Sotheby’s broke a new record for earrings at auction. At the Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale, that took place in Geneva on May 16th, the ‘Apollo Blue’ and the ‘Artemis Pink’ diamonds became the most valuable earrings ever sold at auction, realising a combined total of $57 million.
The two diamonds were purchased by the same anonymous buyer, and they will be kept together as earrings.
The sale of these two diamonds led an extraordinary session, with 90% of lots sold for a total in value of $151 million, 3 lots sold for over $10 million and 5 lots sold for over $5 million and, last but not the least, two thirds of lots sold above high estimate (find here all the detailed results for Sessions 1&2 and Session 3 of the sale).
The sale also set an auction record price per carat for a Fancy Intense Purplish Pink 7.04 carat diamond by Piaget, that achieved $13 million – $1,8 million per carat (video).
Other notable auction results
A Gems and jewels from a superb private collection group of lots, a collection of the finest diamonds and gemstones, as well as signed jewels from the most sought-after Jewellery Houses, doubled the pre-sale estimate to realise a total of $15,9 million, achieving an outstanding sell-through rate of 96%. Among these lots are the following:
A pear-shaped diamond ring, weighing 32.42 carats by Harry Winston which doubled its low estimate to realise $3,3 million:
Set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 32.42 carats, between tapered baguette diamond shoulders, size 49, signed Winston, maker’s mark.
Accompanied by GIA report no. 667088, stating that the diamond is D Colour, VVS1 Clarity, together with a working diagram stating that the diamond may be internally flawless after minor repolishing, and a type IIb classification letter.
An emerald and diamond ring by Harry Winston achieved five times its estimate selling for $929,465:
Set with a step-cut emerald weighing 21.34 carats, between triangular diamond shoulders, size 48, signed Winston, maker’s marks for Jacques Timey.
Accompanied by SSEF report no. 90973, stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with no indications of clarity modifications, together with an appendix letter. Also accompanied by Gübelin report no. 17059002, stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with a minor amount of oil in fissures.
Ruby and diamond brooch and ear clips by Van Cleef & Arpels which sold for a combined total of $477,551:
Of floral design, the petals set with calibré-cut rubies en serti mystérieux, the pistil embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds, the detachable stem and leaf set with brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds, signed Van Cleef Arpels, numbered, French assay and maker’s marks, pouch stamped Van Cleef & Arpels.
Each designed as a poppy, the petals set with calibré-cut rubies en serti mystérieux, the pistil embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds, signed Van Cleef Arpels, numbered, French assay and maker’s marks, case stamped Van Cleef & Arpels.
Further more, a ruby, diamond and onyx bracelet signed Lacloche, dated circa 1925, soared above estimate to achieve $748,498:
Of open work design, decorated with rose motifs set with cabochon rubies and onyx, and millegrain-set with circular-, single-cut and rose diamonds, length approximately 180mm, signed Lacloche, French assay mark.
Accompanied by a photocopy of the original drawing, stamped Anc. Etabts LACLOCHE and dated 27 Oct. 1925.
And a jadeite, onyx, ruby and diamond pendant/brooch by Cartier (circa 1925) was sold for $374,500 – more than double the high estimate. From the ‘golden era’ of Cartier, this pendant/brooch was formerly in the collection of Mona, Countess von Bismarck (1897-1983):
Set with two carved jadeites on an onyx hoop, highlighted with single- and circular-cut diamonds, the ends set with sugarloaf rubies, signed Cartier, numbered, French maker’s marks.
Formerly in the Collection of Mona, Countess von Bismarck (1897-1983).
The Magnificent Jewels of the late Countess Mona Bismarck, Sotheby’s Geneva, 13 May 1986, lot 8.
As a personal highlight, here is this 3.32 carat important Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ring, that sold for $6,8 million:
Set with a step-cut diamond weighing 3.32 carats, between triangular diamond shoulders.
Accompanied by GIA report no. 11892488, dated 12 March 2002, stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Blue, Natural Colour, Internally Flawless; together with an updated report, dated 18 April 2017, stating that diamond is Fancy Vivid Blue, Natural Colour, Internally Flawless.
Commenting on the sales’ results, David Bennet, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division and Chairman of Switzerland, said: “It has been a privilege for Sotheby’s to be entrusted with the superb ‘Apollo Blue’ and ‘Artemis Pink’ (…). The results from today’s sale – which saw more than 90 per cent of lots sold and three new world auction records – yet again underline the strong demand for top quality diamonds, gemstones and jewels. I am delighted that the stones will remain together as earrings. This has been a wonderful inaugural jewellery sale at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva which far exceeded expectations, with a total of over $150 million, We are greatly looking forward to the upcoming auction of Fine Jewels at Sotheby’s rue Diday in Geneva on the 1st of June.” CC
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