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The pink diamond challenge: Williamson Pink Star sold for 57 million

Published on October 11, 2022

Williamson Pink Star è montato su un anello diamanti taglio trapezio e rosa taglio brillante

A pink diamond breaks all records. The sample is the Williamson Pink Star, an 11.15 carat vivid fancy pink diamond. The stone was sold in Hong Kong by Sotheby’s for over 57 million, exceeding the presale estimates, which had prudently stopped at 21 million dollars. However, it was not a Chinese tycoon who bought the precious diamond, but a billionaire from Florida. As is tradition, the new owner has changed the name of the gem, which is now called The Rosenberg Williamson Pink Star.

The diamond was extracted from the Williamson mine in Tanzania and then cut by Diacore. It was also the second largest vivid pink diamond ever to appear at auction, later, the CTF Pink Star, which weighs 59.6 carats and was bought in 2017 by Hong Kong group Chow Tai Fook for 71.2 million: it is the most expensive gem ever sold at auction. Soon after, however, is the Williamson Pink Star, with a price per carat of around 5.2 million, double the previous record of 2.7 million per carat of the 18.96-carat Winston Pink sold by Christie’s in 2018. .

Il diamante grezzo di 32 carati da cui è stato ricavato The Williamson Pink Star

How long will the new record last? On November 8th, in Geneva, Christie’s will sell another 18.18-carat pear-shaped fancy diamond, called The Fortune Pink: pre-sale estimates indicate a value between 25 million and 35 million dollars. The race is underway.

Il diamante The Fortune Pink, 18,18 carati

Jennifer Lopez’s extremely rare green diamond

Published on October 1, 2022

Campus/Diamanti

L'anello con diamante verde ricevuto da Jennifer Lopez

Green diamonds are very rare and very expensive. Because they have a secret ♦ ︎

Colored diamonds have inflamed Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions for many years. While colorless diamonds, commonly called white, were once the most expensive gems, now it is the colors that are paid the most. The most popular colors are yellow, pink and blue. Rarer are red diamonds. But there are also diamonds of another color, even rarer: they are the green ones. Extremely rare. One of the few women to have a green diamond in the drawer (but perhaps in the safe) is Jennifer Lopez, who received it as a gift, mounted on a ring.

L'anello con diamante verde di Jennifer Lopez — L’anello con diamante verde di Jennifer Lopez

Because they are green. The green color is extremely rare in diamonds also because it is also believed to be due to the exposure of the stone to radioactive materials. But do not worry: you can wear them without problems. Green diamonds were near, millennia ago, small amounts of material such as uranium or thorium. But over time, radioactivity has declined, that is, it has ceased. In any case, these radiations penetrated the nearby diamond crystal and changed its color.

Anello con un raro diamante verde e diamanti bianchi — Anello in platino con un raro diamante verde e diamanti bianchi

Artificial green. Since green diamonds are the result of radiation, why not repeat the process in the laboratory? It is, in fact, what some laboratories do to produce a green color in diamonds. The stones are polished and then hit with a low-energy electron beam. With this same system, yellow diamonds are produced. Another method is to apply a thin layer of silica on the surface of the diamonds. But, beware: the coating is very thin and can be lost with normal wear.

Aurora Green, venduto da Christie's per 16,8 milioni di dollari, record d'asta mondiale — Aurora Green, venduto da Christie’s per 16,8 milioni di dollari, record d’asta mondiale

The biggest. The diamond called Green Dresden is the largest in the world (40.72 carats) with this shade. It is kept inside the Dresden castle. The ring you see in these images, however, was sold for $ 1.8 million in the spring of 2014. Its assessment is also due to the fact that the jewel is signed by the legendary designer Jar. The colored limestone diamond mounted on the ring weighs 2.49 carats and is set on platinum, surrounded by colorless diamonds. Also interesting to remember the story of this stone: once belonged to Countess Eliza Branicka Krasińska and was mounted on her engagement ring with the romantic poet Count Zygmunt Krasinski, in Poland. The two married in 1843 and remained together until the count’s death in 1859.

Il Verde di Dresda, custodito nel castello della città

Un raro diamante verde contornato da bianchi e fancy pink

Diamante verde montato su anello firmato Jar. Venduto per 1,8 milioni di dollari nel 2014

La scala delle tonalità dei diamanti verdi

From Christie’s an 18.18 carat pink diamond that brings good luck

Published on September 27, 2022

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It is called The Fortune Pink. Could it be because it brings good luck, or because whoever can buy it for sure has had a lot of luck in life? The doubt is destined to remain, also because it is foreseeable that the future buyer of The Fortune Pink will remain anonymous. The gem will be auctioned by Christie’s next December in Geneva. It is a diamond with exceptional characteristics: pear-shaped fancy vivid pink and unusual dimensions for a diamond of this type: it weighs 18.18 carats. And for this it is the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink ever put up for auction. The diamond will be the most prized piece of the Magnificent Jewels sale: it is valued between 25 and 35 million dollars.

After The Rock, a 228-carat diamond sold this May in Geneva, Christie’s is proud to present The Fortune Pink, the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond up for auction. With its auspicious weight of 18.18 carats, this exceptional pink diamond with a phenomenal color is sure to bring luck to its new owner.
Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelery

Rahul-Kadakia durante un'asta di Christie's — Rahul-Kadakia durante un’asta di Christie’s

The name of the diamond comes from an interpretation in Chinese. The number that indicates the carats, in fact, can be interpreted as a good omen of prosperity in the Mandarin language. The largest vivid pink diamond sold by Christie’s so far has been the 18.96-carat Winston Pink Legacy, which reached 50 million Swiss francs, a world record. Fortune Pink will be shown in New York on the week of October 3, before touring Shanghai, Taiwan and Singapore. The diamond will then be exhibited to the public during Christie’s Luxury Week at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva from 2 to 8 November.

Il Winston Pink Legacy, diamante rosa da 18,96 carati

Schlumberger and Tiffany online with Christie’s

Published on September 22, 2022

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Spilla di Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany in oro con citrino e diamanti

For fans of vintage jewelry, but not limited to, the online jewelry auction organized until 30 September by Christie’s is an opportunity to secure collector’s items. The entire catalog includes 240 lots, including 18 pieces designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. The famous designer has created many jewels that have made history, starting with the Bird on a Rock series of brooches, which in this case are with amethyst, diamonds and rubies or with citrine. Also from Schlumberger are on sale a flaming star-shaped brooch in gold and diamonds, and a brooch in the shape of a dromedary. The auction catalog includes a pair of aquamarine and tsavorite Hemmerle earrings.

Spilla a forma di dromedario di Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany in oro, con zaffiri rosa, lapislazzuli, diamanti

Other interesting pieces are signed by famous Maison, such as Cartier with a brooch in diamonds and onyx in the shape of parrots, in addition to the classic panthère, but also jewels by Bulgari, Boucheron, Buccellati, Jar, Oscar Heyman, Seaman Schepps, Taffin and Van Cleef & Arpels. More than half of the lots are offered unreservedly, an aspect appreciated by collectors and buyers.

Orecchini con acquamarina e tsavoriti di Hammerle

Spilla a forma di pappagalli in oro, platino, diamanti, onice, di Cartier

Classica Panthèere in oro, diamanti, platino, onice, smeraldi di Cartier

Bracciale con topazi, tormalina rosa, ametista, citrini, peridoto di Bulgari

Spilla a forma di stella fiammeggiante in oro 18 carati e diamanti, Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany — Spilla a forma di stella fiammeggiante in oro 18 carati e platino, con diamanti, Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany

Spilla di Jean Schlumberger per Tiffany in oro e platino, rubini, diamanti

How much are colored diamonds worth?

Published on August 27, 2022

Campus

Nel 2013 Pink Star è stato venduto per 83 milioni di dollari

Fancy diamonds, the colored ones, are increasingly in demand. But how much are colored diamonds really worth? ♦

Once the most important aspect was purity. The diamonds had to be absolutely transparent and colorless, as well as free from impurities. It is no coincidence that the value of diamonds was, and still is, determined by the “four Cs” (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat). If you don’t know what we are talking about, read here. In short, weight and cut, but above all the absence of inclusions or colors. In a few years everything has changed. Now most of the top diamonds sold at auctions are colored, or fancy, as they are called by experts. Many years ago many of these diamonds would have been defined as impure, because the only diamonds considered truly precious were the colorless ones.

Today, however, colored diamonds are skyrocketed, even if not all of them have the same value. Some time ago a 14.82-carat orange diamond was auctioned for over 26 million and Sotheby’s sold the Pink Star, a 59.60-carat pink diamond, for $ 83 million. In addition to the exploit of the auctions, an avalanche of brown, black, gray diamonds and so on have also appeared in jewelry. But the latter have a much lower value than the blue, pink, yellow or red ones (the rarest of all). In a nutshell: not all colored diamonds have the same value. The yellow, pink, blue and red ones are worth more than the brown, black or gray ones.

Diamante tulipano fancy yellow — Vak, diamante tulipano fancy yellow

The color of diamonds is determined by minerals, for example iron, which oxidize and give an unusual hue to the diamond. In short, they are less pure than the colorless ones. But they are rarer. With no other substances in between, the diamond is perfectly transparent. Determining the value of a colored diamond is very complex. As Dominique Dufermont, trader and teacher at the school of Van Cleef & Arpels explained some time ago to the French newspaper Les Echos, to evaluate a colored diamond, several criteria must be taken into account, including obviously the weight and intensity of its color, as well as when cut, which must be perfect. “A pink diamond can be valued even 50 times more than a white one”. The expert gives the example of a bright yellow diamond that went from a valuation of 30,000 euros to 70,000 within two years. Even the brown diamond, which until a few years ago was worth little, today is often ennobled as a cognac color and can reach 2,000 euros per carat if of good quality.

Anello in bronzo, oro bianco e diamante brown by Hemmerle

Unlike colorless diamonds, which must be as transparent as possible, fancy ones acquire more value if their color is intense. In short, the nuance of a white diamond, which for example tends to gray or pale yellow, decreases its price. A fancy diamond, on the other hand, the more colorful it is, the more it has a high price. Although there are exceptions: as in colorless diamonds, the fancy diamond is also valued for its purity and transparency.

Diamante blu da 12,11 carati, taglio marquise, montato su anello

In fact, however, pure diamonds with bold colors are rare: they come, in fact, mostly from the Argyle mine, in Australia. Even a red diamond was found here, considered a miracle: it is 1.56 carats and has been sold for over 2 million dollars, a figure which is equivalent to 6 million per 1 gram (1 carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams). Large colored diamonds are used by top jewelers: blue, like a Harry Winston ring, yellow like those mounted by Dior, or pink used by Bulgari and De Beers. Tiffany has also focused on colored diamonds. The fancy boom is also due to the increasing demand from emerging countries, from India to China. For now, the charm of these stones shows no signs of diminishing. And it will last a long time.

DiamantiBrownnaturali — Diamanti naturali nelle sfumature champagne e cognac

Anello con un diamante fancy vivid purple da 5 carati, taglio radiant, composto da 70 faccette

The Light of Africa Diamond and Jar illuminate Christie’s

Published on June 9, 2022

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Jar, spilla Parrot Tulip con più gemme, diamanti e lacca, venduta per 831.600 dollari

The Light of Africa Diamond, a D-color, Flawless, Type IIa, emerald-cut diamond of 103.49 carats, with excellent polishing and symmetry, was sold by Christie’s, New York, for 20 million dollars. The gem therefore ranks as the fifth most precious colorless diamond ever offered by Christie’s. The 299.3-inch rough stone was mined at the Cullinan diamond mine and then cut and polished by Stargems Group. Overall, the Magnificent Jewels auction reached a total of $ 48.8 million, with 95% sold by lot and 98% in value.

The jewels on sale also included Jar’s The Ann & Gordon Getty and Twelve Jewels collection. The sale totaled 5.9 million dollars and consisted of one of the largest and most important private collections of the master Joel Arthur Rosenthal. The result of the sale is considered exceptional by Christie’s: the Parrot Tulip brooch with more gems, diamonds and lacquer, was sold for 831,600 dollars, a set of three Fleur-Pompons brooches with diamonds, rubies and colored sapphires, for 579,600, and the Zebra brooch in agate, diamonds and sapphires, for 554,000. Part of the proceeds from the collection will be donated by Gordon Getty to a Ukrainian relief fund.

The Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s New York rounded off an incredible sale season with solid results worldwide. Ann Getty’s extraordinary JAR collection sold for a total of $5,065,000, over double the pre-sale estimate. The 103.49ct Light of Africa D Flawless diamond achieved an incredible $195,000 per carat demonstrating the strength of the diamond market at the highest levels. The stone was unearthed at the Cullinan Mine and polished by the Stargems Group. We look forward to the rest of our online jewelry sales in London, New York, and Paris, which run through the end of June.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelry, Christie’s

Jar, spilla Zebra in agata, diamanti e zaffiri

The sale also achieved excellent results for jewels from important private collections, such as a selection of Bulgari jewels from the collection of the Italian actress Silvana Mangano, led by a Bulgari Fancy Intense Trombino ring with a 15.98-carat yellow diamond, sold for 693,000. dollars, a set of coral and gold jewelry Van Cleef & Arpels, formerly in the collection of Brooke Astor, who made 75,600 and a pair of emerald and diamond earrings of 13.79 and 12.14 carats from the property of a private collector , which reached $ 1,260,000.

Jar, set di tre spille Fleur Pompons con diamanti, rubini e zaffiri colorati

Anello Trombino con diamante giallo appartenuto a Silvana Mangano

Set di collana e orecchini in oro e corallo di Van Cleef & Arpels

Orecchini con smeraldi taglio pera e diamanti

Up for auction at Christie’s for charity J.K. Rowling’s earrings

Published on June 5, 2022

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Orecchini di Graff, copia di The Christmas Pig autografato e lettera di J.K. Rowling

Lumos maxima: Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban, the third film in the saga of the world’s most beloved wizard, opens with the words of this spell. And Lumos is also the name of a charity founded by J.K. Rowling in 2005 and who deals with the underlying causes of family breakdowns, such as poverty, conflict and discrimination. The institution helps children to be safely reunited with their families. Introduction to announce that the great British writer is auctioning a pair of Graff’s Waterfall diamond earrings at Christie’s for the benefit of Lumos. The estimate is between 30,000 and 50,000 pounds.

Not only that: the earrings will be presented with an edition signed by J.K. Rowling from the 2021 bestseller The Christmas Pig, along with the diamond earrings and a sealed personal message from the author to the buyer.

Christie’s auction will take place online from 6 to 16 June. In addition to J.K. Rowling presents a range of jewelery ranging from the early 19th century to the present day, including a spectacular antique brooch of natural pearls and diamonds, along with designer jewelery from important houses such as Garrard, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Hemmerle and Bulgari. In case you want to see them, the jewels will be on display at Christie’s King Street from 7 to 15 June.

Among the jewels, to report a pearl and diamond brooch from 1880, together with a surprising Art Deco bracelet with rubies and diamonds. Also for sale is a Garrard diamond necklace with a 4.78-carat pear-shaped diamond and a 12.56-carat intense yellow Ritz diamond ring.

Anello con diamante fancy intense yellow di 12,56 carati

Bracciale art Dèco con diamanti e rubini

Light of Africa Diamond, Jar and historical jewels in New York with Christie’s

Published on May 24, 2022

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New top jewelry auction at Christie’s in New York. On June 8, other Magnificent Jewels will be on stage, with jewels from private collections, along with jewels signed by Bhagat, Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Graff, Harry Winston, Raymond Templier, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. The jewels can be previewed at Christie’s, in New York, from 3 to 7 June.

The highlight of the sale is The Light of Africa Diamond, a diamond that starts with an estimate between 11 and 18 million dollars. It is of color D, flawless, type IIa, emerald cut and has a remarkable weight of 103.49 carats. It is the result of a 299.3 carat rough stone unearthed in the Cullinan mine, which has already produced some of the historic diamonds, such as the two Great Stars of Africa, both of which are part of the British Crown Jewels, set in the Scepter of the Sovereign and in the Crown of the Imperial State.

The sale also includes 12 Jar jewels, which were part of the Ann & Gordon Getty Collection, of which we talked about here. In addition, the auction includes jewels from other important private collections, including a selection of Bulgari jewels from the collection that belonged to the Italian actress Silvana Mangano. Then there are the coral and gold Van Cleef & Arpels jewels from the collection of the socialite Brooke Astor and a pair of emerald and diamond earrings of 13.79 and 12.14 carats owned by a private collector.

Borsetta da sera Melone di Bulgari in oro, diamanti, zaffiri, appartenuta a Silvana Mangano

Set in oro e corallo di Van Cleef & Arpels appartenuto a Brooke Astor

Collana con diamante centrale di 76,46 carati

Spilla di Bulgari con diamante fancy yellow e diamanti bianchi

Collana di Cartier con rubini e diamanti

12 Jar jewels on sale in New York

Published on May 6, 2022

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Spille Fleur Ponpons con diamanti, zaffiri, rubini. Courtesy Christie's

There are living myths. One of these is Jar, an acronym for Joel Arthur Rosenthal, a refined, imaginative, sought-after jewel artist. The few creations by him are expected and coveted by collectors. Like Ann Getty. Now 12 Jar jewels collected by the collector will go on sale in New York at Christie’s on June 8. The sale is called Twelve Jewels by Jar and will be part of the Magnificent Jewels auction. These jewels designed by Jar of Ann Getty, wife of billionaire Gordon Getty and who passed away in 2020 at the age of 79, are part of one of the largest and most important private collections of the designer’s works. The overall estimate of the jewels is around 1.5 million dollars. Previously, the jewels will also be on display in Geneva and Hong Kong.

Jar, spilla zebra con agata, diamanti, zaffiri. Courtesy Christie's — Jar, spilla zebra con agata, diamanti, zaffiri. Courtesy Christie’s

Ann Getty was a trained scientist whose personal collection of JAR reflected her innate curiosity and impeccable taste for jewelry that was both beautifully-crafted and evoked memories of her family and research trips abroad. Her jewels tell the story of a woman pursuing ideal beauty and a lifelong appreciation of craftspeople. Only works by JAR achieve the balance of nature, color, and form that she loved so much.
Daphne Lingon, Head of Jewelry, Christie’s Americas

Spilla a forma di conchiglia con zaffiri e spinelli. Courtesy Christie's — Spilla a forma di conchiglia con zaffiri e spinelli. Courtesy Christie’s

Jar’s jewels are emblematic of contemporary design and are inspired by architecture, fabrics, art and nature. They often use characteristic pavé stones. From the diamond and gem-set lily brooch, reminiscent of a medieval stained glass window, to the sculpted agate Zebra brooch adorned with a royal headdress, Ann Getty’s Jar jewelry collection captures the artist’s early years of work and exploration and includes examples of the his most significant creative themes.

Spilla a forma di foglie con diamanti e gemme. Courtesy Christie's — Spilla a forma di foglie con diamanti e gemme. Courtesy Christie’s

Ann Getty has in the past lent several jewels from her collection to major museums around the world, including Jar’s successful exhibition at Somerset House in London in 2002, the Masterpieces of French Jewelry exhibition at the San Francisco Legion of Honor Museum in 2007 and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York’s historic Jar retrospective in 2013, the first time a living jeweler received the honor of a museum retrospective.

From the very beginning, this lady, you, dear Ann, imagined the future of my imagination, seeing and picking the cherries that became your collection…
Joel Arthur Rosenthal

Orecchini multigemma a forma di foglie di quercia. Courtesy Christie's — Orecchini multigemma a forma di foglie di quercia. Courtesy Christie’s

The main pieces of Jar’s Twelve Jewels include the Shell and Tulip brooches from 1990 and 1991. The shell combines rubies and spinels of various sizes that evoke the smooth but diverse landscape of the ocean floor. The parrot tulip brooch features smaller faceted rubies, diamonds and green garnets which together create a lifelike sparkle, as if the flower had just been plucked from the earth.

Spilla multigemma a fiore di giglio con diamanti. Courtesy Christie's — Spilla multigemma a fiore di giglio con diamanti. Courtesy Christie’s

Spilla Bouquet multigemma e diamanti. Courtesy Christie's — Spilla Bouquet multigemma e diamanti. Courtesy Christie’s

Spilla Parrot Tulip multigemma, lacca e diamanti. Courtesy Christie's — Spilla Parrot Tulip multigemma, lacca e diamanti. Courtesy Christie’s

Orecchini ispirati alla viola con granati, citrini e diamanti

Orecchini Orchidea con zaffiri, granati, tormalina. Courtesy Christie's — Orecchini Orchidea con zaffiri, granati, tormalina. Courtesy Christie’s

Orecchini con topazio rosa e diamanti. Courtesy Christie's — Orecchini con topazio rosa e diamanti. Courtesy Christie’s

Orecchini con diamanti, zaffiri e granati verdi. Courtesy Christie's — Orecchini con diamanti, zaffiri e granati verdi. Courtesy Christie’s

Two big diamonds and princely tiaras at Christie’s auction

Published on April 28, 2022

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The catalog is now completed. And for fans of exceptional jewelry and gem collectors, who are a particularly popular type of investment in difficult historical times, Christie’s sale of Magnifxicent Jewels on May 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues will offer plenty of opportunities. Starting with The Rock, a diamond that starts from one with a very wide gap: from 19 to 30 million Swiss francs (13-24 million euros or 9.2-20.5 million dollars). The diamond weighs 228.31 carats and is the largest ever seen at auction.

We are delighted to present the Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction led by THE ROCK, the largest ever white diamond to be offered at auction and a landmark moment in the market. Alongside this the legendary Red Cross Diamond, which has supported those enduring hardships since it was sold at Christie’s Red Cross Appeal in 1918, is offered with a share of the proceeds to be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross. With the very best quality gemstones, jewels from noble provenance and iconic designs, the auction represents an exciting opportunity for our international collectors this season.
Max Fawcett, Head of Department, Jewelery

As we have already told, The Red Cross Diamond is back for the third time at auction, which despite its name is a cushion-cut intense yellow color of over 205 carats. It was first sold by Christie’s in 1918, and part of the proceeds went to the Red Cross. And this sale also partly benefits the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The red Cross diamond, di oltre 205 carati

For nearly half a century, our family has had the privilege of safeguarding the Red Cross diamond. Since it was first brought to market in 1918, the legacy of this symbol of humanity has always been the support of communities ravaged by war, famine and other hardships endured by people across the world. At this auspicious moment in history, we honour the call others have made before us. In collaboration with Christie’s, we are pleased to offer The Red Cross Diamond for sale with a share of the proceeds to be donated to the great institution whose name it bears. We further dedicate this sale to the tireless efforts of the volunteers of the International Committee of the Red Cross and are privileged to support their cause.
Anonymous owner of The Red Cross Diamond

The Magnificent Jewels auction also includes 19th and 20th century tiaras, including the Tiara Fürstenberg (estimate 400,000-600,000 Swiss francs), and a pearl and diamond tiara with the brand of the famous Austrian jeweler Gustav Flach. This exemplary handcrafted jewel belonged to her Royal Highness of her Princess of Fürstenberg, born Countess Irma of Schönborn Buchheim (1867-1948), member of one of the most eminent aristocratic families of the Habsburg Empire. A letter in the Fürstenberg archives, directed by jeweler Flach Mediansky & Paltscho, explains the many ways the tiara can be transformed, from a tiara for Viennese high society court dances to a more moderate style with pearls, while the diamond motifs can be worn as a necklace, brooch or hairpins.

Collana di Bulgari con diamanti e rubini

Orecchini di Jar a spirale con tormaline verdi

The large yellow diamond of the Red Cross is on sale

Published on April 13, 2022

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A yellow diamond for the Red Cross. In times marked by wars and casualties, support for organizations involved in victim assistance becomes essential: this is why Christie’s announces the sale on 11 May in Geneva of a huge cushion-shaped intense fancy yellow diamond of 205.07 carats. The assessment was not disclosed. Part of the proceeds from the sale will go to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This is the third time in over a century that Christie’s has presented this large canary yellow diamond of 205.07 carats. It’s a very special bond and a huge honor. Part of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the International Committee of the Red Cross, for a cause that is even more touching in the midst of current affairs.
François Curiel, president of Christie’s Europe and Head of the Luxury Department

François Curiel, presidente di Christie's Europe e Head of the Luxury Department — François Curiel, presidente di Christie’s Europe e Head of the Luxury Department

The history of the diamond is interesting: the original gem was mined in 1901 in a South African mine in De Beers and is said to have weighed around 375 carats. In addition to ranking among the largest diamonds in the world, a striking feature of the stone is its pavilion, which is faceted in the shape of a Maltese cross. On April 10, 1918, the stone was first put on sale at Christie’s London by the Diamond Syndicate again in aid of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St John. At the time the entire sale had raised £ 50,000 (equivalent to around 3 million today) and The Red Cross Diamond, the highest lot in the auction, had been sold for £ 10,000 (around 600,000 today), which was bought by the famous London company SJ Phillips. It should be added that colored diamonds were not as popular at the time as they are today.
On November 21, 1973, the same diamond was put up for sale once again at Christie’s in Geneva, this time reaching 1.8 million francs and returning to private ownership. It is now being offered for the third time by Christie’s in 104 years, and will presumably fetch a significantly higher price.

Surprising diamonds and jewels at Christie’s auction

Published on March 21, 2022

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The Fuchsia Rose, un diamante rosa-viola intenso di 8,82 carati

The large temples are back, the diamonds with six zeros are back. The next stop for enthusiasts and collectors will take place in New York, where Christie’s is planning a sale of Magnificent Jewels on April 13. The auction includes a selection of colored and colorless diamonds and precious stones, along with historical jewelery from private collections and designer jewelery from Bvlgari, Cartier, JAR, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels. Jewels that before the sale will be on display at Christie’s Dubai from 26 to 29 March.

The auction is led by The Fuchsia Rose, an intense pink-purple diamond of 8.82 carats, potentially flawless internally (estimate 4-6 million dollars). The sale also features beautiful colored diamonds, such as an 11.63 carat blue fancy diamond ring, VS1 clarity (Estimate 2.5-3.5 million) and a 15.31 carat (1- 1.5 million). A 2.44-carat fancy deep pink diamond ring (valued at 1-2 million). There are also colorless diamonds, including a ring with a maxi brilliant cut stone of 51.28 carats, color I, clarity SI1 (1.3-1.8 million), or a ring with a diamond of 21.05 carats, color E , internally flawless (1.4-2.4 million). A ring from Tiffany & Co. with a diamond of 13.91 carats, color H, clarity VS2 (350,000-500,000) is relatively more affordable.

Anello con diamante fancy giallo vivido di 15,31 carati

The sale includes a rare and historic antique Tiffany & Co. Subway pendant watch with diamonds and enamels. Presented for the first time to the public at auction, the pendant watch was a specially commissioned piece of jewelry to commemorate the opening of the New York subway. Behind the domed crystal on one side of the clock is the earth taken during the Metro’s inauguration on March 24, 1900, along with the initials of the original owner, Georgie Annie McDonald, daughter of John B. McDonald who was responsible for overseeing the construction of the first metro line in the city. The incision along the outside reads “some earth from the first shovel extracted by Mayor Van Wyck at the excavation of the ground for the first subway”.
The sale is complemented by jewelry from the Rockefeller family, including a Cartier Art Déco sapphire and diamond bracelet, a Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond ring and an Art Déco emerald pearl, diamond and multi-gem necklace.

Orologio-ciondolo Subway Tiffany & Co. con diamanti e smalti

Bracciale di Cartier art déco con diamanti e rubini

Anello con diamante fancy blue di oltre 11 carati

Spilla di Jar Watercolor Flower, con zaffiri

La Dolce Vita online with Christie’s Milano

Published on February 21, 2022

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Anelli di diamanti bianchi e neri di Chantecler

La Dolce Vita: over time, the title of a Federico Fellini film has become the symbol of an era, the Italian postwar period, in which the economic boom was accompanied by a relaxed lifestyle, at least in Rome. This is no longer the case, but the idea that Italy is a place of soft pleasures has remained etched. In any case, the Dolce Vita was also a period in which Italian design made its way into the world. And this memory is linked to the online auction organized by Christie’s Milan, with offers from 1 to 10 March. On sale are Italian jewelery and international watchmaking. The online auction, which is called La Dolce Vita itself, features pieces from iconic brands, such as Chantecler, jewels from the glamorous Maison Montenapoleone Sabbadini and Vhernier, and a selection of precious stones such as Colombian and Brazilian emeralds, diamonds and sapphires.

The auction also includes a curated selection of watches from renowned manufacturers including Patek Philippe, Rolex and Piaget. The salient pieces of the auction will be on display at Christie’s Milan, in the historic Palazzo Clerici in neoclassical style, with viewing only by appointment from 1 to 9 March 2022. Among the pieces to be marked on the notebook, oops, on the smartphone, there is a Belle Époque diamond and ruby ring by Musy (estimate: 2,500-3,500 euros), along with models by Chantecler (jeweler of Capri) including two extraordinary diamond rings (estimate: 6,000-8,000 each) and a pair of sapphire earrings colored and diamonds, also by Chantecler (estimate: € 10,000 – 15,000).

Anello Belle Époque con diamanti e rubini di Musy

Other interesting jewels: a pair of Eclisse earrings in gold, jet and diamonds by Vhernier (1,500 – 2,500) exemplify the contemporary design and innovation of the iconic Italian jewelers, an impressive gold suite by Federico Buccellati (4,000 – 6,000). For the selection of watches, a Patek Philippe ref. 460, circa 1929 (30,000 – 50,000), will lead the auction, along with a diamond Patek Philippe Nautilus (6,000 – 10,000) and Rolex GMT Master ref. 16710 (7,000 – 10,000).

A sinistra, Patek Philippe in rose gold and silver dial, circa 1929. A destra, Patek Philippe Nautilus with diamonds, stainless steel and yellow gold

Marcello Mastroianni e Anita Ekberg nel film «La Dolce vita»

Christie’s opens 2022 with the first auction

Published on January 25, 2022

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Paul Kutchinsky, spilla in oro con corallo, diamanti, smeraldo

Once the large pre-Christmas auctions have been archived, the jewels are once again put up for auction. Christie’s has scheduled Jewels Online (January 24-February 9), the first jewelry auction of 2022 for the big sales house. The sale features jewelry ranging from antique to contemporary pieces, white diamonds and colored stones, as well as bejeweled items and watches. There are over 250 lots, including designer pieces from Maison such as Angela Cummings, Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, JAR, Marina B, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Raymond Yard, René Boivin, Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. , Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura.

The sale covers all price ranges and with many lots offered without reserve (the idea is to offer jewelry for gifts before Valentine’s Day). The top is an 11.46-carat diamond ring, offered without reserve ($ 200,000-300,000 estimate). A 5.05-carat (100,000-150,000) diamond ring is also offered without reserve.

The sale includes in particular selections from important collections including the Blair Family Collection, the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Edward Guest II, the Collection of Mimi Adler, Property from the Estate of Jacqueline Leeds and Jeweled Object D ‘art from the Contessa Orietta Ascoli Collection which offers an assembly of jewel objects including watches, perfume bottles, desk accessories and evening bags.

Orecchini Cartier art déco, con acquamatina e diamanti

Collana di Oscar Heyman con zaffiri, smeraldi e diamanti

Orologio da tavolo art déco di Cartier, smalto, nefrite, diamanti

Bracciale di Tiffany firmato Jean Schlumberger in smalto e oro a losanghe

Collana con pendente di Van Cleef & Arpels in onice, diamanti, oro

Anello di Oscar Heyman con diamanti bianchi e giallo

Magnificent sales of Christie’s in New York

Published on December 10, 2021

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Collana con diamante fancy giallo vivido di 70,19 carati, purezza VS2

The Christmas air is good for super jewelry sales, especially if they are sold at auction. In New York, the sale of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels totaled nearly $ 55 million, with 91% sold in lots and 94% sold by value: 120% went above the lowest estimate. Offers came from 30 countries across five continents.

Under the lens there were colored diamonds of particular value. The most anticipated lot was a 70.19 carat fancy vivid yellow diamond pendant, VS2 clarity. It was sold for $ 2,850,000. A 5.38 carat vivid orange pink fancy diamond ring, VS2 clarity, which made 2,670,000 dollars and a 8.74 carat dark gray-blue fancy diamond ring, Internally Flawless, reached 2.61 million .

Anello con diamante fancy grigio-blu scuro di 8,74 carati, Internally Flawless

Also on sale was a series of pieces cataloged as A Superlative Eye: Property from a Distinguished Chicago Collection, which included Cartier Art Deco jewelry. The collection achieved outstanding results for an impressive Graff ruby and diamond ring, which fetched $ 1,290,000. An Art Deco brooch with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, which belonged to Mrs. Cole Porter, fetched $ 381,250 and another Egyptian Art Deco revival brooch by Cartier with gems and diamonds, achieved more than three times its highest estimate : sold for $ 268,750.

Other highlights of the sale were eight lots of Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set jewelry: a double-flower brooch with sapphires and diamonds was awarded for $ 575,000, a ruby and diamond bracelet reached 525,000, a pendant-earring with rubies and diamonds which he made 412,500.

In the same auction, other impressive prices were raised for a major 17.73-carat Kashmir sapphire ring, which reached more than double its high estimate: over $ 2 million, while a deep yellow diamond ring of 44, 12-karat made $ 1,110,000 and a Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco diamond bracelet previously featured in The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, which reached $ 1,230,000.

Bracciale di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels

Spilla di Cartier con smeraldo intagliato, diamanti, zaffiri

Bracciale con rubini e diamanti con tecnica mystery setting di Van Cleef & Arpels

Diamonds and large Maison for Christie’s Magnificent Jewels

Published on November 28, 2021

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Anello con diamante grigio scuro-blu fantasia di 8,74 carati Internally Flawless

Magnificent Jewels: a Christie’s New York auction dedicated to high-end jewelry lovers on 8 December, but also a sale from 23 November to 7 December. The auction offers over 200 lots, enhanced by private collections, diamonds and colored gems, and an impressive number of jewels by Bvlgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, JAR, Jean Schlumberger, Suzanne Belperron, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Diamante fancy giallo vivido di 70,19 carati, chiarezza VS2

Let’s start with the Magnificent Jewels auction. The most highly rated pieces are three colored diamonds, including a rare 5.38 carat fancy vivid orange pink diamond ring, VS2 clarity (Estimated $ 2,200,000-3,200,000). Another 70.19 carat fancy vivid yellow diamond, VS2 clarity is set on a pendant ($ 2,000,000-3,000,000 dollars), while a 8.74 carat Internally Flawless fancy dark gray-blue diamond ring is valued at 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 dollars.

One notable collection included in the sale is titled A Superlative Eye: Property from a Distinguished Chicago Collection. Includes jewelry from Cartier, Graff, Jean Schlumberger, Chanel, Carvin French and Marcus & Co. The collection is highlighted by a strong selection of Cartier Art Deco jewelry, such as an emerald, sapphire and diamond brooch (200,000-300,000) that once belonged to Ms. Cole Porter, along with colored stones including a Graff ruby and diamond ring ($ 1,000,000-1,500,000), a Kashmir sapphire ring from Carvin French.

Spilla di Cartier Art Déco, con smeraldo, zaffiro e diamanti, appartenuta alla signora Cole Porter

Another highlight of the sale are eight lots of Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set jewelry, including a ruby and diamond bracelet (300,000-500,000) and a pair of ruby and diamond drop earrings (300,000-500,000). The Serti Mystérieux technique represents a Van Cleef & Arpels excellence that combines design and innovation (an average of 1,200 hours is calculated to complete a Mystery-Set jewel).

Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set, braccialetto di rubini e diamanti

Additional private collections within the sale include a Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco diamond bracelet (1,000,000-1,500,000) previously featured in The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum of New York. Also for sale is a historic late 17th century rosary with emerald, diamonds and enamel (400,000-600,000).

braccialetto di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels — Braccialetto di diamanti Art Déco di Van Cleef & Arpels

Perla Rockefeller, perla naturale marrone con diamanti su platino. Ciondolo firmato Gillot Co.

Storico rosario della fine del XVII secolo con smeraldi, diamanti e smalto

Michele della Valle & friends with Christie’s online

Published on November 22, 2021

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Michele della Vallem pupazzo di neve in cristallo di rocca smerigliato, zaffiri gialli tondi, smeraldi e rubini, smalto nero, zaffiro arancione cabochon tondo, diamanti tondi, oro bianco, giallo e annerito 18 carati

In view of Christmas, from 23 November to 7 December Christie’s offers an online auction entitled Jewels Online & Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle. The sale includes high-end jewelry, with period pieces, contemporary heats, as well as white diamonds and precious stones. The jewels for sale have prestigious brands such as Buccellati, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Graff, Harry Winston, JAR, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels: over 400 lots, covering all price ranges and with several lots offered without reserve.

But the dessert of this starred menu is represented by 64 imaginative jewels by Michele della Valle, all offered without reservations. Designer, artist, jeweler: Michele della Valle is one of the greatest creatives in business, who combines design skills with irony, pleasure and the wealth of ideas and materials. Often with surprising results. For example, the brooch in the shape of a snowman with gems and diamonds: high jewelery more in a pinch of joy.

Collana con diamanti, zaffiri di diversi colori e granati

Orecchini con zaffiri rotondi arancioni e gialli, tsavorite, diamanti, oro bianco e giallo

Marie Antoinette doubles with Christie’s

Published on November 11, 2021

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Kirsten Dunst interpreta Maria Antonietta nel film di Sofia Coppola

When we say the charm of the nobility. In spite of the French Revolution, Queen Marie Antoinette (guillotined) takes her revenge. His bracelets don diamonds (old cut, of course), silver and yellow gold, commissioned around 1776, adapted in the 19th century, and placed in a blue velvet case, were auctioned at Magnificent Jewels organized by Christie’s in Geneva. They were sold for around 7 million euros (equivalent to 7.5 million Swiss francs, or 8.2 million dollars), a figure that is almost double the maximum estimate that preceded the auction.

I bracciali con diamanti appartenuti a Maria Antonietta

The jewels were bought by the queen and she bought these two diamond bracelets for 250,000 lire, which was a huge sum for the time. According to Count Mercy-Argenteau, ambassador of Austria to France, they were paid partly in precious stones from the queen’s collection and partly with the funds the queen received from her husband, King Louis XVI. At the time of the Revolution, the jewels were brought to Belgium, then passed to Madame Royale, the surviving daughter of Marie Antoinette. Now they have changed ownership.

The Geneva auction also had other interesting pieces in the catalog. A pear-cut diamond of 55.50 carats was sold for 4.5 million euros. A yellow gold brooch with drop and baguette cut diamonds and cushion cut ruby, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, was sold for 3.8 million euros. A platinum ring with an oval brilliant cut diamond of 43.19 carats totaled 3.1 million euros. In all, the auction closed with sales of over 50 million euros.

Spilla di Van Cleef & Arpels con rubino taglio cuscino e diamanti con taglio a goccia e baguette

Anello con diamante ovale di oltre 43 carati

A Wallis Simpson bracelet up for auction at Christie’s

Published on September 29, 2021

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Il bracciale in oro bianco, diamanti e rubini appartenuto alla Duchessa di Windsor

The Magnificent Jewels auction on November 9 adds another piece of nobility to the catalog of lots for sale. In addition to the two diamond bracelets that belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette of France, Christie’s will offer the first gift on the occasion of her wedding anniversary, received on June 3, 1938 by the Duchess of Windsor. Her husband, in case anyone does not remember, was the Duke of Windsor, former King of Great Britain, who had abdicated precisely to marry Wallis Simpson.

The history of the jewel is testified by the order received from Cartier. This is a white gold bracelet with two large rubies set. On the bracelet is engraved the phrase: “For our first anniversary of June 3”. The bracelet is an elegant and sophisticated reinterpretation of the Art Deco style. Very avant-garde, the jewel is considered one of the most unusual models of the Maison (the estimate for the auction has a very wide range: 1-2 million Swiss francs). At the time of the gift, the couple was on holiday on the French Riviera in Antibes, at Villa La Croë.

Wallis Simpson indossa il bracciale di Cartier

History
In December 1936 Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to marry the American Wallis Warfield Simpson, who had already been divorced twice. The couple then married in France at Château de Candé in June 1937. For years the Windsors have been a fixture of international society and will always be remembered for their chic lifestyle and beautiful jewelry.

The bracelet had already reappeared at auction for the first time since the historic sale of the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, in 1987: a mythical sale thanks to the record prices, the attention of the media and the renewed interest it aroused in the jewels of sourced and signed, which have persisted ever since.

Preview
New York September 27-29 Christie’s Rockefeller Center
Hong Kong October 7-10 Christie’s
Beijing October 19-20 Christie’s
Shanghai 23-24 October Christie’s
Geneva November 6-8 Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues

Edoardo d'Inghilterra assieme a Wallis Warfield Simpson — Edoardo d’Inghilterra assieme a Wallis Warfield Simpson, nel 1954

Online jewelry, Christie’s in goal

Published on September 25, 2021

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Anello di diamanti Harry Winston di 5,03 carati

Until a few years ago, buying jewelry costing thousands of dollars online was just a fantasy. Today it is reality, as evidenced by the sale of Christie’s September Jewels Online, which reached a total of 3.2 million dollars with a total budget of 140% above the lowest starting estimate and with 91% of the lots awarded. The sale saw global participation with registered bidders from 32 Oaesi and attracted 20% of first-time subscribers.

Leading the sale were white diamonds offered without reserve, including a 5.03-carat Harry Winston diamond ring, which sold for $ 175,000, and 3.13-carat and 3.01-carat diamond stud earrings, which had made $ 137,500.

Anello con zaffiri e diamanti di 12,32 carati

The sale also achieved excellent results for jewels with sapphires, the birthstone for the month of September. A 12.32-carat sapphire and diamond ring sold for $ 106,250, a diamond, sapphire and emerald ring for 50,000, sapphire and diamond earrings sold for 30,000, and a retro gold and sapphire bracelet for $ 20,000.