bidding began at $200,000 and quickly rose to $480,000. After a pause it went to $520,000. It then slowly climbed to reach a final bid of $620,000. Commission and fees bought the price of the ring to $749,000.

It was the last item of the morning session of the auction. It is scheduled to resume at 2:30 p.m.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Largest Known Orange Diamond May Fetch $20 Million at Auction

The largest fancy vivid orange diamond ever to appear at auction will be the top lot in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale to be held in Geneva on November 12. Weighing approximately 14.82 carats, this diamond, being called “The Orange,” is expected to fetch between $17 million and $20 million.

Pure orange diamonds, also named ‘Fire diamonds’ by gemologist Edwin Streeter in his book The Great Diamonds of the World (1882), are exceptionally rare in nature. It is more common to find orange diamonds with secondary colors. The orange color is the result of the presence of nitrogen during the diamond's creation. Among the very few fancy vivid orange diamonds that were ever sold at auction, the largest was less than 6 carats. “The Orange” is more than double that size.

At 5.54 carats, the Pumpkin diamond was largely considered to be the largest known fancy vivid orange diamond. It was purchased by Ronald Winston for $1.3 million and made into a ring by Winston and Phillip Bloch. Best Actress winner Halle Berry wore the ring to the 2002 Academy Awards.

A 4.19 carat fancy vivid orange diamond sold for a record price of $2.95 million in October 2011 at a Sotheby’s auction.

The Gemological Institute of America, which graded the diamond and issued its report, recently said: “Strongly colored diamonds in the orange hue range rarely exceed three or four carats in size when polished. (This diamond) is almost four times larger than that size range. In GIA’s colored diamond grading system, as the color appearance of strongly colored diamonds transitions from orangy yellow to orange the occurrence becomes progressively more rare—that is—the less yellow present the more rarely they occur.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

The largest fancy vivid orange diamond ever to appear at auction will be the top lot in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale to be held in Geneva on November 12. Weighing approximately 14.82 carats, this diamond, being called “The Orange,” is expected to fetch between $17 million and $20 million.

Pure orange diamonds, also named ‘Fire diamonds’ by gemologist Edwin Streeter in his book The Great Diamonds of the World (1882), are exceptionally rare in nature. It is more common to find orange diamonds with secondary colors. The orange color is the result of the presence of nitrogen during the diamond's creation. Among the very few fancy vivid orange diamonds that were ever sold at auction, the largest was less than 6 carats. “The Orange” is more than double that size.

At 5.54 carats, the Pumpkin diamond was largely considered to be the largest known fancy vivid orange diamond. It was purchased by Ronald Winston for $1.3 million and made into a ring by Winston and Phillip Bloch. Best Actress winner Halle Berry wore the ring to the 2002 Academy Awards.

A 4.19 carat fancy vivid orange diamond sold for a record price of $2.95 million in October 2011 at a Sotheby’s auction.

The Gemological Institute of America, which graded the diamond and issued its report, recently said: “Strongly colored diamonds in the orange hue range rarely exceed three or four carats in size when polished. (This diamond) is almost four times larger than that size range. In GIA’s colored diamond grading system, as the color appearance of strongly colored diamonds transitions from orangy yellow to orange the occurrence becomes progressively more rare—that is—the less yellow present the more rarely they occur.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Christie’s To Hold Inaugural Online-Only Jewelry Auction Beginning Wednesday

Amethyst, diamond and gold necklace by Lily Gabriella. Estimate:
$3,500 – $4,500

“Summer Jewels," is the name of Christie’s first ever online-only sale of jewelry. It will include 100 lots of price accessible pieces from contemporary designers that include Lily Gabriella Elia and Olivia Wildenstein and the venerable names such as Marina B, Roberto Coin and Salavetti. The sale will open for bidding on Wednesday and run through July 26. It is accessible through www.christies.com/summerjewels. 

This isn’t the international auction house’s first foray into e-commerce for jewelry. It has included online bidding for some time during its regular auction, which operates in a similar way as phone bidding. The monumental Elizabeth Taylor auction in December 2011 had an online-only auction component that included jewelry for the record-breaking sale. 

Sapphire cufflinks by Trianon. Estimate: $3,000 – $3,500

Highlights of the upcoming jewelry sale include items from Brazilian born designer Lily Gabriella Elia and her namesake Lily Gabriella collection such as a diamond pendant necklace (estimate: $4,000 – $5,000), an 18K white gold and diamond ring inspired by Elia’s South American heritage (estimate: $2,800 – $3,800) and an amethyst, diamond and gold necklace (estimate: $3,500 – $4,500).

Keemee designer Olivia Wildenstein creations are comprised of rounded and organic jewels worked in 18K gold, diamonds and cultured pearls. Top items include a citrine and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – $1,500), a garnet and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – $1,500), and a pair of cultured pearl and diamond “Coeurs Enlacés” ear pendants (estimate: $6,000 – $8,000).

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Amethyst, diamond and gold necklace by Lily Gabriella. Estimate:
$3,500 – $4,500

“Summer Jewels," is the name of Christie’s first ever online-only sale of jewelry. It will include 100 lots of price accessible pieces from contemporary designers that include Lily Gabriella Elia and Olivia Wildenstein and the venerable names such as Marina B, Roberto Coin and Salavetti. The sale will open for bidding on Wednesday and run through July 26. It is accessible through www.christies.com/summerjewels. 

This isn’t the international auction house’s first foray into e-commerce for jewelry. It has included online bidding for some time during its regular auction, which operates in a similar way as phone bidding. The monumental Elizabeth Taylor auction in December 2011 had an online-only auction component that included jewelry for the record-breaking sale. 

Sapphire cufflinks by Trianon. Estimate: $3,000 – $3,500

Highlights of the upcoming jewelry sale include items from Brazilian born designer Lily Gabriella Elia and her namesake Lily Gabriella collection such as a diamond pendant necklace (estimate: $4,000 – $5,000), an 18K white gold and diamond ring inspired by Elia’s South American heritage (estimate: $2,800 – $3,800) and an amethyst, diamond and gold necklace (estimate: $3,500 – $4,500).

Keemee designer Olivia Wildenstein creations are comprised of rounded and organic jewels worked in 18K gold, diamonds and cultured pearls. Top items include a citrine and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – $1,500), a garnet and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – $1,500), and a pair of cultured pearl and diamond “Coeurs Enlacés” ear pendants (estimate: $6,000 – $8,000).

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Owner of 75-Carat Briolette Diamond Names it 'Star of China'

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million.

The new owner of what Christie’s auction house has called the largest and most perfect briolette diamond ever sold at auction has identified herself and picked a name for the 75.36-carat gem.

Tiffany Chen, vice chairman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., has revealed herself to be the owner of the briolette diamond. She named the diamond after her company, “The Star of China.”

Chen purchased the diamond May 28 at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale for $11.15 million, $148,000 per carat, a world record for a briolette diamond sold at auction.

The briolette has been graded by the Gemological Institute of America to be of D color and type IIa, indicating its internally flawless clarity, excellent polish, highest level of chemical purity and exceptional optical transparency. Less than one carat in every 100,000 carats of diamonds is found to be found in this perfect condition.

The diamond is part of a pendant necklace that includes a marquise-cut purplish pink diamond suspended above the briolette.

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million.

The new owner of what Christie’s auction house has called the largest and most perfect briolette diamond ever sold at auction has identified herself and picked a name for the 75.36-carat gem.

Tiffany Chen, vice chairman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., has revealed herself to be the owner of the briolette diamond. She named the diamond after her company, “The Star of China.”

Chen purchased the diamond May 28 at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale for $11.15 million, $148,000 per carat, a world record for a briolette diamond sold at auction.

The briolette has been graded by the Gemological Institute of America to be of D color and type IIa, indicating its internally flawless clarity, excellent polish, highest level of chemical purity and exceptional optical transparency. Less than one carat in every 100,000 carats of diamonds is found to be found in this perfect condition.

The diamond is part of a pendant necklace that includes a marquise-cut purplish pink diamond suspended above the briolette.

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Earliest Known Patek Philippe Grand Complication Sells For A Record $2.25 Million

The earliest and most significant example of a Patek Philippe Grand Complication sold for more than $2.25 million Tuesday at Christie’s New York Important Watches auction—well above its $1.5 million high estimate. The price represents a world auction record for a Patek Philippe Grand Complication.

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 is a minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph clockwatch with grande and petite sonnerie and moon phases, manufactured in 1898. It has never been seen in public and it was the first time it ever appeared on the auction block. 

The definition of Grand Complication is often debated among watch experts and collectors, but it is generally agreed that it features the following: Grand and Petite Sonnerie, Perpetual Calendar and Moon Phases, and Split-Seconds Chronograph.

Until the appearance of the 18k pink gold Palmer watch, it was broadly accepted that Patek Philippe did not make its first Grand Complication until 1910 and that the second ever made was reserved before World War I for James W. Packard in 1916, Christie’s said recently.

With all of the avid collectors of important watches, the historical watch experts, and the way that luxury watch companies maintain their historical data—how could such a rare and valuable watch be unknown? Last night I attended a panel presentation on Grand Complications at the Aaron Faber Gallery in New York and was told by two of the panelists that this type of thing does occasionally happen. Michael Friedman, an historical watch expert, explained to me that being in a private collection the watch was unknown. In addition, even if Patek Philippe has the information in its archives it would not have released it unless asked.

The watch was purchased on Oct. 3, 1900, for 6,500 Swiss francs by Stephen S. Palmer. The original certificate and presentation box were included in the sale.

The sale of 361 lots totaled nearly $8 million. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

The earliest and most significant example of a Patek Philippe Grand Complication sold for more than $2.25 million Tuesday at Christie’s New York Important Watches auction—well above its $1.5 million high estimate. The price represents a world auction record for a Patek Philippe Grand Complication.

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 is a minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph clockwatch with grande and petite sonnerie and moon phases, manufactured in 1898. It has never been seen in public and it was the first time it ever appeared on the auction block. 

The definition of Grand Complication is often debated among watch experts and collectors, but it is generally agreed that it features the following: Grand and Petite Sonnerie, Perpetual Calendar and Moon Phases, and Split-Seconds Chronograph.

Until the appearance of the 18k pink gold Palmer watch, it was broadly accepted that Patek Philippe did not make its first Grand Complication until 1910 and that the second ever made was reserved before World War I for James W. Packard in 1916, Christie’s said recently.

With all of the avid collectors of important watches, the historical watch experts, and the way that luxury watch companies maintain their historical data—how could such a rare and valuable watch be unknown? Last night I attended a panel presentation on Grand Complications at the Aaron Faber Gallery in New York and was told by two of the panelists that this type of thing does occasionally happen. Michael Friedman, an historical watch expert, explained to me that being in a private collection the watch was unknown. In addition, even if Patek Philippe has the information in its archives it would not have released it unless asked.

The watch was purchased on Oct. 3, 1900, for 6,500 Swiss francs by Stephen S. Palmer. The original certificate and presentation box were included in the sale.

The sale of 361 lots totaled nearly $8 million. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication May Fetch $1.5 Million

Christie’s New York said it will offer the earliest and most significant example of a Patek Philippe grand complication as the highlight of its New York Important Watches auction on June 11. It is estimated to fetch $1 to $1.5 million.

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 is a minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph clockwatch with grande and petite sonnerie and moon phases, manufactured in 1898. It has never before seen in public, and it is the first time ever on the auction block.

Until the appearance of the Palmer watch, it was broadly accepted that Patek Philippe did not make its first Grand Complication until 1910 and that the second ever made was reserved before World War I for James W. Packard in 1916, Christie’s explained.

Purchased on Oct. 3, 1900, for 6,500 Swiss francs by Stephen S. Palmer, the discovery of this watch serves as a “spectacular addition to scholarship surrounding Patek Philippe and Grand Complications in general,” Christie’s said in a statement. “Adding to its rarity, it is the only example known to have been cased in pink gold whereas all following pieces were cased in yellow gold according to the style of the early 20th century.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Christie’s New York said it will offer the earliest and most significant example of a Patek Philippe grand complication as the highlight of its New York Important Watches auction on June 11. It is estimated to fetch $1 to $1.5 million.

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 is a minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph clockwatch with grande and petite sonnerie and moon phases, manufactured in 1898. It has never before seen in public, and it is the first time ever on the auction block.

Until the appearance of the Palmer watch, it was broadly accepted that Patek Philippe did not make its first Grand Complication until 1910 and that the second ever made was reserved before World War I for James W. Packard in 1916, Christie’s explained.

Purchased on Oct. 3, 1900, for 6,500 Swiss francs by Stephen S. Palmer, the discovery of this watch serves as a “spectacular addition to scholarship surrounding Patek Philippe and Grand Complications in general,” Christie’s said in a statement. “Adding to its rarity, it is the only example known to have been cased in pink gold whereas all following pieces were cased in yellow gold according to the style of the early 20th century.”

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

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‘Pigeon’s Blood’ Ruby Necklace Leads Diverse Christie’s Hong Kong Jewelry Sale

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

It’s a rare jewelry auction these days where diamonds are not the most prestigious items for sale. This auction will break the trend as leading the sale of Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Autumn sale is a Burmese no heat “pigeon’s blood” ruby and diamond necklace (pictured above) with matching earrings (below) by James W. Currens. The necklace has an auction estimate of $3.5 to $5.5 million; and the earrings have estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Designed as twenty-six graduated oval-shaped rubies weighing between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, each ruby comprising the necklace named, “Red Scarlet” is accented by a cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold. The matching pair of earrings are titled the “Red Butterflies” for their shape, and each feature a pair of Burmese rubies over 7 carats. The rubies all come from the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma, which is considered to be the source for the finest quality “pigeon’s blood” rubies, the term used to describe the brightest and most valuable red color for rubies.

More than 300 items will be on sale for the November 27 auction at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The pre-sale estimate is valued at approximately $70 million. An assortment of diamonds, emeralds and sapphires from the world’s legendary mines, natural seawater pearls, and, being Hong Kong, jadeite jewelry will be among the items featured. Highlights include: 

Emerald, pearl and diamond earrings in platinum, featuring Colombian pear-shaped emeralds weighing 23.34 carats and 23.18 carats. Its estimate is $3.5 million to $4.8 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Diamond and pearl earrings, featuring a pair of 6-carat pear-shaped diamonds from the legendary Golconda mine in India. Its estimate is $1.2 million to $1.9 million.  CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A natural pearl and diamond necklace with an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A lavender jadeite bead necklace, consisting of 63 slightly graduated jadeite beads measuring from 8.8 to 11.3 mm, and a jadeite cabochon and diamond clasp mounted in 18k white gold. Its estimate is $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A 36.58-carat fancy brown diamond ring with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

An 8.59-carat fancy pink cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond and sapphire ring, by Paris-based American jeweler, JAR. Its estimate is $3 million to $4.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

It’s a rare jewelry auction these days where diamonds are not the most prestigious items for sale. This auction will break the trend as leading the sale of Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Autumn sale is a Burmese no heat “pigeon’s blood” ruby and diamond necklace (pictured above) with matching earrings (below) by James W. Currens. The necklace has an auction estimate of $3.5 to $5.5 million; and the earrings have estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Designed as twenty-six graduated oval-shaped rubies weighing between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, each ruby comprising the necklace named, “Red Scarlet” is accented by a cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold. The matching pair of earrings are titled the “Red Butterflies” for their shape, and each feature a pair of Burmese rubies over 7 carats. The rubies all come from the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma, which is considered to be the source for the finest quality “pigeon’s blood” rubies, the term used to describe the brightest and most valuable red color for rubies.

More than 300 items will be on sale for the November 27 auction at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The pre-sale estimate is valued at approximately $70 million. An assortment of diamonds, emeralds and sapphires from the world’s legendary mines, natural seawater pearls, and, being Hong Kong, jadeite jewelry will be among the items featured. Highlights include: 

Emerald, pearl and diamond earrings in platinum, featuring Colombian pear-shaped emeralds weighing 23.34 carats and 23.18 carats. Its estimate is $3.5 million to $4.8 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Diamond and pearl earrings, featuring a pair of 6-carat pear-shaped diamonds from the legendary Golconda mine in India. Its estimate is $1.2 million to $1.9 million.  CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A natural pearl and diamond necklace with an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A lavender jadeite bead necklace, consisting of 63 slightly graduated jadeite beads measuring from 8.8 to 11.3 mm, and a jadeite cabochon and diamond clasp mounted in 18k white gold. Its estimate is $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A 36.58-carat fancy brown diamond ring with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

An 8.59-carat fancy pink cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond and sapphire ring, by Paris-based American jeweler, JAR. Its estimate is $3 million to $4.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

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50-Carat Flawless Diamond Sells for $9.5 Million

50.52-Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond that sold for $9.5 million.
CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

NEW YORK — Big diamonds sparkled during Christie’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in New York on Tuesday. Leading the way was a pear-shaped D color flawless diamond of 50.52 cts., which sold for $9.5 million, or $188,000 per carat, to a private collector. The stone is mounted in platinum and may be worn suspended from a necklace with a 2.28 carat, circular-cut D-color diamond surmount.

It was one of several major diamond lots sold during the auction of 369 lots held during two sessions Tuesday. The other top sellers were:

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A pair of pear-shaped fancy yellow and colorless diamond ear pendants of 52.78 and 50.31 cts.(pictured above)  that achieved $4.5 million. The diamonds are surmounted by circular-cut fancy yellow and white diamonds Mounted in yellow and white gold. The pendants may be easily swapped or detached completely, giving the owner three options for how to wear them. Its estimate was $4.5 - $6.5 million. The buyer was listed by Christie’s as Aleks Paul of Essex Global Trading.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A 68.35-carat oval-cut fancy intense yellow, internally flawless diamond sold for $3.16 million. The gem with excellent polish and symmetry had an estimate of $2.2 - $3.2 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A pear-shape fancy light pink SI1 diamond ring sold for of 10.52 cts sold for $2.21 million, or $210,000 per carat; well above its estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.

* A 28.20-carat square-cut fancy intense yellow VVS1 diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels that sold for $902,000.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A 10.05-carat pear-shaped diamond on a ring, flanked on either side by a pear-shaped diamond, mounted in platinum took in more than $1.2 million.

* A 12.05-carat pear-shape F color flawless diamond that sold for $842,500.

* An 11.68-carat marquise-cut F color VS1 diamond ring by Harry Winston that sold for $746,500.

All totaled, the auction achieved $50 million and had a sell-through rate of 87 percent by lot and 93 percent by value.

“Private collectors and dealers reacted more than positively to a 369-lot auction that was finely-tuned in terms of prices and selection of gems to current market conditions,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry, Christie’s Americas and Switzerland. “Natural pearls, colorless flawless diamonds, and colored diamonds of high quality once again dominated the day, making for a vibrant atmosphere in the saleroom.”

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Natural pearls again proved to be a dynamic force in the auction market. This was underscored by the sale of a double strand natural pearl necklace for $3.66 million (pictured above). It has 120 large-sized individual pearls, ranging in size from 6.50 mm to 12.25 mm in diameter, and ranging in coloration from white to light cream, with subtle rosé and green overtones and superb luster. It is accented with a 3-carat, D color diamond clasp signed by Cartier. Its estimate was $2.8 – $3.5 million.

During the morning session, a single strand of 83 natural pearls, measuring from approximately 3.15 to 9.75 mm, sold for $158,500, nearly double its high estimate; and an antique diamond and sapphire brooch set with a natural baroque pearl, measuring approximately 15.90 – 16.70 x 20.40 mm, brought in $170,500, nearly tripling its high estimate.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

In addition, a 32.31-carat cushion cut Burmese sapphire ring (pictured above) sold for $986,500, nearly double the high estimate of $500,000.

Bidding was robust throughout the day, gaining strength in the afternoon session, with dealers in the back of Christie's saleroom loudly clamoring for attention, competing with those in the front of the room and many phone and online bidders.

Sharing the auctioneer duties was Kadakia, along with Christie's Asia president, François Curiel, the Christie’s jewelry veteran who moved to Hong Kong recently to head the auction house’s jewelry operation in the booming Asia market.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page and on Twitter  @JewelryNewsNet.

50.52-Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond that sold for $9.5 million.
CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

NEW YORK — Big diamonds sparkled during Christie’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in New York on Tuesday. Leading the way was a pear-shaped D color flawless diamond of 50.52 cts., which sold for $9.5 million, or $188,000 per carat, to a private collector. The stone is mounted in platinum and may be worn suspended from a necklace with a 2.28 carat, circular-cut D-color diamond surmount.

It was one of several major diamond lots sold during the auction of 369 lots held during two sessions Tuesday. The other top sellers were:

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A pair of pear-shaped fancy yellow and colorless diamond ear pendants of 52.78 and 50.31 cts.(pictured above)  that achieved $4.5 million. The diamonds are surmounted by circular-cut fancy yellow and white diamonds Mounted in yellow and white gold. The pendants may be easily swapped or detached completely, giving the owner three options for how to wear them. Its estimate was $4.5 - $6.5 million. The buyer was listed by Christie’s as Aleks Paul of Essex Global Trading.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A 68.35-carat oval-cut fancy intense yellow, internally flawless diamond sold for $3.16 million. The gem with excellent polish and symmetry had an estimate of $2.2 - $3.2 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A pear-shape fancy light pink SI1 diamond ring sold for of 10.52 cts sold for $2.21 million, or $210,000 per carat; well above its estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.

* A 28.20-carat square-cut fancy intense yellow VVS1 diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels that sold for $902,000.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A 10.05-carat pear-shaped diamond on a ring, flanked on either side by a pear-shaped diamond, mounted in platinum took in more than $1.2 million.

* A 12.05-carat pear-shape F color flawless diamond that sold for $842,500.

* An 11.68-carat marquise-cut F color VS1 diamond ring by Harry Winston that sold for $746,500.

All totaled, the auction achieved $50 million and had a sell-through rate of 87 percent by lot and 93 percent by value.

“Private collectors and dealers reacted more than positively to a 369-lot auction that was finely-tuned in terms of prices and selection of gems to current market conditions,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry, Christie’s Americas and Switzerland. “Natural pearls, colorless flawless diamonds, and colored diamonds of high quality once again dominated the day, making for a vibrant atmosphere in the saleroom.”

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Natural pearls again proved to be a dynamic force in the auction market. This was underscored by the sale of a double strand natural pearl necklace for $3.66 million (pictured above). It has 120 large-sized individual pearls, ranging in size from 6.50 mm to 12.25 mm in diameter, and ranging in coloration from white to light cream, with subtle rosé and green overtones and superb luster. It is accented with a 3-carat, D color diamond clasp signed by Cartier. Its estimate was $2.8 – $3.5 million.

During the morning session, a single strand of 83 natural pearls, measuring from approximately 3.15 to 9.75 mm, sold for $158,500, nearly double its high estimate; and an antique diamond and sapphire brooch set with a natural baroque pearl, measuring approximately 15.90 – 16.70 x 20.40 mm, brought in $170,500, nearly tripling its high estimate.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

In addition, a 32.31-carat cushion cut Burmese sapphire ring (pictured above) sold for $986,500, nearly double the high estimate of $500,000.

Bidding was robust throughout the day, gaining strength in the afternoon session, with dealers in the back of Christie's saleroom loudly clamoring for attention, competing with those in the front of the room and many phone and online bidders.

Sharing the auctioneer duties was Kadakia, along with Christie's Asia president, François Curiel, the Christie’s jewelry veteran who moved to Hong Kong recently to head the auction house’s jewelry operation in the booming Asia market.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page and on Twitter  @JewelryNewsNet.

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76-Carat Archduke Joseph Diamond Expected to Fetch $15 Million

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The Archduke Joseph Diamond ©Tony Falcone

It has royal origins and was owned by royalty and now the legendary Archduke Joseph Diamond will be offered at Christie’s auction in Geneva on November 13. The auction house says it is one of the rarest and most famous diamonds in the world that combines an impressive size of 76.02 carats, perfect color, and internally flawless clarity.

Christie’s says the estimate is available on request but it is expected to achieve $15 million in the upcoming auction.

Its origin is traced to the ancient Golconda mines in Central India, the source of the world’s most coveted historical diamonds, including the Koh-i-noor, in the Royal Collection at the Tower of London; the Regent, considered the finest diamond in the French Crown Jewels, at the Musée du Louvre in Paris; and the Hope, gifted by Harry Winston to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

This same diamond “created a sensation when Christie’s Geneva offered it for sale the first time in November 1993 where it realized CHF 9.7 million (US$ 6.5 million)—the equivalent of $10.5 million today,” said François Curiel, InternationalHead of Christie’s Jewellery Department. “The magic of auction sometimes brings back great gems to our salerooms more than once.”

Although it is not known exactly when the diamond entered the House of Habsburg, it has been officially recorded as the property of the Archduke Joseph August of Austria, Palatine of Hungary (1872-1962), and was subsequently named after him.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page and on Twitter  @JewelryNewsNet.

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The Archduke Joseph Diamond ©Tony Falcone

It has royal origins and was owned by royalty and now the legendary Archduke Joseph Diamond will be offered at Christie’s auction in Geneva on November 13. The auction house says it is one of the rarest and most famous diamonds in the world that combines an impressive size of 76.02 carats, perfect color, and internally flawless clarity.

Christie’s says the estimate is available on request but it is expected to achieve $15 million in the upcoming auction.

Its origin is traced to the ancient Golconda mines in Central India, the source of the world’s most coveted historical diamonds, including the Koh-i-noor, in the Royal Collection at the Tower of London; the Regent, considered the finest diamond in the French Crown Jewels, at the Musée du Louvre in Paris; and the Hope, gifted by Harry Winston to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

This same diamond “created a sensation when Christie’s Geneva offered it for sale the first time in November 1993 where it realized CHF 9.7 million (US$ 6.5 million)—the equivalent of $10.5 million today,” said François Curiel, InternationalHead of Christie’s Jewellery Department. “The magic of auction sometimes brings back great gems to our salerooms more than once.”

Although it is not known exactly when the diamond entered the House of Habsburg, it has been officially recorded as the property of the Archduke Joseph August of Austria, Palatine of Hungary (1872-1962), and was subsequently named after him.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page and on Twitter  @JewelryNewsNet.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad