Three rings featuring diamonds with fancy-vivid color stole the show at the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, selling for more than $8 million combined.
The trio of jewels, called the Perfect Palette, achieved a total of $8.4 million at the New York sale, Christie’s said Tuesday. A 2.17-carat, fancy-vivid-purplish-pink diamond ring brought in $3.5 million, beating its $2.5 million high estimate, while a 2.13-carat, fancy-vivid-blue diamond ring sold for $2.7 million, toward the upper end of its valuation. The third — a 2.34-carat, fancy-vivid-orange diamond ring — went for $2.2 million, just under its top estimate at the April 13 sale. The entire auction garnered $35 million, with 94% of items on offer finding buyers.
Another high earner was a pear brilliant-cut, 38.04-carat, D-flawless, type IIa diamond ring, which fetched $3 million. A Burmese ruby ring by F.J. Cooper, a prominent Philadelphia jeweler, went for $1.7 million. Both pieces fell within their presale estimates.
Other notable items included an oval modified brilliant-cut, 25.55-carat, fancy-vivid-yellow, VS1-clarity diamond ring, which sold for $1.7 million, smashing its $1.2 million high estimate. An emerald-cut, 14.50-carat, D-color, internally flawless, type IIa diamond ring also shattered its $1 million upper valuation, selling for $1.4 million at the auction.
A diamond and onyx Serpenti wristwatch, donated by Bulgari, fetched $50,000, within estimates. Proceeds from the timepiece will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Participants at the sale originated from 40 countries across five continents, Christie’s noted. The auction house is still holding its Online Jewels sale, which began on April 8 and will run through April 20. It features a selection of items from Bulgari, Cartier and Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., among others.
Three rings featuring diamonds with fancy-vivid color stole the show at the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, selling for more than $8 million combined.
The trio of jewels, called the Perfect Palette, achieved a total of $8.4 million at the New York sale, Christie’s said Tuesday. A 2.17-carat, fancy-vivid-purplish-pink diamond ring brought in $3.5 million, beating its $2.5 million high estimate, while a 2.13-carat, fancy-vivid-blue diamond ring sold for $2.7 million, toward the upper end of its valuation. The third — a 2.34-carat, fancy-vivid-orange diamond ring — went for $2.2 million, just under its top estimate at the April 13 sale. The entire auction garnered $35 million, with 94% of items on offer finding buyers.
Another high earner was a pear brilliant-cut, 38.04-carat, D-flawless, type IIa diamond ring, which fetched $3 million. A Burmese ruby ring by F.J. Cooper, a prominent Philadelphia jeweler, went for $1.7 million. Both pieces fell within their presale estimates.
Other notable items included an oval modified brilliant-cut, 25.55-carat, fancy-vivid-yellow, VS1-clarity diamond ring, which sold for $1.7 million, smashing its $1.2 million high estimate. An emerald-cut, 14.50-carat, D-color, internally flawless, type IIa diamond ring also shattered its $1 million upper valuation, selling for $1.4 million at the auction.
A diamond and onyx Serpenti wristwatch, donated by Bulgari, fetched $50,000, within estimates. Proceeds from the timepiece will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Participants at the sale originated from 40 countries across five continents, Christie’s noted. The auction house is still holding its Online Jewels sale, which began on April 8 and will run through April 20. It features a selection of items from Bulgari, Cartier and Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., among others.
South Africa’s Petra Diamonds has found yet another big rock at its iconic Cullinan mine, a 39.34 carat Type IIb gem said to be of “exceptional quality” due to both its colour and clarity.
The miner didn’t indicate the diamond’s potential value but said it would sell it in a special tender.
Cullinan is known as the world’s most important source of blue diamonds, as well as being the birthplace of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was cut to form the 530-carat Great Star of Africa.
The operation also yielded the 317-carat Second Star of Africa. They are the two largest diamonds in the British Crown Jewels.
South Africa’s Petra Diamonds has found yet another big rock at its iconic Cullinan mine, a 39.34 carat Type IIb gem said to be of “exceptional quality” due to both its colour and clarity.
The miner didn’t indicate the diamond’s potential value but said it would sell it in a special tender.
Cullinan is known as the world’s most important source of blue diamonds, as well as being the birthplace of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was cut to form the 530-carat Great Star of Africa.
The operation also yielded the 317-carat Second Star of Africa. They are the two largest diamonds in the British Crown Jewels.
Recovered from the famous Cullinan Mine in South Africa, these blue diamonds are among the world’s most expensive
Five blue diamonds have been recovered from Petra Diamonds’ famous Cullinan mine in South Africa.
They are among the world’s most expensive diamonds, and were formed deep within the Earth about 400 miles below the surface, which is four times as deep as white diamonds. The element boron, which is what gives the stones their blue colour, combines with carbon and crystallises under extreme pressure and heat.
The sales tender for the five Type IIb blue diamonds will close later this month, on November 24, following viewings in Antwerp, Hong Kong and New York. They weigh 25.75, 21.25, 17.57, 11.42 and 9.61 carats, respectively.
Type II diamonds contain no detectable nitrogen in their chemical structure, which means they boast exceptional transparency.
Blue diamonds are so rare that most people, even in the jewellery industry, never have a chance to see one. It’s incredibly unusual that these five diamonds were all recovered within the space of one week’s production in September.
Their birthplace, the Cullinan mine, is one of the most important sources of blue diamonds. It’s also the origin of the 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond, which was cut to form the 530 carat Great Star of Africa and the 317 carat Second Star of Africa, which are set into the British Crown Jewels.
It’s the first time that five rough blue diamonds have been offered for sale at the same time. In 2013, a 25.5 carat blue diamond was sold by Petra Diamonds for over US$16.9 million.
Recovered from the famous Cullinan Mine in South Africa, these blue diamonds are among the world’s most expensive
Five blue diamonds have been recovered from Petra Diamonds’ famous Cullinan mine in South Africa.
They are among the world’s most expensive diamonds, and were formed deep within the Earth about 400 miles below the surface, which is four times as deep as white diamonds. The element boron, which is what gives the stones their blue colour, combines with carbon and crystallises under extreme pressure and heat.
The sales tender for the five Type IIb blue diamonds will close later this month, on November 24, following viewings in Antwerp, Hong Kong and New York. They weigh 25.75, 21.25, 17.57, 11.42 and 9.61 carats, respectively.
Type II diamonds contain no detectable nitrogen in their chemical structure, which means they boast exceptional transparency.
Blue diamonds are so rare that most people, even in the jewellery industry, never have a chance to see one. It’s incredibly unusual that these five diamonds were all recovered within the space of one week’s production in September.
Their birthplace, the Cullinan mine, is one of the most important sources of blue diamonds. It’s also the origin of the 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond, which was cut to form the 530 carat Great Star of Africa and the 317 carat Second Star of Africa, which are set into the British Crown Jewels.
It’s the first time that five rough blue diamonds have been offered for sale at the same time. In 2013, a 25.5 carat blue diamond was sold by Petra Diamonds for over US$16.9 million.
South Africa’s Petra Diamonds, which put itself up for sale in June, announced on Wednesday it had found five high-quality blue diamonds, but toned down the news by saying the discovery won’t help turn around its fortunes.
Petra, which has been hit by a triple whammy of weak market conditions, power emergencies in the home country and covid-19, found the Type IIb blue diamonds at its flagship Cullinan mine.
The high quality stones, in terms of both their colour and clarity, range in size from 9.6 carats to 25.8 carats, the company said.
The miner didn’t indicate the diamonds’ potential value but said it is considering sale options.
“These finds, whilst a positive development, will not have a material impact on the likely terms of the required long-term solution to improve the group’s capital structure, nor the significant level of equity dilution that existing shareholders are likely to experience in connection with its implementation,” Petra said in the statement.
The company also warned that measures to improve its capital structure could result in significant equity dilution.
Blue stones are among the rarest and most valuable and have lately fetched higher prices than white diamonds. Last year, Petra sold a 20.08-carat blue gem for $14.9 million, or about $741,000 per carat.
“Flexible” approach to sales Petra was already struggling when the covid-19 pandemic added further pressure to a sector that was just beginning to show some green shots.
The miner tried in 2019 to turn around its fortunes after piling up debt to expand its flagship Cullinan mine in South Africa. The renowned mine, where the world’s largest-ever diamond was found in 1905, produces about a quarter of the world’s gem-quality diamonds. It is also the source of the vast majority of blue stones.
In May, Petra failed to make an interest payment on a $650 million bond, but won some breathing space from creditors who said they would not declare a default until August.
The diamond producer also cancelled May and June tenders because of travel restrictions and low demand from the midstream. While it originally expected to hold a tender in September, Petra said it was still evaluating the optimal route to market for the stones it mines. It added it would release further information to its customer base once a decision about the marketing plan to follow had been made.
For now, the company is taking a “flexible” approach to selling diamonds in light of ongoing travel restrictions triggered by the global pandemic.
Despite the numerous challenges, Petra is targeting a ramp-up to pre-covid-19 production levels. It added it will disclose production targets for 2021 once it reaches a “sustainable level of operational stability.”
South Africa’s Petra Diamonds, which put itself up for sale in June, announced on Wednesday it had found five high-quality blue diamonds, but toned down the news by saying the discovery won’t help turn around its fortunes.
Petra, which has been hit by a triple whammy of weak market conditions, power emergencies in the home country and covid-19, found the Type IIb blue diamonds at its flagship Cullinan mine.
The high quality stones, in terms of both their colour and clarity, range in size from 9.6 carats to 25.8 carats, the company said.
The miner didn’t indicate the diamonds’ potential value but said it is considering sale options.
“These finds, whilst a positive development, will not have a material impact on the likely terms of the required long-term solution to improve the group’s capital structure, nor the significant level of equity dilution that existing shareholders are likely to experience in connection with its implementation,” Petra said in the statement.
The company also warned that measures to improve its capital structure could result in significant equity dilution.
Blue stones are among the rarest and most valuable and have lately fetched higher prices than white diamonds. Last year, Petra sold a 20.08-carat blue gem for $14.9 million, or about $741,000 per carat.
“Flexible” approach to sales Petra was already struggling when the covid-19 pandemic added further pressure to a sector that was just beginning to show some green shots.
The miner tried in 2019 to turn around its fortunes after piling up debt to expand its flagship Cullinan mine in South Africa. The renowned mine, where the world’s largest-ever diamond was found in 1905, produces about a quarter of the world’s gem-quality diamonds. It is also the source of the vast majority of blue stones.
In May, Petra failed to make an interest payment on a $650 million bond, but won some breathing space from creditors who said they would not declare a default until August.
The diamond producer also cancelled May and June tenders because of travel restrictions and low demand from the midstream. While it originally expected to hold a tender in September, Petra said it was still evaluating the optimal route to market for the stones it mines. It added it would release further information to its customer base once a decision about the marketing plan to follow had been made.
For now, the company is taking a “flexible” approach to selling diamonds in light of ongoing travel restrictions triggered by the global pandemic.
Despite the numerous challenges, Petra is targeting a ramp-up to pre-covid-19 production levels. It added it will disclose production targets for 2021 once it reaches a “sustainable level of operational stability.”
Two hearts, one blue, the other pink, will appear at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction as if they were always meant to be together. They will be sold separately during the July 10 sale at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Combined, their high estimate is $18.5 million.
The first is a 5.04 carat fancy vivid blue heart modified brilliant-cut diamond. The gem has a VS2 clarity grade, according to its lab report. The heart-shaped gem is mounted on a platinum ring flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is between $7.7 million and $9.7 million.
Its would-be partner is a 4.49-carat heart modified brilliant-cut, internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamond. It’s mounted on an 18k white gold ring flanked by pear-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is between $7.5 million and $8.8 million.
Two hearts, one blue, the other pink, will appear at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction as if they were always meant to be together. They will be sold separately during the July 10 sale at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Combined, their high estimate is $18.5 million.
The first is a 5.04 carat fancy vivid blue heart modified brilliant-cut diamond. The gem has a VS2 clarity grade, according to its lab report. The heart-shaped gem is mounted on a platinum ring flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is between $7.7 million and $9.7 million.
Its would-be partner is a 4.49-carat heart modified brilliant-cut, internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamond. It’s mounted on an 18k white gold ring flanked by pear-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is between $7.5 million and $8.8 million.
Live jewelry auctions are returning with the first one being held in Geneva by Sotheby’s on June 23 offering a diverse collection of statement diamonds, colored gems and historic jewels.
Sotheby’s Part II Magnificent Jewels & Nobel Jewels – Geneva sale was originally scheduled for May but was postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The effects of the worldwide spread of this infectious disease is still being felt as dramatically reduced travel and freight shipments have hampered the efforts of jewelry specialists to assess gems and jewels. Most likely because of this and the scheduling changes the sale consists of only 48 lots, far fewer than usual for a live international auction. However, there will be a strong and varied selection gems and jewels.
The live sale is accompanied by an online auction, Sotheby’s Part I Magnificent Jewels & Nobel Jewels – Geneva, with 178 lots dating from the 19th century through to the present day. It includes jewels from renowned jewelry houses, including Sterlé, Suzanne Belperron, René Boivin and Hemmerle. This sale has begun and will run till June 24.
Not surprisingly colored diamonds are among the top lots in live sale, with blues, pinks and yellows dominating. The auction is led by a 3.01-carat fancy vivid blue step-cut, diamond. The colored gem set on a ring has a clarity grade of VS1 (very small inclusions), according to the Gemological Institute of America report. Its estimate is $4.3 – $6.3 million.Most Popular In: Watches & Jewelry
It’s followed by a 7-carat marquise-shaped fancy intense pink diamond. It received a clarity grade of VVS2 (very, very small inclusions) by the GIA. It is set on a ring flanked by fancy-shaped diamonds and with a shank lined with brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s the first time this diamond has come to auction in more than 30 years, where it has been kept in the same private collection. Its estimate is $2.5 – $3.5 million.
There’s also a selection of large, colorless diamonds led by a 21.56-carat D color, VVS1 clarity diamond by Lorraine Schwartz, an American bespoke high jewelry designer with a large celebrity clientele. The gem has excellent polish and symmetry, according to the GIA report.
The Duchess of Manchester’s emerald and diamond necklace, estimate: $300,000 – $400,000 SOTHEBY’S
Among the noble jewels in the sale, the standout is an emerald and diamond necklace owned by Consuelo Montagu (1853-1909), Duchess of Manchester, which was given to her as a wedding gift. Born in New York to parents of Cuban descent, she was known for her match-making skills, inspiring her wealthy friends to find suitable husbands in the United Kingdom, according to the auction house. Her ability to bring together American fortunes with noble titles led to the coining of the phrase “Million Dollar Princesses.” This antique jewel was displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London for 22 years. Its estimate is $300,000 – $400,000.
Cartier diamond bracelet and pair of diamond clips, circa 1930 SOTHEBY’S
In addition, there’s a collection of jewels owned by Baroness Bachofen von Echt (1877 – 1959), a New York native who became German nobility through marriage. Pieces from her collection includes a diamond bracelet (estimate $100,000 – $150,000) and diamond clips (estimate $60,000 – $100,000), both made by Cartier, along with creations by Verdura and Hemmerle.
Two impressive sapphires are included in the sale. The first is a 105.58-carat Ceylon sapphire set on a gold ring. The gem is accompanied by reports from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and from Gübelin that both state that there are no indications of heating, with “a few minor nicks and chips consistent with normal wear.” Its estimate is $500,000 – $700,000.
The second is a 16.11-carat Kashmir sapphire set on an 18k gold and diamond ring. The gem is accompanied by two reports from the Swiss Gemmological Institute and from Gübelin that both state that there are no indications of heating and in “very good condition.” Its estimate is $300,000 – $500,000
The continued importance of signed jewels is evident in this sale with pieces from historic and contemporary jewelry houses, including Bulgari, Cartier, Fred, Furst. Harry Winston, Hemmerle, René Bovin, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
One of the standouts in this group is a Cartier diamond and platinum bracelet, Course de Feuillage, 1926. The entire bracelet is set with circular-, single-cut and baguette diamonds that combines geometric shapes with the stylized representation of leaves. Its estimate is $200,000 – $300,000.
Live jewelry auctions are returning with the first one being held in Geneva by Sotheby’s on June 23 offering a diverse collection of statement diamonds, colored gems and historic jewels.
Sotheby’s Part II Magnificent Jewels & Nobel Jewels – Geneva sale was originally scheduled for May but was postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The effects of the worldwide spread of this infectious disease is still being felt as dramatically reduced travel and freight shipments have hampered the efforts of jewelry specialists to assess gems and jewels. Most likely because of this and the scheduling changes the sale consists of only 48 lots, far fewer than usual for a live international auction. However, there will be a strong and varied selection gems and jewels.
The live sale is accompanied by an online auction, Sotheby’s Part I Magnificent Jewels & Nobel Jewels – Geneva, with 178 lots dating from the 19th century through to the present day. It includes jewels from renowned jewelry houses, including Sterlé, Suzanne Belperron, René Boivin and Hemmerle. This sale has begun and will run till June 24.
Not surprisingly colored diamonds are among the top lots in live sale, with blues, pinks and yellows dominating. The auction is led by a 3.01-carat fancy vivid blue step-cut, diamond. The colored gem set on a ring has a clarity grade of VS1 (very small inclusions), according to the Gemological Institute of America report. Its estimate is $4.3 – $6.3 million.Most Popular In: Watches & Jewelry
It’s followed by a 7-carat marquise-shaped fancy intense pink diamond. It received a clarity grade of VVS2 (very, very small inclusions) by the GIA. It is set on a ring flanked by fancy-shaped diamonds and with a shank lined with brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s the first time this diamond has come to auction in more than 30 years, where it has been kept in the same private collection. Its estimate is $2.5 – $3.5 million.
There’s also a selection of large, colorless diamonds led by a 21.56-carat D color, VVS1 clarity diamond by Lorraine Schwartz, an American bespoke high jewelry designer with a large celebrity clientele. The gem has excellent polish and symmetry, according to the GIA report.
The Duchess of Manchester’s emerald and diamond necklace, estimate: $300,000 – $400,000 SOTHEBY’S
Among the noble jewels in the sale, the standout is an emerald and diamond necklace owned by Consuelo Montagu (1853-1909), Duchess of Manchester, which was given to her as a wedding gift. Born in New York to parents of Cuban descent, she was known for her match-making skills, inspiring her wealthy friends to find suitable husbands in the United Kingdom, according to the auction house. Her ability to bring together American fortunes with noble titles led to the coining of the phrase “Million Dollar Princesses.” This antique jewel was displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London for 22 years. Its estimate is $300,000 – $400,000.
Cartier diamond bracelet and pair of diamond clips, circa 1930 SOTHEBY’S
In addition, there’s a collection of jewels owned by Baroness Bachofen von Echt (1877 – 1959), a New York native who became German nobility through marriage. Pieces from her collection includes a diamond bracelet (estimate $100,000 – $150,000) and diamond clips (estimate $60,000 – $100,000), both made by Cartier, along with creations by Verdura and Hemmerle.
Two impressive sapphires are included in the sale. The first is a 105.58-carat Ceylon sapphire set on a gold ring. The gem is accompanied by reports from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and from Gübelin that both state that there are no indications of heating, with “a few minor nicks and chips consistent with normal wear.” Its estimate is $500,000 – $700,000.
The second is a 16.11-carat Kashmir sapphire set on an 18k gold and diamond ring. The gem is accompanied by two reports from the Swiss Gemmological Institute and from Gübelin that both state that there are no indications of heating and in “very good condition.” Its estimate is $300,000 – $500,000
The continued importance of signed jewels is evident in this sale with pieces from historic and contemporary jewelry houses, including Bulgari, Cartier, Fred, Furst. Harry Winston, Hemmerle, René Bovin, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
One of the standouts in this group is a Cartier diamond and platinum bracelet, Course de Feuillage, 1926. The entire bracelet is set with circular-, single-cut and baguette diamonds that combines geometric shapes with the stylized representation of leaves. Its estimate is $200,000 – $300,000.
Canada’s Lucara Diamond continues to find gem quality, coloured diamonds at its Karowe mine, in Botswana, which in April yielded the 1,758 carat Sewelô meaning “rare find” diamond, the largest ever recovered in the African country.
The Vancouver based miner has now recovered a 9.74 carat blue and a 4.13 carat pink diamond from direct milling of the South Lobe, the area that yielded the famous 1,111 carat “Lesedi La Rona” in 2015.
The announcement comes on the heels of last week’s display of a 123 carat gem quality, top white, Type II diamond, found at the same section of the mine.
It also follows the recent sale of a 2.24 carat blue for $347,222 per carat.
Karowe, which began commercial operations in 2012, has this year yielded 22 diamonds larger than 100 carats, eight of them exceeding 200 carats.
Since the start of the year, the miner has sold 19 diamonds each with an individual price in excess of $1 million at its quarterly tender sales. This includes seven diamonds that fetched more than $2 million each, and one diamond that carried a final price tag of over $8 million.
“Lucara is extremely pleased with the recovery of these rare, sizeable, fancy coloured diamonds, which have the potential to contribute meaningful value to our regular production of large, high-value type IIa diamonds,” chief executive, Eira Thomas, said in the statement.
The precious rocks will be put up for sale in December, during the company’s fourth quarter tender.
Lucara, which has focused efforts on the prolific Botswana mine this year, is close to completing a feasibility study into potential underground production and life of mine expansion at Karowe.
Canada’s Lucara Diamond continues to find gem quality, coloured diamonds at its Karowe mine, in Botswana, which in April yielded the 1,758 carat Sewelô meaning “rare find” diamond, the largest ever recovered in the African country.
The Vancouver based miner has now recovered a 9.74 carat blue and a 4.13 carat pink diamond from direct milling of the South Lobe, the area that yielded the famous 1,111 carat “Lesedi La Rona” in 2015.
The announcement comes on the heels of last week’s display of a 123 carat gem quality, top white, Type II diamond, found at the same section of the mine.
It also follows the recent sale of a 2.24 carat blue for $347,222 per carat.
Karowe, which began commercial operations in 2012, has this year yielded 22 diamonds larger than 100 carats, eight of them exceeding 200 carats.
Since the start of the year, the miner has sold 19 diamonds each with an individual price in excess of $1 million at its quarterly tender sales. This includes seven diamonds that fetched more than $2 million each, and one diamond that carried a final price tag of over $8 million.
“Lucara is extremely pleased with the recovery of these rare, sizeable, fancy coloured diamonds, which have the potential to contribute meaningful value to our regular production of large, high-value type IIa diamonds,” chief executive, Eira Thomas, said in the statement.
The precious rocks will be put up for sale in December, during the company’s fourth quarter tender.
Lucara, which has focused efforts on the prolific Botswana mine this year, is close to completing a feasibility study into potential underground production and life of mine expansion at Karowe.
