JEWELS
Transparencies from Golconda
2013 SOLD for $ 11M including premium by Christie's
2019 SOLD for $ 6.5M including premium
PRE 2019 SALE DISCUSSION
Gemmologists recognize through some exceptional qualities when a ruby comes from Mogok, a sapphire from Kashmir or a diamond from Golconda.
Type IIa diamonds are the brightest of all categories when they are pure. The top standardized grade for colorless gems is the D color. However the best Golconda diamonds also have an absolute transparency that exceeds the D grade. It is extremely rare for a diamond from another source to display such a purity and clarity.
For two millennia until the beginning of the 18th century, India was the only diamond producing country. Aware of this exceptional opportunity, local princes have long kept the best for their exclusive use.
Golconda was a network of mines. The best, the Kollur mine, produced among others the Koh-i-Noor, the Regent, the Orlov, which contributed to the prestige of Great Britain, France and Russia. Deserted after the depletion of the vein, Kollur was in ruins when its site was identified by a geologist in the 1880s.
Tastes have changed and technologies have improved. An ancient cutting is very often recognizable as such. A small grinding is encouraged if it helps a Potentially Flawless to reach the ultimate grade of clarity, Internally Flawless.
On June 19 in New York, Christie's sells two type IIa, D color diamonds, identified as Golconda by Gübelin.
The most important, an Internally Flawless weighing 52.58 carats, has no historical background but its elongated rectangular shape cannot be modern. It was sold for $ 11M including premium by Christie's on December 10, 2013 and is now estimated $ 7M, lot 229, with the name Mirror of Paradise.
The other Golconda in that auction, lot 98 estimated $ 2M, is a pear-shaped brilliant-cut. It was given in 1777 by the Nawab of Arcot to Queen Charlotte of Great Britain. To improve its symmetry and achieve perfection in color and clarity, its weight was reduced from 23.65 to the current 17.21 carats in two stages, the earlier of which by Harry Winston after 1959.
RESULTS including premium :
Lot 229 : SOLD for $ 6.5M
Lot 98 (illustrated in tweet below) : SOLD for $ 3.4M
Gemmologists recognize through some exceptional qualities when a ruby comes from Mogok, a sapphire from Kashmir or a diamond from Golconda.
Type IIa diamonds are the brightest of all categories when they are pure. The top standardized grade for colorless gems is the D color. However the best Golconda diamonds also have an absolute transparency that exceeds the D grade. It is extremely rare for a diamond from another source to display such a purity and clarity.
For two millennia until the beginning of the 18th century, India was the only diamond producing country. Aware of this exceptional opportunity, local princes have long kept the best for their exclusive use.
Golconda was a network of mines. The best, the Kollur mine, produced among others the Koh-i-Noor, the Regent, the Orlov, which contributed to the prestige of Great Britain, France and Russia. Deserted after the depletion of the vein, Kollur was in ruins when its site was identified by a geologist in the 1880s.
Tastes have changed and technologies have improved. An ancient cutting is very often recognizable as such. A small grinding is encouraged if it helps a Potentially Flawless to reach the ultimate grade of clarity, Internally Flawless.
On June 19 in New York, Christie's sells two type IIa, D color diamonds, identified as Golconda by Gübelin.
The most important, an Internally Flawless weighing 52.58 carats, has no historical background but its elongated rectangular shape cannot be modern. It was sold for $ 11M including premium by Christie's on December 10, 2013 and is now estimated $ 7M, lot 229, with the name Mirror of Paradise.
The other Golconda in that auction, lot 98 estimated $ 2M, is a pear-shaped brilliant-cut. It was given in 1777 by the Nawab of Arcot to Queen Charlotte of Great Britain. To improve its symmetry and achieve perfection in color and clarity, its weight was reduced from 23.65 to the current 17.21 carats in two stages, the earlier of which by Harry Winston after 1959.
RESULTS including premium :
Lot 229 : SOLD for $ 6.5M
Lot 98 (illustrated in tweet below) : SOLD for $ 3.4M
One of the most celebrated royal #diamonds, the Arcot II, is heading to auction this month as part of the dazzling Al Thani Qatari royal collection
— Barnebys.co.uk (@Barnebysuk) June 11, 2019
1711 diamonds for peace
2016 UNSOLD
There are not so many jewels in private hands which are believed with a good confidence that they had a significant role in history.
A parure commissioned by an Ottoman Sultan was traditionally composed with the diamonds owned about 160 years earlier by an empress of Russia. Although that provenance was not accompanied by in period documents there is not any reason to have a doubt.
Marta Helena was an illiterate daughter of a Lithuanian peasant. This pretty girl had an early life of adventure, between soldiers and prostitution. She managed to be sold to one of the closest courtiers of Peter the Great. In 1707 the Tsar married her secretly. In 1705 her name had been changed to Catherine Alexeyevna.
The Ottomans declared war on Russia in 1710. Peter and Catherine went to war. The campaign of Pruth, ill-prepared, turned to disaster in 1711 on Russian side.
Fully understanding the Oriental traditions, Catherine, without informing Peter, joined her diamonds to a message prepared by the Tsar to propose peace. This present was decisive and the treaty was concluded. Catherine married Peter officially in the following year and was his successor as Catherine I at his death in 1725.
The sultans had treasured this tribute and the Ottoman prince who was to become Sultan Abdul Hamid II had it assembled in a necklace, a pair of earrings and a brooch, probably in 1874. This suite is made of diamonds of various colors, the most important being a 4.46 carat fancy intense yellow.
The parure passed at auction on November 15, 2011 by Sotheby's in Geneva. The estimate was not in the catalog, certainly due to a very high reserve price. It comes back in the same auction room on November 16, lot 328 estimated US$ 3M. The story above is mostly copied from my 2011 discussion.
A parure commissioned by an Ottoman Sultan was traditionally composed with the diamonds owned about 160 years earlier by an empress of Russia. Although that provenance was not accompanied by in period documents there is not any reason to have a doubt.
Marta Helena was an illiterate daughter of a Lithuanian peasant. This pretty girl had an early life of adventure, between soldiers and prostitution. She managed to be sold to one of the closest courtiers of Peter the Great. In 1707 the Tsar married her secretly. In 1705 her name had been changed to Catherine Alexeyevna.
The Ottomans declared war on Russia in 1710. Peter and Catherine went to war. The campaign of Pruth, ill-prepared, turned to disaster in 1711 on Russian side.
Fully understanding the Oriental traditions, Catherine, without informing Peter, joined her diamonds to a message prepared by the Tsar to propose peace. This present was decisive and the treaty was concluded. Catherine married Peter officially in the following year and was his successor as Catherine I at his death in 1725.
The sultans had treasured this tribute and the Ottoman prince who was to become Sultan Abdul Hamid II had it assembled in a necklace, a pair of earrings and a brooch, probably in 1874. This suite is made of diamonds of various colors, the most important being a 4.46 carat fancy intense yellow.
The parure passed at auction on November 15, 2011 by Sotheby's in Geneva. The estimate was not in the catalog, certainly due to a very high reserve price. It comes back in the same auction room on November 16, lot 328 estimated US$ 3M. The story above is mostly copied from my 2011 discussion.
Russian diamond necklaces with Imperial connections given $10m pitch @Sothebys: https://t.co/2ATXJ7glkQ #bling pic.twitter.com/7nrnyJ7bCM
— AntiquesTradeGazette (@ATG_Editorial) October 11, 2016
The Golconda Twins
2011 SOLD 72 MHK$ including premium
The mines of Golconda, near Hyderabad, are famous for their diamonds. The Koh-i-Noor was probably extracted there.
D-graded, the most exceptional white diamonds are of Type IIa. Their purity is due to a very slow geological process without nitrogen.
The pair of Golconda D-graded diamonds mounted in ear pendants for sale by Christie's in Hong Kong on May 31 is remarkable for the similarity of the two stones. Both cut in cushion shape, they weigh 23.49 and 23.11 carats respectively with the same "Potentially flawless" clarity.
The cut is ancient. May be they derived from the same gem.
The lot is shown on the press release shared by Artdaily. It is estimated HK $ 55M.
POST SALE COMMENT
Beautiful price, but within the range of estimates, for this beautiful pair: HK $ 72M including premium.
D-graded, the most exceptional white diamonds are of Type IIa. Their purity is due to a very slow geological process without nitrogen.
The pair of Golconda D-graded diamonds mounted in ear pendants for sale by Christie's in Hong Kong on May 31 is remarkable for the similarity of the two stones. Both cut in cushion shape, they weigh 23.49 and 23.11 carats respectively with the same "Potentially flawless" clarity.
The cut is ancient. May be they derived from the same gem.
The lot is shown on the press release shared by Artdaily. It is estimated HK $ 55M.
POST SALE COMMENT
Beautiful price, but within the range of estimates, for this beautiful pair: HK $ 72M including premium.
1832 A GREEN NECKLACE FOR THE ENGLISH ARISTOCRACY
2008 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In terms of jewelry, fashions change. Many parts can be disassembled and reconstructed, and the history of their gems may eventually be lost. Family traditions sometimes provide jewels with a prestigious origin.
From 1762 to 1765, the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire was at embassy in St. Petersburg at the court of Catherine the Great. In 1832, a group of Colombian emeralds weighing a total of 100 carats was mounted in a necklace for their owner the Marquess of Lothian. Old-cut diamonds were interspersed between the emeralds. The tradition that Catherine would have given these gems to the 2nd Earl is credible, and almost demonstrated by a series of inventories in the family.
The Lothian suite offered by Christie's in Geneva on November 20, Lot 269, is composed of this necklace, remained unchanged since 1832, and of a pair of ear pendants assembled at the same time. The necklace is Empire style (Napoleonic). The canons of elegance have changed, but the scarcity of unaltered pieces assembled in the early nineteenth century can possibly justify the estimated 1.8 MCHF.
I do not know the history of ancient jewelry. I therefore record from Christie's release the names of the jewelers of the court of England at the time of the coronation of William IV (1831): Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. They were the likely authors of this suite.
In terms of jewelry, fashions change. Many parts can be disassembled and reconstructed, and the history of their gems may eventually be lost. Family traditions sometimes provide jewels with a prestigious origin.
From 1762 to 1765, the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire was at embassy in St. Petersburg at the court of Catherine the Great. In 1832, a group of Colombian emeralds weighing a total of 100 carats was mounted in a necklace for their owner the Marquess of Lothian. Old-cut diamonds were interspersed between the emeralds. The tradition that Catherine would have given these gems to the 2nd Earl is credible, and almost demonstrated by a series of inventories in the family.
The Lothian suite offered by Christie's in Geneva on November 20, Lot 269, is composed of this necklace, remained unchanged since 1832, and of a pair of ear pendants assembled at the same time. The necklace is Empire style (Napoleonic). The canons of elegance have changed, but the scarcity of unaltered pieces assembled in the early nineteenth century can possibly justify the estimated 1.8 MCHF.
I do not know the history of ancient jewelry. I therefore record from Christie's release the names of the jewelers of the court of England at the time of the coronation of William IV (1831): Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. They were the likely authors of this suite.
1878-1882 the devourers of diamonds
2007 SOLD for CHF 5.7m including premium and 4m including premium by sotheby's
2017 unsold
Nothing stops the rise of an ambitious young woman especially if she is charming. Born in Moscow in a modest family and married at 17 to a French craftsman, Esther Lachmann does not accept a sluggish life. She comes to Paris to make a career of demi-mondaine as Thérèse. She climbs the social ladder throughout the Second Empire by taking increasingly wealthy lovers.
Her wedding in 1851 to a Portuguese merchant bearing a false aristocratic title is a master hit. Having become La Païva, the new aristocrat declares on the next day to her husband that they have nothing in common and she dismisses him. The luxury in which La Païva lives and hosts is aiming to rival Empress Eugénie. According to the fashion of the time the jewels constitute the indicator of a high social position.
After the fall of the Empire the Païva marries a wealthy cousin of Chancellor Bismarck. For that time the love in the couple is reciprocal and sincere. Becoming Countess von Donnersmarck and resuming her fake name of Thérèse, La Païva receives as a wedding present a sumptuous necklace of three rows of diamonds which had belonged to the fallen empress.
Being widowed in 1884 the Count remarries. Two huge fancy intense yellow diamonds will be preserved in the descendance of the new wife.
They were separated at Sotheby's on May 17, 2007 in Geneva. The most beautiful, pear shaped, weighs 82.48 carats with a VS2 clarity. It was sold for CHF 5.7M including premium. The biggest, 102.54 carat in SI1 clarity and cushion shape, fetched CHF 4M including premium. Once again united and still unmounted, they come now for sale as a single lot by the same auction house on November 15, lot 357 estimated CHF 8.8M worth US $ 9M.
For objects as intimate as jewelry, traceability depends on later discoveries in archives. The 2007 catalog informed that these diamonds were assembled in two different jewels by Chaumet in 1878. In 2009 a historian found a record from the sale in 1882 of the cushion diamond by Boucheron to La Païva at that time Countess von Donnersmarck.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's.
Her wedding in 1851 to a Portuguese merchant bearing a false aristocratic title is a master hit. Having become La Païva, the new aristocrat declares on the next day to her husband that they have nothing in common and she dismisses him. The luxury in which La Païva lives and hosts is aiming to rival Empress Eugénie. According to the fashion of the time the jewels constitute the indicator of a high social position.
After the fall of the Empire the Païva marries a wealthy cousin of Chancellor Bismarck. For that time the love in the couple is reciprocal and sincere. Becoming Countess von Donnersmarck and resuming her fake name of Thérèse, La Païva receives as a wedding present a sumptuous necklace of three rows of diamonds which had belonged to the fallen empress.
Being widowed in 1884 the Count remarries. Two huge fancy intense yellow diamonds will be preserved in the descendance of the new wife.
They were separated at Sotheby's on May 17, 2007 in Geneva. The most beautiful, pear shaped, weighs 82.48 carats with a VS2 clarity. It was sold for CHF 5.7M including premium. The biggest, 102.54 carat in SI1 clarity and cushion shape, fetched CHF 4M including premium. Once again united and still unmounted, they come now for sale as a single lot by the same auction house on November 15, lot 357 estimated CHF 8.8M worth US $ 9M.
For objects as intimate as jewelry, traceability depends on later discoveries in archives. The 2007 catalog informed that these diamonds were assembled in two different jewels by Chaumet in 1878. In 2009 a historian found a record from the sale in 1882 of the cushion diamond by Boucheron to La Païva at that time Countess von Donnersmarck.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's.
1880s A Velvety Sapphire
2014 SOLD 5.1 M$ including premium
On April 29 in New York, Sotheby's sells a big sapphire with exceptional qualities. White or yellow diamonds of highest quality can reach a significant weight. The most beautiful sapphires and rubies rarely exceed 20 carats.
The blue sapphire that comes for sale is weighing 28.18 carats. It has been certified as having the features of a Kashmir sapphire without heat treatment. Its color is saturated with the additional charm of a rare velvety texture.
This emerald-cut sapphire was mounted on a ring in an entourage of 32 baguette diamonds by Oscar Heyman & Brothers. The now centenarian age of this company based in New York does not make easy to identify the date of the creation of this piece that has already been auctioned by Sotheby's thirty years ago.
This jewel is estimated $ 4M, lot 458 in the catalog. It is sold for the benefit of a charitable foundation.
On 13 November 2013, Sotheby's sold for CHF 7.7 million including premium a pair of ear rings, each one consisting in a cushion cut sapphire hanging to a star of diamonds. The weight of these sapphires were respectively 26.66 and 20.84 carats.
On 20 November 2008, Christie's sold for CHF 4.2 million including premium a ring composed of a 42 carat sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
The blue sapphire that comes for sale is weighing 28.18 carats. It has been certified as having the features of a Kashmir sapphire without heat treatment. Its color is saturated with the additional charm of a rare velvety texture.
This emerald-cut sapphire was mounted on a ring in an entourage of 32 baguette diamonds by Oscar Heyman & Brothers. The now centenarian age of this company based in New York does not make easy to identify the date of the creation of this piece that has already been auctioned by Sotheby's thirty years ago.
This jewel is estimated $ 4M, lot 458 in the catalog. It is sold for the benefit of a charitable foundation.
On 13 November 2013, Sotheby's sold for CHF 7.7 million including premium a pair of ear rings, each one consisting in a cushion cut sapphire hanging to a star of diamonds. The weight of these sapphires were respectively 26.66 and 20.84 carats.
On 20 November 2008, Christie's sold for CHF 4.2 million including premium a ring composed of a 42 carat sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
1881-1888 love, harmony and velvety
2016 unsold
In antique times the blue sapphires offered the best auspices. They promised love, harmony, truth and sincerity and protected against envy and harm. Yet our ancients ignored the most beautiful of them, the velvety sapphires from Kashmir, discovered in 1881 in a vein that will be depleted before 1888.
From the mineralogical and optical point of view, the velvety sapphire from Kashmir is an exceptional gem, welcoming all lightings. A small number of inclusions generates their color which is scattered throughout the volume of the crystal, bringing the illusion that the stone is illuminated from within.
The gems from that vein usually have a very high purity beyond the inclusions that generate the color. They are altogether saturated and translucent with a spectacular homogeneity around the royal blue. They compete in beauty with blue and pink diamonds and with the Mogok rubies.
Two of the finest sapphires sold by Sotheby's were previously discussed in this column. One of them weighing 28.18 carats was sold for $ 5.1 million including premium on 29 April 2014 and the other weighing 27.68 carats for HK $ 52M including premium on 7 October 2015. Both were emerald cut in a somewhat stifling surrounding of white diamonds.
On October 4 in Hong Kong, Sotheby's sells a sapphire of similar quality, lot 1799 estimated HK $ 30M. Weighing 20.22 carats, it is indeed smaller than the two prestigious examples listed above but its oval cut is superb and perfectly enhanced in its mounting on a ring between two triangular diamonds. It was named The Pride of Kashmir.
I invite you to admire this sapphire in the video shared by the auction house :
From the mineralogical and optical point of view, the velvety sapphire from Kashmir is an exceptional gem, welcoming all lightings. A small number of inclusions generates their color which is scattered throughout the volume of the crystal, bringing the illusion that the stone is illuminated from within.
The gems from that vein usually have a very high purity beyond the inclusions that generate the color. They are altogether saturated and translucent with a spectacular homogeneity around the royal blue. They compete in beauty with blue and pink diamonds and with the Mogok rubies.
Two of the finest sapphires sold by Sotheby's were previously discussed in this column. One of them weighing 28.18 carats was sold for $ 5.1 million including premium on 29 April 2014 and the other weighing 27.68 carats for HK $ 52M including premium on 7 October 2015. Both were emerald cut in a somewhat stifling surrounding of white diamonds.
On October 4 in Hong Kong, Sotheby's sells a sapphire of similar quality, lot 1799 estimated HK $ 30M. Weighing 20.22 carats, it is indeed smaller than the two prestigious examples listed above but its oval cut is superb and perfectly enhanced in its mounting on a ring between two triangular diamonds. It was named The Pride of Kashmir.
I invite you to admire this sapphire in the video shared by the auction house :
1900 The Tiara of Princess Katharina
2011 SOLD 11.3 MCHF including premium
The tiara is a half-crown that women of the aristocracy wore on the head during imperial or royal ceremonies. Suchantique jewelry has become very rare on the market, perhaps because some were dismantled for reusing components in modern jewel designs.
The Donnersmarck tiara, for sale by Sotheby's in Geneva on May 17, remains intact. It is estimated CHF 4.6 million and illustrated in the article shared by International Business Times.
It is absolutely superb. The rich diamond headband is topped with a fabulous set of eleven emeralds gradually increasing from the center. The total weight of the gemstones is around 500 carats.
The expertise of gems and the habits of prince (Fürst) von Donnersmarck may generate plausible assumptions about the composition of this jewel, created circa 1900 as a gift to his second wife Katharina.
The Colombian origin of the emeralds is guaranteed. They were cut in dropsand polished, probably in India. Donnersmarck had the second largest fortune in Germany and enjoyed Paris, where his first wife, the "Paiva", had hit the society column. At the fall of the Second Empire, he had bought some gems from the collection of the Empress Eugénie, perhaps including some of those emeralds.
He was a customer of major Parisian jewelers, and Sotheby's catalog says that he ordered to Chaumet in 1896 a crown of similar design.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold CHF 11.3 million including premium, this princely jewel that looks like a royal crown exceeded its higher estimate.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's.
The Donnersmarck tiara, for sale by Sotheby's in Geneva on May 17, remains intact. It is estimated CHF 4.6 million and illustrated in the article shared by International Business Times.
It is absolutely superb. The rich diamond headband is topped with a fabulous set of eleven emeralds gradually increasing from the center. The total weight of the gemstones is around 500 carats.
The expertise of gems and the habits of prince (Fürst) von Donnersmarck may generate plausible assumptions about the composition of this jewel, created circa 1900 as a gift to his second wife Katharina.
The Colombian origin of the emeralds is guaranteed. They were cut in dropsand polished, probably in India. Donnersmarck had the second largest fortune in Germany and enjoyed Paris, where his first wife, the "Paiva", had hit the society column. At the fall of the Second Empire, he had bought some gems from the collection of the Empress Eugénie, perhaps including some of those emeralds.
He was a customer of major Parisian jewelers, and Sotheby's catalog says that he ordered to Chaumet in 1896 a crown of similar design.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold CHF 11.3 million including premium, this princely jewel that looks like a royal crown exceeded its higher estimate.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's.
1920 THE SHADE OF CATHERINE THE GREAT BEHIND A PEARL NECKLACE
2008 SOLD for $ 600k including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Bonhams announced well in advance the sale of this necklace, surrounding it with a halo of mystery. Estimated 500 K$, it contains 224 pearls with two Cartier diamond clasps.
Its history and legend began in 1920, when Dodge, the founder of the car brand, bought it to Cartier with the selling argument that the pearls would have belonged to Catherine of Russia. Since then, the origin seems to have never been proven, but the legend followed the necklace in its wanderings.
It was originally composed of five strands, for a total of 389 pearls weighing 4305 grains. At the second generation of Dodges, each of the five strands was attributed to an heir. Three of them just grouped together to reconstitute the necklace in its current state with three strands, to put it into Bonhams' sale.
Times have changed, I doubt that buyers of jewellery are interested in the legendary origin, as Dodge had been. I think this necklace, if sold, will price its true jewel value, and no more. To get the answer, we need a little patience: the sale is on December 16, in New York, lot
561.
POST SALE COMMENT
The necklace sold exactly at its low estimate, $ 500 K excl.
The market for old pearls seems to behave differently from other ancient jewels. The expert from Bonhams is right to say that "pearls are never out of fashion".
Bonhams announced well in advance the sale of this necklace, surrounding it with a halo of mystery. Estimated 500 K$, it contains 224 pearls with two Cartier diamond clasps.
Its history and legend began in 1920, when Dodge, the founder of the car brand, bought it to Cartier with the selling argument that the pearls would have belonged to Catherine of Russia. Since then, the origin seems to have never been proven, but the legend followed the necklace in its wanderings.
It was originally composed of five strands, for a total of 389 pearls weighing 4305 grains. At the second generation of Dodges, each of the five strands was attributed to an heir. Three of them just grouped together to reconstitute the necklace in its current state with three strands, to put it into Bonhams' sale.
Times have changed, I doubt that buyers of jewellery are interested in the legendary origin, as Dodge had been. I think this necklace, if sold, will price its true jewel value, and no more. To get the answer, we need a little patience: the sale is on December 16, in New York, lot
561.
POST SALE COMMENT
The necklace sold exactly at its low estimate, $ 500 K excl.
The market for old pearls seems to behave differently from other ancient jewels. The expert from Bonhams is right to say that "pearls are never out of fashion".
1925 Mughal Emeralds
2019 SOLD for $ 1.8M including premium
The Mughal emperors managed an incomparable collection of precious stones which they had assembled in magnificent jewels.
For Islam, green is the color of Paradise. The emerald is imported from Colombia through Goa. Around 1610 CE a British traveler estimates at more than 500,000 carats the weight of unmounted emeralds waiting at Agra in the imperial vaults. Emerald carving is a Mughal specialty with two main themes, the Qur'anic inscription and the floral motif. It is used as an amulet.
Known as the Mogul Mughal, an emerald weighing 217.80 carats inscribed with a prayer and dated 1107 AH, during the reign of Aurangzeb, was sold for £ 1.54M including premium by Christie's on September 27, 2001. The reverse is engraved with leaves and flowers.
Christie's auction in New York on June 19 includes several examples of carved emeralds.
The best of these gems in terms of purity, color and saturation weighs 84.63 carats. It is decorated with a radiant vegetal motif amidst two concentric polylobed figures. It is estimated $ 3M, lot 283.
Lot 388, estimated $ 1.5M, was the central piece of the Collier Bérénice exhibited in 1925 by Cartier at the Exposition des Arts Décoratifs. Unsold, the necklace has been dismantled. The emerald named the Taj Mahal by Cartier was later assembled in a brooch by this jeweler. It was sold for $ 800K including premium by Christie's on October 21, 2009. It is hexagonal with a floral ornament and weighs 141.13 carats.
Lot 340, estimated $ 500K, was inscribed in the name of Shah Jahan in the 1620s before his accession to the throne. This cabochon emerald weighs 30.60 carats.
The Mughals also engraved diamonds. On December 13, 2011 in the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's collection, Christie's sold for $ 8.8M including premium over a lower estimate of $ 300K a necklace assembled by Cartier in 1972 for the 40th birthday of the actress. It is centered on a heart-shaped diamond inscribed in 1037 AH (1627-1628 CE) in the name of Shah Jahan's favorite wife for whom this emperor will later build the most sumptuous mausoleum, the Taj Mahal.
RESULTS :
Lot 388 (Cartier 1925) SOLD for $ 1.8M including premium
Lot 340 SOLD for $ 560K including premium
Lot 283 unsold
For Islam, green is the color of Paradise. The emerald is imported from Colombia through Goa. Around 1610 CE a British traveler estimates at more than 500,000 carats the weight of unmounted emeralds waiting at Agra in the imperial vaults. Emerald carving is a Mughal specialty with two main themes, the Qur'anic inscription and the floral motif. It is used as an amulet.
Known as the Mogul Mughal, an emerald weighing 217.80 carats inscribed with a prayer and dated 1107 AH, during the reign of Aurangzeb, was sold for £ 1.54M including premium by Christie's on September 27, 2001. The reverse is engraved with leaves and flowers.
Christie's auction in New York on June 19 includes several examples of carved emeralds.
The best of these gems in terms of purity, color and saturation weighs 84.63 carats. It is decorated with a radiant vegetal motif amidst two concentric polylobed figures. It is estimated $ 3M, lot 283.
Lot 388, estimated $ 1.5M, was the central piece of the Collier Bérénice exhibited in 1925 by Cartier at the Exposition des Arts Décoratifs. Unsold, the necklace has been dismantled. The emerald named the Taj Mahal by Cartier was later assembled in a brooch by this jeweler. It was sold for $ 800K including premium by Christie's on October 21, 2009. It is hexagonal with a floral ornament and weighs 141.13 carats.
Lot 340, estimated $ 500K, was inscribed in the name of Shah Jahan in the 1620s before his accession to the throne. This cabochon emerald weighs 30.60 carats.
The Mughals also engraved diamonds. On December 13, 2011 in the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's collection, Christie's sold for $ 8.8M including premium over a lower estimate of $ 300K a necklace assembled by Cartier in 1972 for the 40th birthday of the actress. It is centered on a heart-shaped diamond inscribed in 1037 AH (1627-1628 CE) in the name of Shah Jahan's favorite wife for whom this emperor will later build the most sumptuous mausoleum, the Taj Mahal.
RESULTS :
Lot 388 (Cartier 1925) SOLD for $ 1.8M including premium
Lot 340 SOLD for $ 560K including premium
Lot 283 unsold
1930 An Emerald in New York City
2017 SOLD for $ 5.5M including premium
John D. Rockefeller was the first American billionaire. His last child and single son John D. Jr continued his philanthropic work and financed the construction of the Rockefeller Center in New York City from 1928 to 1930. Abby Rockefeller, the wife of John D. Jr. since 1901, was one of the founders of the Museum of Modern Art in 1929.
In 1930 John D. Jr. presented to Abby a brooch adorned with several emeralds. The jewel was dismantled in the division of Abby's deceased estate in 1948 and the biggest emerald was brought to Raymond Yard, the favorite jeweler of the Rockefeller family. This superb step cut stone weighing 18.04 carats offers the typical characteristics of the best Colombian emeralds by its intense color and saturation.
The jewel created in 1948 by Yard on a platinum ring has not been modified. The emerald is flanked on both sides by small diamonds. It will be sold by Christie's on June 20 in their usual auction room at the Rockefeller Center in New York, lot 126 estimated $ 4M.
An emerald of similar quality was in the collection of Elizabeth Taylor. It had been assembled by Bvlgari on a brooch in a surrounding of diamonds. Sold by Christie's on December 13, 2011 for $ 6.6M including premium, this emerald weighing 23.46 carats reached the record price of $ 280K per carat.
Please watch the video shared by Christie's :
In 1930 John D. Jr. presented to Abby a brooch adorned with several emeralds. The jewel was dismantled in the division of Abby's deceased estate in 1948 and the biggest emerald was brought to Raymond Yard, the favorite jeweler of the Rockefeller family. This superb step cut stone weighing 18.04 carats offers the typical characteristics of the best Colombian emeralds by its intense color and saturation.
The jewel created in 1948 by Yard on a platinum ring has not been modified. The emerald is flanked on both sides by small diamonds. It will be sold by Christie's on June 20 in their usual auction room at the Rockefeller Center in New York, lot 126 estimated $ 4M.
An emerald of similar quality was in the collection of Elizabeth Taylor. It had been assembled by Bvlgari on a brooch in a surrounding of diamonds. Sold by Christie's on December 13, 2011 for $ 6.6M including premium, this emerald weighing 23.46 carats reached the record price of $ 280K per carat.
Please watch the video shared by Christie's :
(previous sale 1937) The Grey Pearls
2015 SOLD for HK$ 41M including premium
The finest necklaces are indeed collections of jewels. Calibrated jades carved in the Qianlong period are insurmountable in their category. The assembly of a collection of rubies selected through four generations of jewelers in Bangkok was sold for HK$ 77M including premium by Sotheby's on April 7, 2014. A necklace made of a collection of Imperial Mughal spinels was sold for CHF 4.6M including premium by Christie's on May 18, 2011.
The former Cowdray collection of grey pearls is another great example.
The natural saltwater grey pearl is a rarity. It is formed by the accumulation of successive layers of nacre that can create various shapes. Unlike gemstones, it is not cut. The assembly of a large quantity of perfect pieces of homogeneous hue and luster seems to be impossible now.
The Cowdray necklace, auctioned by Sotheby's in London in 1937 as a necklace of 43 pearls totaling approximately 882 grains, is a set with no known equivalent. It was sold for £ 2,17M including premium by Christie's on June 13, 2012. It was then made up of 38 pearls.
This necklace was recently enhanced by the integration of four more pearls of the same quality of which two had been in the original necklace, for a new total of 42 round pearls graduated between 12.9 and 6.6 mm. The necklace comes with a pair of diamond earclips centered by a button shaped pearl. This suite is estimated HK $ 35M for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 7, lot 1870.
A pearl of same nature but of phenomenal size, button shaped 21.2 x 21.1 x 12.0 mm, assembled on a brooch in a surrounding of diamonds, was sold for $ 1,87M including premium by Sotheby's on December 5, 2012.
Note that the jewelry auctions earlier this year have shown a growing interest from the buyers for cultured pearls, which allows to predict a result of high level for the natural Cowdray pearls.
The former Cowdray collection of grey pearls is another great example.
The natural saltwater grey pearl is a rarity. It is formed by the accumulation of successive layers of nacre that can create various shapes. Unlike gemstones, it is not cut. The assembly of a large quantity of perfect pieces of homogeneous hue and luster seems to be impossible now.
The Cowdray necklace, auctioned by Sotheby's in London in 1937 as a necklace of 43 pearls totaling approximately 882 grains, is a set with no known equivalent. It was sold for £ 2,17M including premium by Christie's on June 13, 2012. It was then made up of 38 pearls.
This necklace was recently enhanced by the integration of four more pearls of the same quality of which two had been in the original necklace, for a new total of 42 round pearls graduated between 12.9 and 6.6 mm. The necklace comes with a pair of diamond earclips centered by a button shaped pearl. This suite is estimated HK $ 35M for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 7, lot 1870.
A pearl of same nature but of phenomenal size, button shaped 21.2 x 21.1 x 12.0 mm, assembled on a brooch in a surrounding of diamonds, was sold for $ 1,87M including premium by Sotheby's on December 5, 2012.
Note that the jewelry auctions earlier this year have shown a growing interest from the buyers for cultured pearls, which allows to predict a result of high level for the natural Cowdray pearls.
The Cowdray #Pearls: One of the greatest grey pearl necklaces in existence will be sold in HK http://t.co/t3GJG3Amnl pic.twitter.com/KVnFsxCsSx
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) August 28, 2015
1940 the blue bird
2016 unsold
Lovers of high jewelry know to appreciate a prestigious provenance. Shirley Temple's ring is estimated $ 25M for sale bySotheby's in New York on April 19, lot 319.
Shirley Temple was the star child of the cinema. In 1934, feature films are already specially conceived for the best use of her amazing acting skills. She is 6 years old. In 1940, The Blue Bird is an attempt by 20th Century Fox to thwart the success of the Wizard of Oz. Shirley is against her own nature in the role of a selfish little girl. The audience will not like it.
The blue bird of the film is a symbol of happiness. Shirley's father has the very nice idea to offer to his daughter a ring with a blue diamond. The price of this purchase is known : $ 7,210.
In 1940, colored diamonds attracted little attention. Shirley's diamond is nevertheless a truly exceptional stone. She loved this gem and kept and used it throughout her life. It is currently mounted on an Art Deco Tiffany ring dated 1972.
The best blue diamonds are divided into three hues : fancy vivid blue, fancy intense blue and fancy deep blue. The fancy vivids are frequently discussed in this column, at the high end of the price range. Shirley's stone is a Fancy Deep Blue cushion cut diamond weighing 9.54 carats in a potentially internally flawless VVS2 clarity.
Here is an auction result assessing the quality and rarity of fancy deep blues of significant weight : a diamond weighing 5.30 carats mounted on a ring by Bulgari around 1965 was sold for £ 6.2M including premium by Bonhams on April 24, 2013 over a lower estimate of £ 1M. The price which was a record per carat for that time corresponded to $ 1.8 million per carat despite a clarity only graded VS2. The buyer was Graff Diamonds.
I invite you to watch the short video in which Sotheby's announces the sale by showing the prodigy child and her diamond.
Shirley Temple was the star child of the cinema. In 1934, feature films are already specially conceived for the best use of her amazing acting skills. She is 6 years old. In 1940, The Blue Bird is an attempt by 20th Century Fox to thwart the success of the Wizard of Oz. Shirley is against her own nature in the role of a selfish little girl. The audience will not like it.
The blue bird of the film is a symbol of happiness. Shirley's father has the very nice idea to offer to his daughter a ring with a blue diamond. The price of this purchase is known : $ 7,210.
In 1940, colored diamonds attracted little attention. Shirley's diamond is nevertheless a truly exceptional stone. She loved this gem and kept and used it throughout her life. It is currently mounted on an Art Deco Tiffany ring dated 1972.
The best blue diamonds are divided into three hues : fancy vivid blue, fancy intense blue and fancy deep blue. The fancy vivids are frequently discussed in this column, at the high end of the price range. Shirley's stone is a Fancy Deep Blue cushion cut diamond weighing 9.54 carats in a potentially internally flawless VVS2 clarity.
Here is an auction result assessing the quality and rarity of fancy deep blues of significant weight : a diamond weighing 5.30 carats mounted on a ring by Bulgari around 1965 was sold for £ 6.2M including premium by Bonhams on April 24, 2013 over a lower estimate of £ 1M. The price which was a record per carat for that time corresponded to $ 1.8 million per carat despite a clarity only graded VS2. The buyer was Graff Diamonds.
I invite you to watch the short video in which Sotheby's announces the sale by showing the prodigy child and her diamond.
1940s 1950s The Whitney Blue and White
1998 SOLD for $ 5.2M including premium by Sotheby's
The auctions of famous estates are social events. On October 19, 1998, the sale by Sotheby's of Mrs Whitney's jewelry brought in $ 11.8M.
Betsey Cushing had divorced a son of President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940 and married the billionaire John Hay Whitney in 1942. She loved jewelry made with colored stones and was a client in the 1940s and 1950s of Cartier, Van Cleef et Arpels, Tiffany, Schlumberger and Verdura.
The top lot of the sale was a pair of ear clips, sold for $ 5.2M including premium. Cartier had created a composite pair with a blue diamond and a white diamond, both pear-shaped, each weighing around 11 carats. The press release proudly stated that this was the first time that the denomination "vivid blue" standardized by the GIA was used in an auction catalogue.
The successful bidder was Graff Diamonds Ltd, who immediately named it the Whitney Blue and White while commenting that the blue diamond required repolishing to become flawless and that he planned to put both stones together in a crossover ring. Reduced to 10.64 carats, this fancy vivid blue has become the Whitney Blue, one of the finest blue diamonds in existence.
Betsey Cushing had divorced a son of President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940 and married the billionaire John Hay Whitney in 1942. She loved jewelry made with colored stones and was a client in the 1940s and 1950s of Cartier, Van Cleef et Arpels, Tiffany, Schlumberger and Verdura.
The top lot of the sale was a pair of ear clips, sold for $ 5.2M including premium. Cartier had created a composite pair with a blue diamond and a white diamond, both pear-shaped, each weighing around 11 carats. The press release proudly stated that this was the first time that the denomination "vivid blue" standardized by the GIA was used in an auction catalogue.
The successful bidder was Graff Diamonds Ltd, who immediately named it the Whitney Blue and White while commenting that the blue diamond required repolishing to become flawless and that he planned to put both stones together in a crossover ring. Reduced to 10.64 carats, this fancy vivid blue has become the Whitney Blue, one of the finest blue diamonds in existence.
The Taylor
2011 SOLD 8.8 M$ including premium
Two diamonds were named from Elizabeth Taylor.
The best known was the Taylor Burton Diamond, weighing 69 carats, purchased by Richard Burton in 1969. It was the first diamond over one million dollars. Liz sold it for the benefit of a charity at the time of her divorce from Richard.
The other, which is the subject of this article, was called the Krupp Diamond before being bought at auction by Richard Burton in 1968. It became the favorite diamond of Liz Taylor, which is a great compliment since the actress was an expert in that field and loved to wear her jewelry. Its name was changed to Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.
Technically, it is a diamond of D color, type IIa, clarity VS1 that can be reworked to potentially internally flawless. Its unusual shape is close to the Asscher cut, a variant of the emerald cut with more balanced proportions. It is mounted on a platinum ring.
It only weighs 33.19 carats, but when it shines in all its glory it is one of the finest diamonds in the world.
Estimated $ 2.5 million, it is the star lot of the Taylor collection, for sale by Christie's in New York on December 13. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond can now claim to be the most beautiful white diamond in the world. It was sold for $ 8.8 million including premium.
Its price per carat is $ 265K. By comparison, the Annenberg Diamond, 32 carats in Asscher cut, was sold for $ 240K per carat by Christie's on October 21, 2009.
The best known was the Taylor Burton Diamond, weighing 69 carats, purchased by Richard Burton in 1969. It was the first diamond over one million dollars. Liz sold it for the benefit of a charity at the time of her divorce from Richard.
The other, which is the subject of this article, was called the Krupp Diamond before being bought at auction by Richard Burton in 1968. It became the favorite diamond of Liz Taylor, which is a great compliment since the actress was an expert in that field and loved to wear her jewelry. Its name was changed to Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.
Technically, it is a diamond of D color, type IIa, clarity VS1 that can be reworked to potentially internally flawless. Its unusual shape is close to the Asscher cut, a variant of the emerald cut with more balanced proportions. It is mounted on a platinum ring.
It only weighs 33.19 carats, but when it shines in all its glory it is one of the finest diamonds in the world.
Estimated $ 2.5 million, it is the star lot of the Taylor collection, for sale by Christie's in New York on December 13. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond can now claim to be the most beautiful white diamond in the world. It was sold for $ 8.8 million including premium.
Its price per carat is $ 265K. By comparison, the Annenberg Diamond, 32 carats in Asscher cut, was sold for $ 240K per carat by Christie's on October 21, 2009.
1995 THE VERSACE TIARA
2009 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In 1995, Gianni Versace wants to extend his range of luxury products and is interested in fine jewelry. For the launch of this new activity, he had made a tiara of diamonds by his ateliers. This type of jewelry was perfectly appropriate to his project. Large, well placed on a hair, it is more visible in society than a necklace, a brooch or a ring. Versace signed, there will always be beautiful celebrities to wear it.
Who is discussing diamonds immediately thinks De Beers. De Beers Diamonds seconded Versace with their 1996 international award attributed to this jewel composed of 1,200 diamonds totaling 101 carats. Gianni Versace was murdered in 1997, which ended the entrance of his business into the market for luxury jewelry.
It was recently purchased by the jeweler Bidz.com, who is selling it on the web with a starting bid of $ 699 K and said he could be worth $ 3 million. The auction will begin on March 23.
This is an opportunity for the company to ensure a vigorous promotion through the media. A website dedicated to the sale of this lot shows the certificates of the largest diamonds and of the tiara as a whole. A part of the revenues from the sale will go to a charity in the fight against AIDS, and we expect an active participation in this promotion by Carol Channing, known as an interpreter of the song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friends".
POST SALE COMMENT
With a starting price of $ 499 K, this jewel ended with no bid.
In 1995, Gianni Versace wants to extend his range of luxury products and is interested in fine jewelry. For the launch of this new activity, he had made a tiara of diamonds by his ateliers. This type of jewelry was perfectly appropriate to his project. Large, well placed on a hair, it is more visible in society than a necklace, a brooch or a ring. Versace signed, there will always be beautiful celebrities to wear it.
Who is discussing diamonds immediately thinks De Beers. De Beers Diamonds seconded Versace with their 1996 international award attributed to this jewel composed of 1,200 diamonds totaling 101 carats. Gianni Versace was murdered in 1997, which ended the entrance of his business into the market for luxury jewelry.
It was recently purchased by the jeweler Bidz.com, who is selling it on the web with a starting bid of $ 699 K and said he could be worth $ 3 million. The auction will begin on March 23.
This is an opportunity for the company to ensure a vigorous promotion through the media. A website dedicated to the sale of this lot shows the certificates of the largest diamonds and of the tiara as a whole. A part of the revenues from the sale will go to a charity in the fight against AIDS, and we expect an active participation in this promotion by Carol Channing, known as an interpreter of the song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friends".
POST SALE COMMENT
With a starting price of $ 499 K, this jewel ended with no bid.
2001 The Oval Tourmaline
2020 UNSOLD
A new variant of tourmaline was discovered in 1989 in the State of Paraiba in Brazil. Copper inclusions give it new hues in green-blue, electric blue, green. The first vein, concentrated in an area of 400 x 200 m, is quickly depleted but other sources appear in Brazil, Nigeria and Mozambique. The variant is referred as the Paraiba tourmaline.
Mined in 2001 in Mozambique, a raw gemstone was immediately removed from the production line for its exceptional properties, thus escaping the heating process : it weighed 262 carats, its greenish-blue color is rare and pleasant and its clarity is excellent. It was cut in Mozambique into a beautifully balanced faceted oval weighing 100.59 carats, for 33.2 x 23.6 x 16.4 mm. This shape especially emphasizes color and brilliance.
It has been acquired by a collector of unprocessed natural gems who prospects directly from the mines all around the world. Named the Flawless Jena Blue, it is estimated $ 700K for sale by Heritage in Dallas on October 5, lot 72111. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. The exceptional characteristics of this specimen have been confirmed by the GIA and the Smithsonian.
The Paraiba tourmaline is increasingly popular in jewelry. Here are two auction results on jewels based on Brazilian gems.
A pair of ear pendants with pear-shaped tourmalines, 7.46 and 6.81 carats respectively, in diamond surrounds, was sold for HK $ 21.7M including premium by Christie's on May 29, 2018 from a lower estimate of HK $ 12.8M. Their blue color had been brightened by heat treatment.
A Tiffany ring made of a 9.70 carat tourmaline in an entourage of diamonds was sold for $ 720K including premium by Christie's on April 26, 2017 from a lower estimate of $ 200K. Its color is certainly the result of a thermal improvement.
Mined in 2001 in Mozambique, a raw gemstone was immediately removed from the production line for its exceptional properties, thus escaping the heating process : it weighed 262 carats, its greenish-blue color is rare and pleasant and its clarity is excellent. It was cut in Mozambique into a beautifully balanced faceted oval weighing 100.59 carats, for 33.2 x 23.6 x 16.4 mm. This shape especially emphasizes color and brilliance.
It has been acquired by a collector of unprocessed natural gems who prospects directly from the mines all around the world. Named the Flawless Jena Blue, it is estimated $ 700K for sale by Heritage in Dallas on October 5, lot 72111. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. The exceptional characteristics of this specimen have been confirmed by the GIA and the Smithsonian.
The Paraiba tourmaline is increasingly popular in jewelry. Here are two auction results on jewels based on Brazilian gems.
A pair of ear pendants with pear-shaped tourmalines, 7.46 and 6.81 carats respectively, in diamond surrounds, was sold for HK $ 21.7M including premium by Christie's on May 29, 2018 from a lower estimate of HK $ 12.8M. Their blue color had been brightened by heat treatment.
A Tiffany ring made of a 9.70 carat tourmaline in an entourage of diamonds was sold for $ 720K including premium by Christie's on April 26, 2017 from a lower estimate of $ 200K. Its color is certainly the result of a thermal improvement.
An exceptionally rare and flawless 100.59-carat unheated "Paraíba-Type" Tourmaline gemstone may make history at Heritage Auctions Oct. 5.
— Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) September 21, 2020
Referred to as the "Flawless Jena Blue," the incomparable oval-shaped Tourmaline is estimated to sell for $1 million.https://t.co/M1mntryTDs pic.twitter.com/g9aRT0iuWX
(previous purchase 2005) The Art of Graff
2012 SOLD 8.4 M$ including premium
Laurence Graff and his Graff Diamonds company founded in 1960 appear regularly in the auction history. His art is to polish to perfection the finest natural diamonds, colored or colorless.
One of his famous operations was to polish one of the most amazing historic diamonds, the Blaue Wittelsbacher bought at auction by him in 2008, now the Wittelsbach-Graff. This diamond, which previously weighed 35 carats with clarity VS2 has lost 4.45 carats to reach the perfect clarity, Internally Flawless.
Another of his famous purchases at auction, a pink diamond of 24.78 carats, is now known as the Graff pink.
I now introduce a diamond processed by his company.
On 12 April 2005, Christie's sold $ 4.2 million including premium a platinum ring signed by Graff with a diamond of 50.01 carats between two small baguette diamonds, which corresponds to a price of $ 84K per carat. From D color that corresponds to the best type (IIa) this rectangular-cut diamond is flawless, with excellent polish and symmetry.
The Graff ring for sale by Christie's in New York on December 10 has the same description and a quite comparable photo which enables to suggest that it is the same piece, classified VVS2 and potentially flawless in a new report issued in 2012. Here is the link to the catalog.
Whether or not the same piece, the comparison of prices will measure the change since 2005. It comes with a lower estimate of $ 7M, corresponding to $ 140K per carat.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold $ 8.4 million including premium, this diamond has reached the price expected by the estimate, and a great gain consistent with the evolution of the market for best diamonds.
One of his famous operations was to polish one of the most amazing historic diamonds, the Blaue Wittelsbacher bought at auction by him in 2008, now the Wittelsbach-Graff. This diamond, which previously weighed 35 carats with clarity VS2 has lost 4.45 carats to reach the perfect clarity, Internally Flawless.
Another of his famous purchases at auction, a pink diamond of 24.78 carats, is now known as the Graff pink.
I now introduce a diamond processed by his company.
On 12 April 2005, Christie's sold $ 4.2 million including premium a platinum ring signed by Graff with a diamond of 50.01 carats between two small baguette diamonds, which corresponds to a price of $ 84K per carat. From D color that corresponds to the best type (IIa) this rectangular-cut diamond is flawless, with excellent polish and symmetry.
The Graff ring for sale by Christie's in New York on December 10 has the same description and a quite comparable photo which enables to suggest that it is the same piece, classified VVS2 and potentially flawless in a new report issued in 2012. Here is the link to the catalog.
Whether or not the same piece, the comparison of prices will measure the change since 2005. It comes with a lower estimate of $ 7M, corresponding to $ 140K per carat.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold $ 8.4 million including premium, this diamond has reached the price expected by the estimate, and a great gain consistent with the evolution of the market for best diamonds.
2010 Birth of a Yellow Diamond
2011 SOLD 11.3 MCHF including premium
The depths of the earth spit in wonders, including gems and fossils. Indeed a yellow diamond discovered last year in South Africa is already competing with the most prestigious ancient diamonds.
Pear cut by Cora International, this diamond of 110 carats has a VVS1 purity, an exceptional feature for a piece of such size. Only white or yellow diamonds can achieve these remarkable properties. It is classified Fancy Vivid Yellow, the best variety of this color.
The newly created artworks do not go directly to museums. This diamond has done the opposite, since it had been exhibited at the Natural History Museum in London. Named the Sun-Drop, it is for sale on November 15 in Geneva by Sotheby's.
A diamond does not need to have a history for being desirable. It is estimated CHF 10.2 million, corresponding to US$ 100K per carat.
By comparison, the perfect diamond of similar shape and color weighing 32 carats sold by Christie's on October 18 had reached US$ 200K per carat, 6.6 million including premium.
POST SALE COMMENT
The Sun Drop has reached the expected price, CHF 11.3 million including premium, slightly more than $ 100K per carat. For this diamond which has not yet a history, a surprise was indeed unlikely.
Pear cut by Cora International, this diamond of 110 carats has a VVS1 purity, an exceptional feature for a piece of such size. Only white or yellow diamonds can achieve these remarkable properties. It is classified Fancy Vivid Yellow, the best variety of this color.
The newly created artworks do not go directly to museums. This diamond has done the opposite, since it had been exhibited at the Natural History Museum in London. Named the Sun-Drop, it is for sale on November 15 in Geneva by Sotheby's.
A diamond does not need to have a history for being desirable. It is estimated CHF 10.2 million, corresponding to US$ 100K per carat.
By comparison, the perfect diamond of similar shape and color weighing 32 carats sold by Christie's on October 18 had reached US$ 200K per carat, 6.6 million including premium.
POST SALE COMMENT
The Sun Drop has reached the expected price, CHF 11.3 million including premium, slightly more than $ 100K per carat. For this diamond which has not yet a history, a surprise was indeed unlikely.
2013 The Red Emperor
2014 SOLD 77 MHK$ including premium
The best rubies in the world are extracted from the Burmese valley of Mogok in Myanmar. They are the only ones to exhibit both a beautiful crimson red pigeon blood color and an internal crystal structure that enhance the dispersion of light.
Founded in 1905, the Fai Dee company specializes in the jewelry of rubies. Throughout four generations, the Lunia family gathered for the Fai Dee collection rubies of very high quality without heat treatment.
Some of the most beautiful gems were cut by Fai Dee in a period of eight years, from 2005 to 2012, in two of the most difficult ruby shapes, heart and pear. Operating in Bangkok, Fai Dee cooperates from 2009 with James W. Currens, jewellery designer in New York, to create a magnificent necklace that is named the Red Emperor.
Over a 40 cm platinum and yellow gold mount in several registers, the Red Emperor is assembling thirty heart shaped and thirty pear shaped rubies and many white diamonds cut in brilliant, oval and pear. The set was appraised by the GIA in 2013 which is certainly also the date of completion of the necklace. The total weight is 104.5 carats of rubies and 59 carats of diamonds. The biggest ruby is weighing 5.04 carats.
The Red Emperor is estimated HK $ 68M, for sale on April 7 by Sotheby's in Hong Kong, lot 1914 in the catalog.
Here are three results for jewelry made in rubies and diamonds.
From the Elizabeth Taylor estate on December 13, 2011, Christie's sold for $ 4.2 million including premium an oval ruby of 8.24 carats set on a ring by Van Cleef et Arpels in a surrounding of eight diamonds.
A ring by Currens for Fai Dee centered with an oval ruby of 8.88 carats was sold for HK $ 22M including premium by Christie's on May 28, 2013.
A necklace by Fai Dee with a total weight of 48 carats of rubies separated by butterfly diamonds was sold for 18M RMB yuan including premium in the inaugural Christie's sale in Shanghai on September 26, 2013.
POST SALE COMMENT
This magnificent example of the art of contemporary jewelery using the best gems was sold for HK $ 77M including premium.
Founded in 1905, the Fai Dee company specializes in the jewelry of rubies. Throughout four generations, the Lunia family gathered for the Fai Dee collection rubies of very high quality without heat treatment.
Some of the most beautiful gems were cut by Fai Dee in a period of eight years, from 2005 to 2012, in two of the most difficult ruby shapes, heart and pear. Operating in Bangkok, Fai Dee cooperates from 2009 with James W. Currens, jewellery designer in New York, to create a magnificent necklace that is named the Red Emperor.
Over a 40 cm platinum and yellow gold mount in several registers, the Red Emperor is assembling thirty heart shaped and thirty pear shaped rubies and many white diamonds cut in brilliant, oval and pear. The set was appraised by the GIA in 2013 which is certainly also the date of completion of the necklace. The total weight is 104.5 carats of rubies and 59 carats of diamonds. The biggest ruby is weighing 5.04 carats.
The Red Emperor is estimated HK $ 68M, for sale on April 7 by Sotheby's in Hong Kong, lot 1914 in the catalog.
Here are three results for jewelry made in rubies and diamonds.
From the Elizabeth Taylor estate on December 13, 2011, Christie's sold for $ 4.2 million including premium an oval ruby of 8.24 carats set on a ring by Van Cleef et Arpels in a surrounding of eight diamonds.
A ring by Currens for Fai Dee centered with an oval ruby of 8.88 carats was sold for HK $ 22M including premium by Christie's on May 28, 2013.
A necklace by Fai Dee with a total weight of 48 carats of rubies separated by butterfly diamonds was sold for 18M RMB yuan including premium in the inaugural Christie's sale in Shanghai on September 26, 2013.
POST SALE COMMENT
This magnificent example of the art of contemporary jewelery using the best gems was sold for HK $ 77M including premium.
2014 DIAMOND NECKLACES BY NIRAV MODI
2014 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The diamond mines of Golconda promoted the India of the Maharajas to become a symbol of luxury. They were closed long time ago, but a 43 year old designer based in Mumbai now holds the diamond tradition of his country.
Nirav Modi, son and grandson of diamantaires, was trained in Antwerp. His specialty is dazzling : he assembles pieces of jewelry with type IIa white diamonds, the highest possible category that also represents the best tradition of Golconda.
His necklaces begin to regularly come to auction. With the complex shape of a perforated pattern, one of his creations was sold for HK $ 27M including premium at Christie's on November 29, 2010. Its total weight was 87 carats of white diamonds plus 23 carats of pink diamonds.
On October 9, 2012, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 40M including premium a riviere of white diamonds with a total weight of 89 carats.
A new masterpiece is for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 7, lot 1921 in the catalog, estimated HK $ 57M.Completed early in current year, it had demanded two years for sourcing the diamonds and 1500 hours of working time. It is the last lot in the sale, which is the place of honor in this specialty.
This necklace 42 cm long mounted in platinum is entirely composed of white diamonds. 17 brilliants whose larger one is weighing 10.51 carats hang at regular intervals under a line of 40 smaller diamonds. Their total weight is 85.33 carats. All are perfect : D color and Internally Flawless (IF) or Flawless (FL) clarity.
The diamond mines of Golconda promoted the India of the Maharajas to become a symbol of luxury. They were closed long time ago, but a 43 year old designer based in Mumbai now holds the diamond tradition of his country.
Nirav Modi, son and grandson of diamantaires, was trained in Antwerp. His specialty is dazzling : he assembles pieces of jewelry with type IIa white diamonds, the highest possible category that also represents the best tradition of Golconda.
His necklaces begin to regularly come to auction. With the complex shape of a perforated pattern, one of his creations was sold for HK $ 27M including premium at Christie's on November 29, 2010. Its total weight was 87 carats of white diamonds plus 23 carats of pink diamonds.
On October 9, 2012, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 40M including premium a riviere of white diamonds with a total weight of 89 carats.
A new masterpiece is for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 7, lot 1921 in the catalog, estimated HK $ 57M.Completed early in current year, it had demanded two years for sourcing the diamonds and 1500 hours of working time. It is the last lot in the sale, which is the place of honor in this specialty.
This necklace 42 cm long mounted in platinum is entirely composed of white diamonds. 17 brilliants whose larger one is weighing 10.51 carats hang at regular intervals under a line of 40 smaller diamonds. Their total weight is 85.33 carats. All are perfect : D color and Internally Flawless (IF) or Flawless (FL) clarity.
2015 the pink king
2017 unsold
On November 15 in Geneva, Sotheby's sells a diamond of VS1 clarity weighing 37.30 carats announced as the largest known Fancy Intense Pink. It is estimated CHF 19.57M currently worth US $ 20M, lot 361. It has been named Raj Pink by its owner after a Sanskrit word meaning King.
The Raj Pink was extracted in 2015 in South Africa. Its weight record is not surprising for such a recent diamond that benefits the yield improvements through increasingly detailed non-destructive analyses of the rough crystal before cutting. This one is a cushion modified brilliant cut.
Its weight is only slightly exceeding the Princie, a much earlier Fancy Intense Pink weighing 34.65 carats in cushion cut whose clarity VS2 is in the category just below. It was sold for $ 39.3M including premium by Christie's on April 16, 2013.
Among the diamonds of better clarity than the Raj Pink, remind the Graff Pink weighing 24.78 carats in VVS2 clarity. It was sold for CHF 45.4M including premium by Sotheby's on November 16, 2010. With its $ 1.86M including premium per carat, it is the most expensive Fancy Intense Pink both in absolute and per carat.
However we must be cautious in the comparisons between pink diamonds. The price also depends on the saturation and the purity of the color. The GIA observes that the Raj Pink is exceptional because a deep hue is very rare for such big diamonds.
The Raj Pink was extracted in 2015 in South Africa. Its weight record is not surprising for such a recent diamond that benefits the yield improvements through increasingly detailed non-destructive analyses of the rough crystal before cutting. This one is a cushion modified brilliant cut.
Its weight is only slightly exceeding the Princie, a much earlier Fancy Intense Pink weighing 34.65 carats in cushion cut whose clarity VS2 is in the category just below. It was sold for $ 39.3M including premium by Christie's on April 16, 2013.
Among the diamonds of better clarity than the Raj Pink, remind the Graff Pink weighing 24.78 carats in VVS2 clarity. It was sold for CHF 45.4M including premium by Sotheby's on November 16, 2010. With its $ 1.86M including premium per carat, it is the most expensive Fancy Intense Pink both in absolute and per carat.
However we must be cautious in the comparisons between pink diamonds. The price also depends on the saturation and the purity of the color. The GIA observes that the Raj Pink is exceptional because a deep hue is very rare for such big diamonds.
The “Raj Pink” 37.30ct Fancy Intense Pink cushion diamond available at @Sothebys Geneva auction! Largest known FIP diamond...#ChampagneGem pic.twitter.com/138YS7S8NT
— CHAMPAGNE GEM (@xCHAMPAGNEGEMx) October 13, 2017
2016 100 Carat Russian Diamond
2021 SOLD for CHF 12.8M by Christie's
The Alrosa group, whose headquarters are in the Sakha republic, previously Yakutia, is the world leader in volume for diamonds. They manage the whole supply chain : exploration, mining, manufacture and sale.
The offer of top quality Russian diamonds at auction is nevertheless recent. The 14.83 carat fancy vivid purple pink named the Spirit of the Rose is an Alrosa, processed from a 27.85 carat stone unearthed in Sakha in 2017. It was sold for CHF 24.4M by Sotheby's on November 11, 2020.
A 100.94 carat diamond of Type IIa, color D, excellent polish and good symmetry has been named The Spectacle by Alrosa. It is a 3.2 cm long rectangular step cut with an Internally Flawless clarity, the highest grade below Flawless. Its 207.29 carat raw stone had been unearthed in 2016 from a Zarnitsa kimberlite pipe. Zarnitsa is the site where the first Yakut diamonds had been found in 1954.
The Spectacle is unmounted, as the Spirit had also been before its sale. Fitted in an Alrosa case, it was sold for CHF 12.8M by Christie's on May 12, 2021, lot 146.
The preparation process of The Spectacle had taken one year and eight months at the Alrosa cutting factory in Moscow. Its emerald shape matches the geometry of the raw gem. Christie's press release observes that "Emerald cut is incompatible with any imperfections, as it allows the observer to gaze endlessly into the clear, unobstructed depths of the gem." and states that "The 100.94 carats Spectacle diamond is the largest stone ever to have been cut in Russia".
The offer of top quality Russian diamonds at auction is nevertheless recent. The 14.83 carat fancy vivid purple pink named the Spirit of the Rose is an Alrosa, processed from a 27.85 carat stone unearthed in Sakha in 2017. It was sold for CHF 24.4M by Sotheby's on November 11, 2020.
A 100.94 carat diamond of Type IIa, color D, excellent polish and good symmetry has been named The Spectacle by Alrosa. It is a 3.2 cm long rectangular step cut with an Internally Flawless clarity, the highest grade below Flawless. Its 207.29 carat raw stone had been unearthed in 2016 from a Zarnitsa kimberlite pipe. Zarnitsa is the site where the first Yakut diamonds had been found in 1954.
The Spectacle is unmounted, as the Spirit had also been before its sale. Fitted in an Alrosa case, it was sold for CHF 12.8M by Christie's on May 12, 2021, lot 146.
The preparation process of The Spectacle had taken one year and eight months at the Alrosa cutting factory in Moscow. Its emerald shape matches the geometry of the raw gem. Christie's press release observes that "Emerald cut is incompatible with any imperfections, as it allows the observer to gaze endlessly into the clear, unobstructed depths of the gem." and states that "The 100.94 carats Spectacle diamond is the largest stone ever to have been cut in Russia".
VVS2, The Perfect Pink
2010 SOLD 180 MHK$ by Christie's
The Perfect Pink was sold for HK $ 180M from a lower estimate of HK $ 110M by Christie's on November 29, 2010 . It is weighing 14.23 carats. This price is US $ 1.67M par carat.
The color classified Fancy Intense Pink is saturated and pure, with no shade of secondary color. Its purity VVS2 is exceptional for a diamond of this category. The emerald cut is perfect, too, and the press release indicates that this quality is an assurance that the stone has not been modified.
The color classified Fancy Intense Pink is saturated and pure, with no shade of secondary color. Its purity VVS2 is exceptional for a diamond of this category. The emerald cut is perfect, too, and the press release indicates that this quality is an assurance that the stone has not been modified.
Fancy Intense Pink
2016 SOLD for CHF 21M by Sotheby's
New exceptional diamonds invite to compare the two most prestigious shades of pink. Both lots discussed below were analyzed in 2016 by the GIA.
On November 16, 2016, Sotheby's sold for CHF 21M from a lower estimate of CHF 12M a fancy intense pink weighing 17.07 carats, lot 336. Its clarity is graded VVS1 by the GIA including the suggestion for a polishing that would probably upgrade it to internally flawless.
Its beauty is demonstrated in the video below. The emerald shape may be considered as the best cut with regard to brilliance.
On the previous day, November 15, 2016, Christie's sold for CHF 18M a pear-shaped fancy vivid pink weighing 9.14 carats. Its clarity is only VS2 but it is exceptional by the purity of its shade without any trace of secondary color, lot 216. An example comparable in size and clarity is the former diamond of Huguette Clark, reduced to 8.72 carats to achieve a VS2 clarity. It was sold for CHF 14.8M by Sotheby's on May 12, 2015.
On November 16, 2016, Sotheby's sold for CHF 21M from a lower estimate of CHF 12M a fancy intense pink weighing 17.07 carats, lot 336. Its clarity is graded VVS1 by the GIA including the suggestion for a polishing that would probably upgrade it to internally flawless.
Its beauty is demonstrated in the video below. The emerald shape may be considered as the best cut with regard to brilliance.
On the previous day, November 15, 2016, Christie's sold for CHF 18M a pear-shaped fancy vivid pink weighing 9.14 carats. Its clarity is only VS2 but it is exceptional by the purity of its shade without any trace of secondary color, lot 216. An example comparable in size and clarity is the former diamond of Huguette Clark, reduced to 8.72 carats to achieve a VS2 clarity. It was sold for CHF 14.8M by Sotheby's on May 12, 2015.
Fancy Deep Blue
2019 SOLD for CHF 11.6M including premium
Within diamonds in the pure blue range of colors, the splendid Fancy deep blue is one of the rarest. A Fancy deep blue of more than five carats is exceptional. Their characteristics are similar to grayish-blue diamonds from Golconda, the most famous of which are the Hope and the Wittelsbach-Graff.
On April 24, 2013, Bonhams sold for £ 6.2M including premium a Fancy deep blue weighing 5.30 carats whose clarity was only VS2. This result corresponded to $ 1.8M per carat, a record at that time for any blue diamond. It was bought at that auction by Graff Diamonds.
On November 12 in Geneva, Christie's sells as lot 246 a VVS2 Fancy deep blue weighing 7.03 carats. This rectangular cut diamond has been assembled by Moussaieff on a platinum ring between two white diamonds. It is estimated beyond CHF 10M corresponding to $ 1.4M per carat. The higher estimate is at $ 2M per carat. Please watch the video tweeted by the auction house.
It is interesting to compare this lot with the Shirley Temple diamond. When it passed at Sotheby's on April 19, 2016, this cushion modified brilliant cut Fancy deep blue weighed 9.54 carats with a VVS2 clarity. The GIA had supplied a diagram explaining that it was potentially Internally Flawless. It was acquired after the sale by a jeweler who made this transformation while reducing its weight to 9.3 carats. Its color has been improved by this polishing, including a rare blue phosphorescence.
On April 24, 2013, Bonhams sold for £ 6.2M including premium a Fancy deep blue weighing 5.30 carats whose clarity was only VS2. This result corresponded to $ 1.8M per carat, a record at that time for any blue diamond. It was bought at that auction by Graff Diamonds.
On November 12 in Geneva, Christie's sells as lot 246 a VVS2 Fancy deep blue weighing 7.03 carats. This rectangular cut diamond has been assembled by Moussaieff on a platinum ring between two white diamonds. It is estimated beyond CHF 10M corresponding to $ 1.4M per carat. The higher estimate is at $ 2M per carat. Please watch the video tweeted by the auction house.
It is interesting to compare this lot with the Shirley Temple diamond. When it passed at Sotheby's on April 19, 2016, this cushion modified brilliant cut Fancy deep blue weighed 9.54 carats with a VVS2 clarity. The GIA had supplied a diagram explaining that it was potentially Internally Flawless. It was acquired after the sale by a jeweler who made this transformation while reducing its weight to 9.3 carats. Its color has been improved by this polishing, including a rare blue phosphorescence.
□ Blue diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world. Rahul Kadakia, our International Head of Jewellery, explains more: https://t.co/gIqiUUpoQ7 pic.twitter.com/52Sx1mPyU0
— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) October 31, 2019
From Pink to Purple
2019 SOLD for HK$ 156M including premium
For pink diamonds, the color is either pure or associated with a secondary color : red, orange, yellow, green blue, brown, purple. Throughout this range, the fancy vivid intensity is preferred over the denser, fancy intense and fancy deep, and the softer, light and faint.
The designation Purple Pink or Pink Purple indicates that neither color is dominant. A Purplish Pink is a pink with shades of purple. In both cases, a multi-faceted cut improves the displaying of both colors and of their mingling.
On October 7 in Hong Kong, Sotheby's sells a Fancy vivid purplish pink internally flawless weighing 10.64 carats. The rectangular shape with cut corners is a combination of an emerald cut and of the sparkling facets of a brilliant. It is mounted on a ring between two white diamonds. This jewel is estimated HK $ 150M, lot 1820.
A similar duality in the cut was also applied to the Pink Star, the Fancy vivid pink in pure color of 59.60 carats which was sold for HK $ 550M including premium by Sotheby's on April 4, 2017. Its outline is not rectangular but oval.
Announced in August 2019 by the Russian mining company Alrosa, the Spirit of the Rose is an internally flawless Fancy vivid purple pink. It weighs 14.83 carats, with an oval cut that takes into account altogether the highlighting of the two colors and an optimal yield from the raw gem, extracted in Yakutia in 2017, which weighed 27.85 carats.
On October 7, 2014, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 138M including premium a pear shaped internally flawless Fancy vivid purple pink weighing 8.41 carats.
At the end of this range of colors, the Purple Orchid announced in February 2018 is an exceptional cushion cut fancy intense pinkish purple weighing 3.37 carats. A pure purple rarely exceeds 3 carats.
The designation Purple Pink or Pink Purple indicates that neither color is dominant. A Purplish Pink is a pink with shades of purple. In both cases, a multi-faceted cut improves the displaying of both colors and of their mingling.
On October 7 in Hong Kong, Sotheby's sells a Fancy vivid purplish pink internally flawless weighing 10.64 carats. The rectangular shape with cut corners is a combination of an emerald cut and of the sparkling facets of a brilliant. It is mounted on a ring between two white diamonds. This jewel is estimated HK $ 150M, lot 1820.
A similar duality in the cut was also applied to the Pink Star, the Fancy vivid pink in pure color of 59.60 carats which was sold for HK $ 550M including premium by Sotheby's on April 4, 2017. Its outline is not rectangular but oval.
Announced in August 2019 by the Russian mining company Alrosa, the Spirit of the Rose is an internally flawless Fancy vivid purple pink. It weighs 14.83 carats, with an oval cut that takes into account altogether the highlighting of the two colors and an optimal yield from the raw gem, extracted in Yakutia in 2017, which weighed 27.85 carats.
On October 7, 2014, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 138M including premium a pear shaped internally flawless Fancy vivid purple pink weighing 8.41 carats.
At the end of this range of colors, the Purple Orchid announced in February 2018 is an exceptional cushion cut fancy intense pinkish purple weighing 3.37 carats. A pure purple rarely exceeds 3 carats.
2020 The Pink Dawn Diamond
2023 withdrawn by Sotheby's
The designation Purple Pink or Pink Purple indicates that neither color is dominant. A Purplish Pink is a pink diamond with shades of purple. In both cases, a multi-faceted cut improves the displaying of both colors and of their mingling. The fancy vivid purplish pink is the rarest within the fancy vivid pink range.
A Fancy vivid purplish pink internally flawless weighing 10.64 carats was sold for HK $ 156M by Sotheby's on October 6, 2019, lot 1820.
A 9 carat "belle époque" fancy vivid purplish pink mounted on a platinum ring ca 1910 was sold for $ 15.8M by Christie's on April 17, 2012 (not yet available in the online catalogue).
The Pink Dawn was cut from a 26 carat rough found in 2020. This cushion shaped fancy vivid purplish pink weighs 10.05 carats with a VS2 clarity. It displays a beautifully saturated hue from its facets.
It is mounted on a 18 karat pink and white gold between two half-moon-shaped diamonds, the shoulders decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds. It is estimated HK $ 128M for sale by Sotheby's on April 4, 2023, lot 1893.
Its Kao Mine in Lesotho is a great provider of pink diamonds. The diamonds from these kimberlite pipes were likely formed over 3 billion years ago. They are found from 150 to 600 km below the ground.
A Fancy vivid purplish pink internally flawless weighing 10.64 carats was sold for HK $ 156M by Sotheby's on October 6, 2019, lot 1820.
A 9 carat "belle époque" fancy vivid purplish pink mounted on a platinum ring ca 1910 was sold for $ 15.8M by Christie's on April 17, 2012 (not yet available in the online catalogue).
The Pink Dawn was cut from a 26 carat rough found in 2020. This cushion shaped fancy vivid purplish pink weighs 10.05 carats with a VS2 clarity. It displays a beautifully saturated hue from its facets.
It is mounted on a 18 karat pink and white gold between two half-moon-shaped diamonds, the shoulders decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds. It is estimated HK $ 128M for sale by Sotheby's on April 4, 2023, lot 1893.
Its Kao Mine in Lesotho is a great provider of pink diamonds. The diamonds from these kimberlite pipes were likely formed over 3 billion years ago. They are found from 150 to 600 km below the ground.
The Purple-Pink of Sotheby's Diamonds
2014 SOLD for HK$ 138M including premium
Sotheby's Diamonds is a joint venture of Sotheby's and of Diacore which was formerly Steinmetz Diamond Group, a specialist in cutting and polishing.
Diacore performs the processing of exceptional diamonds, such as the Pink Star of 59.60 carats internally flawless, whose come back at auction is expected after a default by its purchaser. It had been auctioned at CHF 76M including premium on November 13, 2013 at Sotheby's, corresponding to US $ 1.4 million including premium per carat.
Internally flawless pink diamonds are extremely rare, which further increases the uniqueness of the Pink Star.
Another diamond of similar quality, smaller but in a more delicate shade, is for sale at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 7, lot 1941. Its history is similar to the Pink Star's : extracted by De Beers and processed by Diacore. It is mounted on a pavé-set platinum ring signed by Sotheby's Diamonds.
This fancy vivid purple-pink internally flawless pear-shaped diamond weighing 8.41 carats is exceptional both for its clarity and for its rich color saturation. It is estimated HK $ 100 million, corresponding to US $ 1,53M per carat excluding fees.
Remind that the Vivid Pink, a 5.00 carat fancy vivid pink VS1 sold for HK$ 83M including premium on December 1, 2009 by Christie's had then recorded US $ 2.1 million including premium per carat.
Diacore performs the processing of exceptional diamonds, such as the Pink Star of 59.60 carats internally flawless, whose come back at auction is expected after a default by its purchaser. It had been auctioned at CHF 76M including premium on November 13, 2013 at Sotheby's, corresponding to US $ 1.4 million including premium per carat.
Internally flawless pink diamonds are extremely rare, which further increases the uniqueness of the Pink Star.
Another diamond of similar quality, smaller but in a more delicate shade, is for sale at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 7, lot 1941. Its history is similar to the Pink Star's : extracted by De Beers and processed by Diacore. It is mounted on a pavé-set platinum ring signed by Sotheby's Diamonds.
This fancy vivid purple-pink internally flawless pear-shaped diamond weighing 8.41 carats is exceptional both for its clarity and for its rich color saturation. It is estimated HK $ 100 million, corresponding to US $ 1,53M per carat excluding fees.
Remind that the Vivid Pink, a 5.00 carat fancy vivid pink VS1 sold for HK$ 83M including premium on December 1, 2009 by Christie's had then recorded US $ 2.1 million including premium per carat.
the green flash
2016 sold for hk$ 130m including premium
The coloring of a diamond is the result of a physical or physico-chemical process that spans many hundred million years. Sometimes a gem has exceptional properties that challenge the previous scientific explanations. Jewelers like to grant them poetic names that highlight their extreme scarcity.
Thus the Blue Moon weighing 12.03 carats, sold for CHF 49M including premium by Sotheby's on 11 November 2015, is not just a fancy vivid blue, the most prestigious hue among the blue diamonds. Its total purity generates a phosphorescence after exposure to UV that had never been observed from a blue diamond of similar size.
The fancy vivid green is another extreme rarity caused by an exposure to radiation during the formation phase of the crystal. One of them weighing 2.52 carats was sold for CHF 3.1 million including premium by Sotheby's on November 17, 2009.
The fancy vivid green named Aurora Green is a wonder of nature. It is estimated HK $ 125M for sale by Christie's in Hong Kong on May 31, lot 2073.
Like the above referred diamond sold in 2009, the Aurora Green has a perfect green with no other color shade. It is the largest fancy vivid green known to the GIA with a weight of 5.03 carats after cut. The GIA notes that it has no fluorescence. This feature is perhaps unique for a diamond of this highly rare color.
The Aurora Green is rectangular with cut corners. Its clarity is VS2. It is mounted on a ring in a circle of small pink diamonds.
Thus the Blue Moon weighing 12.03 carats, sold for CHF 49M including premium by Sotheby's on 11 November 2015, is not just a fancy vivid blue, the most prestigious hue among the blue diamonds. Its total purity generates a phosphorescence after exposure to UV that had never been observed from a blue diamond of similar size.
The fancy vivid green is another extreme rarity caused by an exposure to radiation during the formation phase of the crystal. One of them weighing 2.52 carats was sold for CHF 3.1 million including premium by Sotheby's on November 17, 2009.
The fancy vivid green named Aurora Green is a wonder of nature. It is estimated HK $ 125M for sale by Christie's in Hong Kong on May 31, lot 2073.
Like the above referred diamond sold in 2009, the Aurora Green has a perfect green with no other color shade. It is the largest fancy vivid green known to the GIA with a weight of 5.03 carats after cut. The GIA notes that it has no fluorescence. This feature is perhaps unique for a diamond of this highly rare color.
The Aurora Green is rectangular with cut corners. Its clarity is VS2. It is mounted on a ring in a circle of small pink diamonds.
All You Need to Know About Green Diamonds with Christie’s Vickie Sek - See more at: https://t.co/T8DrKpAmUA pic.twitter.com/EZr4viKsiN
— ARTINFO HongKong (@ARTINFOHongKong) May 10, 2016
12 carat Fancy Intense Blue Diamond
2020 SOLD for HK$ 122M by Christie's
#AuctionUpdate This evening in Hong Kong, Christie’s auctioned a spectacular 12 carat fancy intense blue diamond ring which achieved a superb US$15.9m. This exceptional result continues our leadership in offering the finest coloured diamonds in the world at auction. pic.twitter.com/LDdBEVaIfm
— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) July 9, 2020
The Graff Vivid Yellow
2014 SOLD for CHF 14.5M by Sotheby's
On May 13, 2014, Sotheby's sold for CHF 14.5M the cushion shaped Graff Vivid Yellow, weighing 100.09 carats, lot 507. Its clarity is only VS2, but it is highlighted by a rare daffodil shade which creates an exceptional brilliance.
It can be compared with the Lady Dalal, a pear shaped fancy vivid yellow VVS1 weighing 110.03 carats sold for CHF 11.3M by Sotheby's on 15 November 2011.
It can be compared with the Lady Dalal, a pear shaped fancy vivid yellow VVS1 weighing 110.03 carats sold for CHF 11.3M by Sotheby's on 15 November 2011.
oval cut diamond
2019 SOLD for HK$ 108M by Sotheby's
On April 2, 2019, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 108M an oval diamond of 88.22 carats, lot 1801. Its lower estimate at HK $ 88M had been matching its weight in carats by using the double 8 which is in China a homophony with an augur of joy and wealth. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The GIA report accompanying its certification includes a rare laudatory comment : "Though its GIA Grading Report reveals a thorough description of its characteristics, it cannot quite capture its splendor - one must see the gem to comprehend its magnificence". This diamond comes from a 242 carat rough stone mined at Jwaneng in Botswana.
The GIA report accompanying its certification includes a rare laudatory comment : "Though its GIA Grading Report reveals a thorough description of its characteristics, it cannot quite capture its splendor - one must see the gem to comprehend its magnificence". This diamond comes from a 242 carat rough stone mined at Jwaneng in Botswana.
#AuctionUpdate: Spectacular 88.22-Carat Oval Diamond, perfect according to every critical criterion, sells for HK$108 million / US$13.8 million, to a Japanese private collector who names the stone the 'manami star' #SothebysJewels pic.twitter.com/ekKqsoEb33
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) April 2, 2019
Vivid Pink for Hong Kong
2009 SOLD 83 MHK$ including premium
Perfect diamonds of a rare color may exceed 1 MUS$ per carat. They are particularly greeted in Hong Kong: remember the sale by Sotheby's of a blue diamond of 6 carats for 68 MHK$ including fees on 8 October 2007.
Remember also for once an unsold, which had unfortunately been presented in Geneva by Sotheby's on 19 November 2008. That day, the economic crisis hit the auctions of diamonds, including one exceptional dark red of 1.92 carats which had been estimated 2.8 MCHF.
Christie's wants to establish itself as the leader of this market, and puts forward for sale in Hong Kong on December 1 a new exceptional gem. It is a perfect fancy pink diamond (potentially flawless), cushion cut at exactly 5 carats, set in a ring by Graff. It is also outstanding for a pink diamond to display an absolutely pure color, with no trace of secondary shade.
The estimate, 39 MHK$, is exactly at 1 MUS$ per carat. The press release reminds four results of the auction house on fancy pink diamonds, between 6 and 7.5 MUS$, recorded between 1989 and 2005. The smallest of the four was already weighing 20 carats. None of them had the same level of "potentially flawless".
POST SALE COMMENT
The price of top quality diamonds continues to rise. The Vivid Pink reached HK $ 83M including premium, which is a sensational price of U.S. $ 2.1 million per carat. It is mounted on a Graff ring.
It is a brilliant success for Christie's, and for Hong Kong.
Here is its image shared before the sale by the New York Times.
Remember also for once an unsold, which had unfortunately been presented in Geneva by Sotheby's on 19 November 2008. That day, the economic crisis hit the auctions of diamonds, including one exceptional dark red of 1.92 carats which had been estimated 2.8 MCHF.
Christie's wants to establish itself as the leader of this market, and puts forward for sale in Hong Kong on December 1 a new exceptional gem. It is a perfect fancy pink diamond (potentially flawless), cushion cut at exactly 5 carats, set in a ring by Graff. It is also outstanding for a pink diamond to display an absolutely pure color, with no trace of secondary shade.
The estimate, 39 MHK$, is exactly at 1 MUS$ per carat. The press release reminds four results of the auction house on fancy pink diamonds, between 6 and 7.5 MUS$, recorded between 1989 and 2005. The smallest of the four was already weighing 20 carats. None of them had the same level of "potentially flawless".
POST SALE COMMENT
The price of top quality diamonds continues to rise. The Vivid Pink reached HK $ 83M including premium, which is a sensational price of U.S. $ 2.1 million per carat. It is mounted on a Graff ring.
It is a brilliant success for Christie's, and for Hong Kong.
Here is its image shared before the sale by the New York Times.
The Pure Heart of Christie's
2011 SOLD 9.6 MCHF including premium
On the occasion of Valentine's day, Christie's announced a great heart shaped diamond. Its characteristics deserve to be listed in detail.
It is in D color: exceptional white of the upper category. We can not imagine better.
It weighs 56.15 carats.
Just remember another D, the Annenberg diamond, sold $ 7.7 million including premium by Christie's on October 21, 2009. Emerald cut, it only weighed 32 carats. The price per carat, $ 240K, was sensational.
Coming back to our heart. It is pure, of class IF (Internally Flawless), meaning that no inclusion is visible at x 10 magnification. It is remarkable for a diamond of this size. We can not have better.
It is also of type IIa, meaning a slow geological formation that excluded nitrogen. This feature, which affects less than 1% of diamonds, is the cause for its exceptional transparency. If in addition there had been traces of boron, it would be blue or gray.
Among the ten most common diamond shapes, the heart is the only one that provides a concave surface. It is a technical feat.
Unmounted in a jewel, this marvel is estimated CHF 9M, for sale in Geneva on May 18, corresponding to $ 160K per carat.
POST SALE COMMENT
It is a magnificent specimen of white diamond. It was sold CHF 9.6M including premium.
It is in D color: exceptional white of the upper category. We can not imagine better.
It weighs 56.15 carats.
Just remember another D, the Annenberg diamond, sold $ 7.7 million including premium by Christie's on October 21, 2009. Emerald cut, it only weighed 32 carats. The price per carat, $ 240K, was sensational.
Coming back to our heart. It is pure, of class IF (Internally Flawless), meaning that no inclusion is visible at x 10 magnification. It is remarkable for a diamond of this size. We can not have better.
It is also of type IIa, meaning a slow geological formation that excluded nitrogen. This feature, which affects less than 1% of diamonds, is the cause for its exceptional transparency. If in addition there had been traces of boron, it would be blue or gray.
Among the ten most common diamond shapes, the heart is the only one that provides a concave surface. It is a technical feat.
Unmounted in a jewel, this marvel is estimated CHF 9M, for sale in Geneva on May 18, corresponding to $ 160K per carat.
POST SALE COMMENT
It is a magnificent specimen of white diamond. It was sold CHF 9.6M including premium.
As Blue as the Sky
2011 SOLD 79 MHK$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Blue diamonds weighing 5 carats or more are a specialty of the jewelry sales in Hong Kong for a few years.
On October 8, 2007, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 62M including premium a fancy vivid blue weighing 6.04 carats. The press release announced that it was the highest price per carat recorded on a gem stone.
Since that time, other blue diamonds got similar results, and the best pink diamonds have done better.
Maybe they do not have the same use. Best pinks are gems of top class, while the blue is inviting to design composed jewels. The Bulgari Blue is a famous example. This toi-et-moi ring made of a very large blue diamond of10.95 carats and a white diamond of similar size was sold for $ 15.7M including premium by Christie's onOctober 20, 2010.
A fancy vivid blue cushion-shaped weighing 6.01 carats is coming on October 5 at Sotheby's in Hong Kong. It is flanked on a ring with two small fancy vivid pinks that help showcasing its beautiful saturated blue sky color. This jewel is estimated HK $ 70M.
Here is the link to the catalogue shared by Sotheby's.
POST SALE COMMENT
This very nicely composed jewel deserved its price : HK$ 79M including premium.
Blue diamonds weighing 5 carats or more are a specialty of the jewelry sales in Hong Kong for a few years.
On October 8, 2007, Sotheby's sold for HK $ 62M including premium a fancy vivid blue weighing 6.04 carats. The press release announced that it was the highest price per carat recorded on a gem stone.
Since that time, other blue diamonds got similar results, and the best pink diamonds have done better.
Maybe they do not have the same use. Best pinks are gems of top class, while the blue is inviting to design composed jewels. The Bulgari Blue is a famous example. This toi-et-moi ring made of a very large blue diamond of10.95 carats and a white diamond of similar size was sold for $ 15.7M including premium by Christie's onOctober 20, 2010.
A fancy vivid blue cushion-shaped weighing 6.01 carats is coming on October 5 at Sotheby's in Hong Kong. It is flanked on a ring with two small fancy vivid pinks that help showcasing its beautiful saturated blue sky color. This jewel is estimated HK $ 70M.
Here is the link to the catalogue shared by Sotheby's.
POST SALE COMMENT
This very nicely composed jewel deserved its price : HK$ 79M including premium.
EMERALD CUT FOR PINK DIAMONDS
2011 SOLD 9.6 MCHF INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
A few weeks ago, I summarized some results concerning pink diamonds. I publish this text again with some additions on cut and clarity.
Several varieties are to be considered for pink diamonds.
The highest price per carat, U.S. $ 2.1M, is being held by the Vivid Pink. Weighing 5.00 carats, classified as 'fancyvivid pink', internally flawless and mounted by Graff, it was sold HK $ 83.5 million including premium by Christie's on December 1, 2009.
The 'fancy intense pink' is a great color that characterized two exceptional diamonds sold in 2010. The largest,weighing 24.78 carats, was sold CHF 45.4 million including premium by Sotheby's on November 16. On November 29, Christie's achieved U.S. $ 1.6 million per carat on the Perfect Pink, a diamond of 14.23 carats sold HK $ 180Mincluding premium.
These two emerald cut diamonds were classified VVS2. The emerald cut is prestigious for blue or pink diamonds,because it insures that the gem has not been modified.
The third shade of pink diamonds is the 'fancy vivid purple pink'. At Christie's, one of them has reached U.S. $ 1M per carat on December 7, 2010: U.S. $ 6.9 million including premium for a weight of 6.89 carats.
A 'fancy intense pink' emerald cut diamond weighing 10.99 carats is for sale by Sotheby's in Geneva on May 17,illustrated in the page shared by Bloomberg. Its clarity is VS1, the category just below VVS2, and its lower estimate,CHF 8.3 million, remains reasonably below the million dollars per carat.
My previous article had focused on a cushion cut diamond estimated over a million per carat despite a lesser clarity, SI1. It is logical that it remained unsold.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price, CHF 9.6 million including premium, went just shy of one million dollars per carat. Because of the clarity that was only VS1, it is a very good result.
A few weeks ago, I summarized some results concerning pink diamonds. I publish this text again with some additions on cut and clarity.
Several varieties are to be considered for pink diamonds.
The highest price per carat, U.S. $ 2.1M, is being held by the Vivid Pink. Weighing 5.00 carats, classified as 'fancyvivid pink', internally flawless and mounted by Graff, it was sold HK $ 83.5 million including premium by Christie's on December 1, 2009.
The 'fancy intense pink' is a great color that characterized two exceptional diamonds sold in 2010. The largest,weighing 24.78 carats, was sold CHF 45.4 million including premium by Sotheby's on November 16. On November 29, Christie's achieved U.S. $ 1.6 million per carat on the Perfect Pink, a diamond of 14.23 carats sold HK $ 180Mincluding premium.
These two emerald cut diamonds were classified VVS2. The emerald cut is prestigious for blue or pink diamonds,because it insures that the gem has not been modified.
The third shade of pink diamonds is the 'fancy vivid purple pink'. At Christie's, one of them has reached U.S. $ 1M per carat on December 7, 2010: U.S. $ 6.9 million including premium for a weight of 6.89 carats.
A 'fancy intense pink' emerald cut diamond weighing 10.99 carats is for sale by Sotheby's in Geneva on May 17,illustrated in the page shared by Bloomberg. Its clarity is VS1, the category just below VVS2, and its lower estimate,CHF 8.3 million, remains reasonably below the million dollars per carat.
My previous article had focused on a cushion cut diamond estimated over a million per carat despite a lesser clarity, SI1. It is logical that it remained unsold.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price, CHF 9.6 million including premium, went just shy of one million dollars per carat. Because of the clarity that was only VS1, it is a very good result.
32 Carats, D Color, Flawless, ex Annenberg
2009 SOLD 7.7 M$ including premium
Jewelry from famous owners are valued on the market. To maintain their prestige, the world's leaders must show that they are selecting the best. On October 21, Christie's sells in New York a diamond that belonged to the wife of the press publisher Walter Annenberg. Less known than her husband, Leonore Annenberg made a brilliant career, culminating with the position of Chief of Protocol of the United States under President Reagan.
This 32.01 carat diamond was mounted on a ring and flanked by two small pear shaped diamonds by David Webb, a jeweler in New York. It is perfectly clear. The color is coded as D, which indicates an exceptional transparency. Its square emerald cut is one of the most appreciated by specialists.
In its press release, Christie's said that they sold in April a pear shaped diamond of comparable weight, also perfect. It reached the price of 130 K$ per carat. The estimate of the Annenberg diamond is logical, in relation to this reference: $ 3 million.
POST SALE COMMENT
This diamond had all the qualities, well announced by Christie's. It gets a great price, $ 7.7 million including premium, then 240 K$ per carat. Congratulations to the auction house.
This 32.01 carat diamond was mounted on a ring and flanked by two small pear shaped diamonds by David Webb, a jeweler in New York. It is perfectly clear. The color is coded as D, which indicates an exceptional transparency. Its square emerald cut is one of the most appreciated by specialists.
In its press release, Christie's said that they sold in April a pear shaped diamond of comparable weight, also perfect. It reached the price of 130 K$ per carat. The estimate of the Annenberg diamond is logical, in relation to this reference: $ 3 million.
POST SALE COMMENT
This diamond had all the qualities, well announced by Christie's. It gets a great price, $ 7.7 million including premium, then 240 K$ per carat. Congratulations to the auction house.
Closer to Perfection
2012 SOLD 7.5 M$ including premium
The best symbol of perfection is the white diamond. To qualify for this quality, a diamond must be chemically pure, classified Type IIa. This enables it to have the most immaculate white (the D Color), with good chance to be of perfect clarity (Internally Flawless).
In this category, I like to take as a reference the Annenberg diamond, sold $ 7.7 million including premium by Christie's on 21 October 2009. Weighing 32.01 carats, this nice gift that Mrs. Annenberg offered to herself in 2007 on her 90th birthday had been mounted by David Webb in Beverly Hills. Its Asscher cut, a variant of the emerald cut, is certainly the most prestigious.
Beautiful diamonds regularly arrive on the market. Often they have no history. Undoubtedly, technical progress enables better than ever to cut to perfection the best gems. A heart cut diamond weighing 56.15 carats was sold CHF 9.6 million including premium at Christie's on May 18, 2011.
The diamond for sale on April 17 by Christie's in New York weighs 44.09 carats. It is emerald cut with perfect symmetry, excellent polish and no fluorescence. It is mounted on a platinum ring between two small diamonds. The estimate is not published, which probably means that the reserve price is high.
Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold $ 7.5M including premium, this diamond with no history has almost reached the price of the Annenberg diamond.
The sale was very successful, with a total of sold lots at $ 70M including premium. A "belle époque" fancy vivid purplish pink diamond weighing 9 carats mounted on a platinum ring around 1910 was sold for $ 15.8 million including premium. Here is the link to the catalogue.
In this category, I like to take as a reference the Annenberg diamond, sold $ 7.7 million including premium by Christie's on 21 October 2009. Weighing 32.01 carats, this nice gift that Mrs. Annenberg offered to herself in 2007 on her 90th birthday had been mounted by David Webb in Beverly Hills. Its Asscher cut, a variant of the emerald cut, is certainly the most prestigious.
Beautiful diamonds regularly arrive on the market. Often they have no history. Undoubtedly, technical progress enables better than ever to cut to perfection the best gems. A heart cut diamond weighing 56.15 carats was sold CHF 9.6 million including premium at Christie's on May 18, 2011.
The diamond for sale on April 17 by Christie's in New York weighs 44.09 carats. It is emerald cut with perfect symmetry, excellent polish and no fluorescence. It is mounted on a platinum ring between two small diamonds. The estimate is not published, which probably means that the reserve price is high.
Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold $ 7.5M including premium, this diamond with no history has almost reached the price of the Annenberg diamond.
The sale was very successful, with a total of sold lots at $ 70M including premium. A "belle époque" fancy vivid purplish pink diamond weighing 9 carats mounted on a platinum ring around 1910 was sold for $ 15.8 million including premium. Here is the link to the catalogue.
AS YELLOW AS THE SUN
2011 SOLD 6.6 M$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Large yellow diamonds are common, but they are pale. I recently discussed in this group a more interestingspecimen: a Fancy intense yellow of 43.5 carats of perfect clarity, which reached $ 66K per carat.
The diamond that I introduce today is top class. I had never seen a photo of a diamond of similar color, and first of all I invite you to admire it on the press release shared by AuctionPublicity.
This yellow diamond for sale by Christie's in New York on October 18 is graded Fancy Vivid Yellow, which is already very rare for such a big diamond, 32.77 carats. Its particularly saturated color makes it looking like a sun.Even the experts of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) agree that it is of the utmost rarity.
It is pear-shaped cut with a beautiful symmetry, and presented unmounted.
It is estimated $ 6M, slightly less than $ 200K per carat. Data provided by the auction house shows that this price per carat is comparable to the Golden Drop, almost half its size, sold in June 1990 by Christie's in London. It is an elegant way to imply that nothing similar has appeared on the market for over twenty years.
POST SALE COMMENT
This diamond reached the expected price, $ 200K per carat. It is a remarkable average when considering its weight, 32 carats.
It was sold $ 6.6 million including premium.
Large yellow diamonds are common, but they are pale. I recently discussed in this group a more interestingspecimen: a Fancy intense yellow of 43.5 carats of perfect clarity, which reached $ 66K per carat.
The diamond that I introduce today is top class. I had never seen a photo of a diamond of similar color, and first of all I invite you to admire it on the press release shared by AuctionPublicity.
This yellow diamond for sale by Christie's in New York on October 18 is graded Fancy Vivid Yellow, which is already very rare for such a big diamond, 32.77 carats. Its particularly saturated color makes it looking like a sun.Even the experts of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) agree that it is of the utmost rarity.
It is pear-shaped cut with a beautiful symmetry, and presented unmounted.
It is estimated $ 6M, slightly less than $ 200K per carat. Data provided by the auction house shows that this price per carat is comparable to the Golden Drop, almost half its size, sold in June 1990 by Christie's in London. It is an elegant way to imply that nothing similar has appeared on the market for over twenty years.
POST SALE COMMENT
This diamond reached the expected price, $ 200K per carat. It is a remarkable average when considering its weight, 32 carats.
It was sold $ 6.6 million including premium.
Jadeite Jewel
2021 SOLD for HK$ 23.4M by Sotheby's
On April 20, 2021, Sotheby's sold a composite jewel for HK $ 23.4M, lot 1765.
This necklace 70 cm long is based on of 47 Type A intense green jadeite beads of very good translucency and decorated with dividers in four highly translucent brilliant emerald green jadeite hoops linked by rubies, completed by a clasp centered on an oval diamond weighing 2.02 carats. The jadeite beads are between 10.95 and 11.95 mm. Each of the jadeite hoops is around 17.7 x 5.1 x 5.3 mm.
This necklace 70 cm long is based on of 47 Type A intense green jadeite beads of very good translucency and decorated with dividers in four highly translucent brilliant emerald green jadeite hoops linked by rubies, completed by a clasp centered on an oval diamond weighing 2.02 carats. The jadeite beads are between 10.95 and 11.95 mm. Each of the jadeite hoops is around 17.7 x 5.1 x 5.3 mm.
Imperial Green Jadeite Necklace
2022 withdrawn
A necklace made of 43 beads of saturated Imperial green jadeite will be sold by Sotheby's on April 29, 2022, lot 1892. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 61 cm necklace is mounted in 18 karat white gold. The clasp is set with diamonds. A serene glow emanates from within the perfectly matched highly translucent beads. The size of the beads is 14.05 to 12.90 mm.
The 61 cm necklace is mounted in 18 karat white gold. The clasp is set with diamonds. A serene glow emanates from within the perfectly matched highly translucent beads. The size of the beads is 14.05 to 12.90 mm.
THE GREEN DIAMOND
2009 SOLD 3.1 MCHF INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The color diamonds are very looked after. The vivid blue diamonds reach interesting sizes, and it is not reasonable to detail in this column each one of these beautiful gems that appear at auction.
Considering the price per carat, two very rare varieties can overcome the blue: vivid red and vivid green.
A red diamond weighing more than one carat is exceptional. Sotheby's had one for sale, at 1.92 carats, on November 19, 2008 in Geneva. Alas, the market feared recession on that particular day. Estimated 2.8 MCHF, it had not been sold.
The situation is probably better now, at least hopefully. On November 17 the same sales room offers a vivid green diamond of 2.52 carats, estimated 3.3 MCHF.
From a scientific perspective, this gem is exceptional in its weight and in the quality of its color. It is very rare that a diamond is pure green, without a shade of blue, gray or yellow.
The catalog of the auction house teaches that this result is the culmination of a process of natural irradiation that lasted several million years, and has changed its characteristics of light absorption.
Do not discuss a diamond without describing its shape: this one, which has never been mounted in a jewel, has a cushion modified brilliant cut.
POST SALE COMMENT
The market remains cautious. In this sale, a magnificent blue diamond of 5.96 carats, estimated 5.6 million CHF, has not been sold.
The green diamond has managed to sell, but without reaching its estimate, at 3.1 MCHF including premium.
The color diamonds are very looked after. The vivid blue diamonds reach interesting sizes, and it is not reasonable to detail in this column each one of these beautiful gems that appear at auction.
Considering the price per carat, two very rare varieties can overcome the blue: vivid red and vivid green.
A red diamond weighing more than one carat is exceptional. Sotheby's had one for sale, at 1.92 carats, on November 19, 2008 in Geneva. Alas, the market feared recession on that particular day. Estimated 2.8 MCHF, it had not been sold.
The situation is probably better now, at least hopefully. On November 17 the same sales room offers a vivid green diamond of 2.52 carats, estimated 3.3 MCHF.
From a scientific perspective, this gem is exceptional in its weight and in the quality of its color. It is very rare that a diamond is pure green, without a shade of blue, gray or yellow.
The catalog of the auction house teaches that this result is the culmination of a process of natural irradiation that lasted several million years, and has changed its characteristics of light absorption.
Do not discuss a diamond without describing its shape: this one, which has never been mounted in a jewel, has a cushion modified brilliant cut.
POST SALE COMMENT
The market remains cautious. In this sale, a magnificent blue diamond of 5.96 carats, estimated 5.6 million CHF, has not been sold.
The green diamond has managed to sell, but without reaching its estimate, at 3.1 MCHF including premium.
THE YELLOW EYE OF POLICE
2011 SOLD 2.85 M$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Diamond is a status symbol, and Marilyn was not the only one to know that. A gangster is looking to sell a diamond to drug traffickers. He is caught, his interlocutors were actually FBI agents.
And a fabulous piece, whose previous history is completely unknown, then comes out of hiding.
It is a yellow diamond weighing 43.51 carats, cushion-cut, 26 x 18 mm, with no enhancements, graded Internally Flawless. But that is not all. The yellow diamonds are common and often not worth more than a white diamond if all other qualities are equal, but this one has an amazing shade, a particularly pure canary classified fancy intenseyellow.
Now called the Golden Eye, it is for sale in Cleveland on September 8 by Bid4assets, an auction house specializing in police seizures.
Small variants of color can dramatically change the price of a diamond. Today, no one can really predict the price of this exceptional piece. The proceeds will be split between different police services, local and federal.
Precisely, in a release published today by Reuters about the forthcoming sale of another diamond, Christie'sreported that the Golden Drop, weighing 18.49 carats, was sold for $ 203K per carat in London in 1990.
POST SALE COMMENT
The sale is successful: $ 2.85 million including premium.
Coming back to the Golden Eye, I invite you to play the video shared by Bid4Assets:
Diamond is a status symbol, and Marilyn was not the only one to know that. A gangster is looking to sell a diamond to drug traffickers. He is caught, his interlocutors were actually FBI agents.
And a fabulous piece, whose previous history is completely unknown, then comes out of hiding.
It is a yellow diamond weighing 43.51 carats, cushion-cut, 26 x 18 mm, with no enhancements, graded Internally Flawless. But that is not all. The yellow diamonds are common and often not worth more than a white diamond if all other qualities are equal, but this one has an amazing shade, a particularly pure canary classified fancy intenseyellow.
Now called the Golden Eye, it is for sale in Cleveland on September 8 by Bid4assets, an auction house specializing in police seizures.
Small variants of color can dramatically change the price of a diamond. Today, no one can really predict the price of this exceptional piece. The proceeds will be split between different police services, local and federal.
Precisely, in a release published today by Reuters about the forthcoming sale of another diamond, Christie'sreported that the Golden Drop, weighing 18.49 carats, was sold for $ 203K per carat in London in 1990.
POST SALE COMMENT
The sale is successful: $ 2.85 million including premium.
Coming back to the Golden Eye, I invite you to play the video shared by Bid4Assets:
Burmese Rubies
2011 SOLD 17.5 MHK$ including premium
The finest rubies are Burmese, and of course they are red: if they were of a different color, these would be sapphires.
The largest rubies are far from achieving the size of the biggest white diamonds. Thus, this cabochon ruby of 27.67carats to be sold at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 6 is an exceptional gem, extracted from the mines of Mogokin Myanmar (Burma).
In a pigeon's blood color which is the most desirable in its category, without heat treatment, it is flanked by threecarats of white diamonds on a ring in platinum and yellow gold signed by Bulgari. It is reasonably estimated HK $12M.
On May 2, 2005, the same auction house had sold HK $ 19.4 million including premium a ring featuring an oval 18 carats Burmese ruby in a daisy shaped surrounding of three carats of white diamonds.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result, HK $ 17.5 million including premium, is in the range of estimates.
The largest rubies are far from achieving the size of the biggest white diamonds. Thus, this cabochon ruby of 27.67carats to be sold at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 6 is an exceptional gem, extracted from the mines of Mogokin Myanmar (Burma).
In a pigeon's blood color which is the most desirable in its category, without heat treatment, it is flanked by threecarats of white diamonds on a ring in platinum and yellow gold signed by Bulgari. It is reasonably estimated HK $12M.
On May 2, 2005, the same auction house had sold HK $ 19.4 million including premium a ring featuring an oval 18 carats Burmese ruby in a daisy shaped surrounding of three carats of white diamonds.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result, HK $ 17.5 million including premium, is in the range of estimates.
COME BACK OF THE CHAMELEON
2009 SOLD 987 KCHF INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Christie's is selling on November 18 in Geneva a chameleon diamond 19.13 carats mounted as a pendant on a necklace. The catalog indicates that it is the largest diamond of its kind in briolette cut. It is therefore the same as I presented in this group a few months ago, and which had not been sold. It is now estimated KCHF 420.
Here is what I wrote at that time:
The colored diamonds join science. An extremely rare variety known as "chameleon" was first described in 1943. The guarantee of natural diamond is still ensured by the fact that its properties have not been explained and can not be replicated in the laboratory.
It is a green diamond with color changing after a prolonged stay in the dark or when it is slightly heated. It then comes back to its original color.
The gem that Christie's will sell on April 22, 2009 in New York is important: 19.13 carats. This is the biggest briolette shaped chameleon diamond ever analyzed by the Gemological Institute of America. This curiosity of nature has been made a pendant for a necklace, and is estimated 800 K$.
POST SALE COMMENT
Successful come back. The estimate was conservative, as it can be understood in my article. The result, 987 KCHF including premium, is very close to the estimate that was published before the New York sale.
Christie's is selling on November 18 in Geneva a chameleon diamond 19.13 carats mounted as a pendant on a necklace. The catalog indicates that it is the largest diamond of its kind in briolette cut. It is therefore the same as I presented in this group a few months ago, and which had not been sold. It is now estimated KCHF 420.
Here is what I wrote at that time:
The colored diamonds join science. An extremely rare variety known as "chameleon" was first described in 1943. The guarantee of natural diamond is still ensured by the fact that its properties have not been explained and can not be replicated in the laboratory.
It is a green diamond with color changing after a prolonged stay in the dark or when it is slightly heated. It then comes back to its original color.
The gem that Christie's will sell on April 22, 2009 in New York is important: 19.13 carats. This is the biggest briolette shaped chameleon diamond ever analyzed by the Gemological Institute of America. This curiosity of nature has been made a pendant for a necklace, and is estimated 800 K$.
POST SALE COMMENT
Successful come back. The estimate was conservative, as it can be understood in my article. The result, 987 KCHF including premium, is very close to the estimate that was published before the New York sale.
A perfect ring
2018 unsold
The ancient Chinese knew to work with nephrite, using sandblasting techniques to create complex shapes. Jadeite was a sensational discovery traditionally attributed to the Tang dynasty. Both materials have a similar hardness and are associated under the generic term of jade, yu in Chinese.
The rarity and beauty of the jadeite made it a prerogative of the emperors. Its shaping requires a detailed observation of the rough stone and a long patience. Its emerald green color and its transparency can be marred by cracks that will expand during grinding or carving, or by chemical impurities that will cancel the visual homogeneity of the piece.
The use of jadeite in high jewelry finds its culmination during the reign of Qianlong. The lacking of new deposits of sufficient quality made its process regressing despite an undeniable easier practice offered by modern machine tools.
Large stones were used for bracelets and beads. A collection of jade beads with a homogeneous visual effect from a single original boulder may create fabulous necklaces. One of them assembled by Cartier in 1933 was sold for HK $ 214M including premium by Sotheby's on April 7, 2014.
The rigid bracelets uninterrupted by a clasp are even more a mark of opulence when considering the losses of material by the central hollowing. These jewels could not maintain the desired perfection in large size and the emperors reserved them for the little wrists of their wives. An oval piece 55.45 to 47.30 mm in internal diameter with a beautiful thickness of 13.41 mm probably realized under Qianlong by imitation of the antique taste was sold for HK $ 44M including premium by Sotheby's in the same auction as the Cartier necklace.
The preferred shape under Qianlong is however the circle, symbol of the perfection of the heavens. Jade takes a role similar as the lotus in the link between the earthly soil and the mystic sky. A brilliant emerald green piece with a very good transparency and homogeneity measuring 56.86 mm internal diameter and 11.62 mm thick is estimated HK $ 80M for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 3, lot 1771.
As with pink diamonds, very subtle differences significantly change the price and a direct inspection remains highly recommended. I previously discussed in this chronicle a circular bangle whose color was identified as intense, 55.91 mm in internal diameter and 10.66 mm thick, which remained unsold at Sotheby's on October 4, 2016 from a lower estimate of HK $ 50M.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's to introduce the bangle of the next sale.
The rarity and beauty of the jadeite made it a prerogative of the emperors. Its shaping requires a detailed observation of the rough stone and a long patience. Its emerald green color and its transparency can be marred by cracks that will expand during grinding or carving, or by chemical impurities that will cancel the visual homogeneity of the piece.
The use of jadeite in high jewelry finds its culmination during the reign of Qianlong. The lacking of new deposits of sufficient quality made its process regressing despite an undeniable easier practice offered by modern machine tools.
Large stones were used for bracelets and beads. A collection of jade beads with a homogeneous visual effect from a single original boulder may create fabulous necklaces. One of them assembled by Cartier in 1933 was sold for HK $ 214M including premium by Sotheby's on April 7, 2014.
The rigid bracelets uninterrupted by a clasp are even more a mark of opulence when considering the losses of material by the central hollowing. These jewels could not maintain the desired perfection in large size and the emperors reserved them for the little wrists of their wives. An oval piece 55.45 to 47.30 mm in internal diameter with a beautiful thickness of 13.41 mm probably realized under Qianlong by imitation of the antique taste was sold for HK $ 44M including premium by Sotheby's in the same auction as the Cartier necklace.
The preferred shape under Qianlong is however the circle, symbol of the perfection of the heavens. Jade takes a role similar as the lotus in the link between the earthly soil and the mystic sky. A brilliant emerald green piece with a very good transparency and homogeneity measuring 56.86 mm internal diameter and 11.62 mm thick is estimated HK $ 80M for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on April 3, lot 1771.
As with pink diamonds, very subtle differences significantly change the price and a direct inspection remains highly recommended. I previously discussed in this chronicle a circular bangle whose color was identified as intense, 55.91 mm in internal diameter and 10.66 mm thick, which remained unsold at Sotheby's on October 4, 2016 from a lower estimate of HK $ 50M.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's to introduce the bangle of the next sale.
THE BLUE BRILLIANT
2013 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Among the diamonds of top clarity, the Fancy vivid blue color is one of the most extraordinary but these pieces do not reach the weight of the largest pink diamonds. Weighing 10.95 carats, the Fancy vivid blue adorning the toi et moi named Bulgari Blue was exceptional. This composed jewel was sold for $ 15.7 million including premium bySotheby's on 20 October 2010.
The Fancy vivid blue for sale on October 7 by Sotheby's in Hong Kong is smaller, with 7.59 carats, but it isespecially remarkable for its brilliant shape.
The round cut diamond, also named brilliant, is universally admired and appreciated when it applies to white diamonds, but it is an extreme rarity for colored diamonds.
The reason is simple. The raw gem should have about the double weight of the finished round diamond. The jeweller must be sure of the mastery of his art before taking the risk of attacking a perfect stone with such an important loss.
This diamond is the largest in its color and size to have been graded by the Gemological Institute of America.Sotheby's hope that this piece will get the highest price per carat for a diamond in all categories.
It is expected at around HK $ 150 million, corresponding to U.S. $ 2.5 million per carat. Its Internally flawlessclarity is also very rare for colored diamonds in its size range and helps to justify such an exceptional ambition.
It received the name of The Premier Blue, and is illustrated in the post shared by Blouin Artinfo.
Among the diamonds of top clarity, the Fancy vivid blue color is one of the most extraordinary but these pieces do not reach the weight of the largest pink diamonds. Weighing 10.95 carats, the Fancy vivid blue adorning the toi et moi named Bulgari Blue was exceptional. This composed jewel was sold for $ 15.7 million including premium bySotheby's on 20 October 2010.
The Fancy vivid blue for sale on October 7 by Sotheby's in Hong Kong is smaller, with 7.59 carats, but it isespecially remarkable for its brilliant shape.
The round cut diamond, also named brilliant, is universally admired and appreciated when it applies to white diamonds, but it is an extreme rarity for colored diamonds.
The reason is simple. The raw gem should have about the double weight of the finished round diamond. The jeweller must be sure of the mastery of his art before taking the risk of attacking a perfect stone with such an important loss.
This diamond is the largest in its color and size to have been graded by the Gemological Institute of America.Sotheby's hope that this piece will get the highest price per carat for a diamond in all categories.
It is expected at around HK $ 150 million, corresponding to U.S. $ 2.5 million per carat. Its Internally flawlessclarity is also very rare for colored diamonds in its size range and helps to justify such an exceptional ambition.
It received the name of The Premier Blue, and is illustrated in the post shared by Blouin Artinfo.
THE GOLCONDA PINK
2011 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Some recent sales allowed us to familiarize in this group with the best qualities of a pink diamond. The Golconda Pink, for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 5, has them all!
All, and more. The most prestigious diamonds are those from Golconda. Of chemical Class IIa, they have the bestclarity but are generally colorless. The Golconda Pink is described as an outstanding example of large size Golconda-type color diamond.
It is graded fancy vivid pink, the prestigious color that enabled a diamond of perfect clarity named Vivid Pink to record US$ 2.1 million per carat at Christie's in Hong Kong on 1 December 2009.
Weighing 9.27 carats, the Golconda Pink is almost twice bigger than the Vivid Pink. It is emerald-cut, a shape providing assurance that the gem has not been modified.
This diamond is estimated HK $ 100M, equivalent to US$ 1.4 million per carat.
Here is the link to the catalogue shared by Sotheby's.
Some recent sales allowed us to familiarize in this group with the best qualities of a pink diamond. The Golconda Pink, for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 5, has them all!
All, and more. The most prestigious diamonds are those from Golconda. Of chemical Class IIa, they have the bestclarity but are generally colorless. The Golconda Pink is described as an outstanding example of large size Golconda-type color diamond.
It is graded fancy vivid pink, the prestigious color that enabled a diamond of perfect clarity named Vivid Pink to record US$ 2.1 million per carat at Christie's in Hong Kong on 1 December 2009.
Weighing 9.27 carats, the Golconda Pink is almost twice bigger than the Vivid Pink. It is emerald-cut, a shape providing assurance that the gem has not been modified.
This diamond is estimated HK $ 100M, equivalent to US$ 1.4 million per carat.
Here is the link to the catalogue shared by Sotheby's.
BLUE WHITE RED
2008 UNSOLD (3 LOTS)
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Three exceptional diamonds will be sold by Sotheby's in Geneva on November 19, two of them displaying extremely rare colors.
Start with the deep blue. Weighing 10.48 carats, it is an exceptional size for this color. The press release says that the deep blue color is due to the replacement of carbon atoms by boron in the diamond crystal. It is naturally flawless, and perfect in its cut, both for polish and symmetry. In addition, I can assure you that its shape named briolette (a variant of the pear shape) is particularly aesthetic. For this perfect stone, prepare $ 6 million (6.72 MCHF).
The red diamond is a rarity, and those of more than one carat are virtually impossible to find. With 1.92 carat, Sotheby's knows that this gem, mounted on a ring, is truly exceptional. Here the color resulted from the combination of a deformation of the crystal and a small supply of nitrogen. For this marvel of natural history, the estimate is $ 2.5 million (2.8 MCHF).
Let us finish this tricolor article by a white diamond that was already famous long before its arrival at Sotheby's. In 1967, a rough gem of 600 carats was discovered by a couple of diamond researchers in Lesotho. Beautiful diamonds were carved out in the hands of Harry Winston. The example that comes up for sale is the Lesotho I. Cut in emerald shape, it weighs 71 carats. It expects $ 3 million (3.36 MCHF). Lovers of people informations will be delighted to know of a smaller offspring of the same rough gem, Lesotho III, that served as an engagement gift to Jacqueline Onassis.
Three exceptional diamonds will be sold by Sotheby's in Geneva on November 19, two of them displaying extremely rare colors.
Start with the deep blue. Weighing 10.48 carats, it is an exceptional size for this color. The press release says that the deep blue color is due to the replacement of carbon atoms by boron in the diamond crystal. It is naturally flawless, and perfect in its cut, both for polish and symmetry. In addition, I can assure you that its shape named briolette (a variant of the pear shape) is particularly aesthetic. For this perfect stone, prepare $ 6 million (6.72 MCHF).
The red diamond is a rarity, and those of more than one carat are virtually impossible to find. With 1.92 carat, Sotheby's knows that this gem, mounted on a ring, is truly exceptional. Here the color resulted from the combination of a deformation of the crystal and a small supply of nitrogen. For this marvel of natural history, the estimate is $ 2.5 million (2.8 MCHF).
Let us finish this tricolor article by a white diamond that was already famous long before its arrival at Sotheby's. In 1967, a rough gem of 600 carats was discovered by a couple of diamond researchers in Lesotho. Beautiful diamonds were carved out in the hands of Harry Winston. The example that comes up for sale is the Lesotho I. Cut in emerald shape, it weighs 71 carats. It expects $ 3 million (3.36 MCHF). Lovers of people informations will be delighted to know of a smaller offspring of the same rough gem, Lesotho III, that served as an engagement gift to Jacqueline Onassis.
Royal Blue from Burma
2020 withdrawn
The most exceptional variants of gemstones are often found in one region only. Mogok, in Burma (Myanmar), combines two wonders : pigeon blood ruby and royal blue sapphire.
Burmese sapphires have been the delight of Asian princes for about a millennium. The classic form is the cushion. The royal blue, intense and very saturated, is perfectly highlighted in an entourage of diamonds. It does not have the velvety texture of Kashmir blue sapphires, but silky-looking inclusions also brighten up its luminosity.
On October 7 in Hong Kong, Sotheby's sells as lot 1755 a pendant set with a cushion shaped Burmese sapphire weighing 118.88 carats surrounded by 16 carats of pear shaped diamonds. This size is considered exceptional by experts. Its purity and homogeneity are excellent. It had no heat treatment.
A necklace by Boucheron composed of a cut cornered rectangular Burmese sapphire weighing 91.95 carats in a garland of 48 carats of diamonds was sold for HK $ 29.5M including premium by Poly on April 7, 2015.
A ring set with an unheated Burmese cushion sapphire weighing 49.06 carats surrounded by 10 carats of tapered diamonds was sold for HK $ 16.2M including premium by China Guardian on March 31, 2019. Its color is cornflower blue but it can turn royal blue under some lighting conditions.
Burmese sapphires have been the delight of Asian princes for about a millennium. The classic form is the cushion. The royal blue, intense and very saturated, is perfectly highlighted in an entourage of diamonds. It does not have the velvety texture of Kashmir blue sapphires, but silky-looking inclusions also brighten up its luminosity.
On October 7 in Hong Kong, Sotheby's sells as lot 1755 a pendant set with a cushion shaped Burmese sapphire weighing 118.88 carats surrounded by 16 carats of pear shaped diamonds. This size is considered exceptional by experts. Its purity and homogeneity are excellent. It had no heat treatment.
A necklace by Boucheron composed of a cut cornered rectangular Burmese sapphire weighing 91.95 carats in a garland of 48 carats of diamonds was sold for HK $ 29.5M including premium by Poly on April 7, 2015.
A ring set with an unheated Burmese cushion sapphire weighing 49.06 carats surrounded by 10 carats of tapered diamonds was sold for HK $ 16.2M including premium by China Guardian on March 31, 2019. Its color is cornflower blue but it can turn royal blue under some lighting conditions.
