Auctions Archives
Diamond Auction at Sotheby's Tops 5 Mil
Yesterday's (Sept. 28th) Sotheby's New York sale of Important Jewels totaled $5.3 million, 70 percent sold by lot and 78 percent sold by value.
Some highlights of the sale included:
5.58 carat, D-Flawless diamond ring: $385,600
12.42 carat, Fancy Intense Yellow, VVS1 diamond ring: $168,000
6.41 carat, Fancy Intense Yellow, VS2 diamond ring: $162,000
5.04 carat, D, VVS2, diamond ring: $126,000
Sotheby's featured period and signed pair of diamond pendant-earrings, circa 1915 that brought $60,000 and an aquamarine and diamond clip, Cartier, London, circa 1935 that sold for $32,400.
We can dream, can't we?
Christie’s Sells Pink Diamond for $6 Million at NY Auction
Christie's has auctioned off a 25.02-carat fancy pink, internally flawless pear shaped diamond, which sold for $6,008,000 or $240,000 per carat. The stone was purchased by Dubai-based dealer Amer Radwan, who bid fiercely against two other dealers.
Pocket watch fetches over $1 million at auction!
Antiquorum's "Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches and Clocks" sale saw its top lot sell for $1.021 million.
The reigning sale of the Oct. 16 auction was an ultra-complicated pocket watch in 18-karat gold made by Patek Philippe in 1924. The piece features a double chronograph, independent split-second function and American perpetual calendar at 6 o'clock.
Overall, 80 percent of the sale's 371 lots sold for 150 percent of their collective estimated value, according to an Antiquorum release issued Oct. 16. Bidders hailed from Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Russia and more, utilizing phone, online and written bids generated prior to the sale, which brought in a total of $10.4 million.
Other top sales included a pink gold Patek Philippe World War II-era military wristwatch made in 1942 that garnered $621,206; a Tiffany & Co. gentleman's wristwatch circa 1955 made from 18-karat yellow gold that sold for $304,474; and a Cartier clock made in 1925 and crafted from 18-karat gold, platinum, black onyx and rose diamonds that fetched $295,914.
Sotheby's To Offer Rare Necklace.
Sotheby’s announced that the diamond necklace believed to have been made for Catherine the Great and housed in Russia’s Imperial diamond state fund from 1760-1917, will be the highlight of its Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva on November 17. The necklace is expected to sell for $1.2 million to $2.0 million and will be on view at Sotheby’s in New York from October 28 to October 30.
The necklace consists of 27 large cushion-shaped diamonds within a border of stylized foliate motifs, close set with smaller similarly cut stones, embellished with a ribbon bow clasp, which can be worn separately.
The diamond necklace is a rare survivor of the 18th century when jewels were broken up to produce new jewelry in the latest styles. In 1719, Peter the Great created the Russian State Diamond Fund to house a collection of jewels that would belong to Russia for the permanent glory of the Russian Empire. Peter demanded that the empress or emperor would bequeath a certain number of pieces acquired during their reign.
Sotheby's Auction Nets 24 Mil.
Fetching $1.6 million, a 26.09-carat diamond ring by Harry Winston was the top lot at Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" sale Thursday.
Harry Winston Ring.
The auction house sold 90.6 percent of its pieces by value and 81.7 percent by lot at the auction, which brought in $23.9 million.
Other highlights of the sale included a fancy, intense blue diamond weighing 3.16 carats that brought in nearly $1.1 million,
a sapphire and diamond ring that sold for $956,800 and a 12.6-carat marquise-shaped diamond weighing 12.6 carats that fetched $559,200.
The auction also featured a private collection of jewelry by René Lalique, which brought a total of $1.12 million. The collection included an opalescent glass, enamel, diamond and seed pearl necklace, circa 1899, that sold for $352,000—more than twice its estimated value.
Christies Magnificent April 6 Diamond Auction!
Christie's New York will hold its Magnificent Jewels sale on April 11, 2006, which will include the Joan Kroc collection. (Kroc was the wife of fast-food chain McDonald's founder, Ray Kroc, and a well-known philanthropist.)
One item up for auction is a pear-shaped (D,IF) 50.53-carat diamond, set in a ring and flanked on either side by pear-shaped diamonds (priced upon qualified buyer request.)
Of the natural colored diamonds up for auction, one ring set offers pear-shaped fancy dark blue-gray diamond within a pavé-set pink diamond surround of approximately 14.43 carats (estimate $1.2-$1.5 million.)
Christie's says the blue-gray color is due to the presence of minute quantities of the element boron incorporated into the stone’s crystal structure at the moment of its formation.
Other colored diamonds include: Fancy intense blue, internally flawless diamond of 3.17 carats (estimate $500,000-$700,000) and a modified square-cut fancy pink diamond of approximately 5.25 carats set in a ring and flanked on either side by a trapeze-cut diamond (estimate $400,000-$600,000.)
Kroc's collection includes emeralds, sapphires, and diamond rings from Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. Leading Kroc's collection are two diamond necklaces by Harry Winston, the first of which is a colored diamond necklace set with a detachable pear-shaped fancy intense yellow diamond of approximately 42.13 carats (estimate, $1.0-$1.5 million.)
The second is a “Holly Wreath” necklace composed of two graduated rows of circular, pear and marquise-cut diamond clusters (estimate, $500,000-$700,000.) Holly Wreath is designed by Ambaji Shinde.
The sale also features a number of signed pieces, including a colored diamond and emerald “Camaieu Tiger” brooch by René Boivin, with a pavé-set colored diamond articulated body and marquise-cut emerald eyes, this unique piece offers a surprisingly realistic interpretation of this exotic animal's crouching pose through detail and execution.
Viewing begins April 6 at Christie’s Galleries, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, in Manhattan.
Diamond Auction This Sunday: Have Your Money Ready!
One of the world's rarest diamonds is going under the hammer at an auction organized by Australia's top jewelry auctioneer this weekend.
The 40-carat emerald cut diamond is set in an 18-carat gold necklace laced with small diamonds.
It is one of over 200 pieces of jewellery to be sold at the event.
This includes a 15-carat Colombian emerald set in a necklace, an Australian South Sea pearl necklace, a 6-carat oval diamond and diamond tennis bracelets, among others.
Rolex Watches Set Sales Records.
Watch auctioneer Antiquorum saw enthusiastic response to Rolexes in the first half of its "Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches" sale in Geneva on Saturday.
Phase one of the two-part auction—whose second section will conclude in Geneva May 13—netted $3.676 million for Antiquorum including buyer's premium, according to a company release issued Sunday. All 152 lots were sold at 200 percent of their estimated value, with intense bidding from European and Asian buyers.
Ten lots fetched world-record prices. The sale's top lot, selling for a world-record price of $286,211 including buyer's premium, was Rolex's "Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic" made in 1941. The rare stainless-steel watch, also dubbed the "Medical Chronograph" or "Stainless Steel Monoblocco" boasts a black dial, round button chronograph, register and pulsometer. The next-highest sale was $242,787 for Rolex's "Oyster Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer." Made in 1953, the gentleman's watch has a stainless steel "Jubilee" bracelet and features a triple date and moon phases.
In a separate sale on Sunday, "Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches and Clocks," Antiquorum made nearly $9.3 million from the sale of 88 percent of available lots, which fetched 100 percent by value. In its release, the auction house cited the "Mondani effect" on bidding, which catapulted the sale's Rolex lots to fetch value beyond their estimates.
This helped boost Rolex's "Milgauss Brown Dial Rolex" and "Oyster Perpetual" to world-record sales of $153,959 and $93,300, respectively. Top lot at the sale was Patek Philippe's "World Time" watch made in 1953, featuring a map of North America on its cloisonné enamel dial, which fetched $1.745 million.
$1.745 million!
Another sale record was for the Hamilton "Railway Special" pocket watch made in the 1940's. The piece sold for $64,050, the highest price ever paid for an American-made watch at auction.
The Railway Special: $64,050!
Christie's to Auction Princess Margaret Jewelry Collection
Christie’s will hold a sale of jewelry and works of art from the Collection of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, in London on June 13 to 14. More than 800 items will be featured, with estimates ranging from $174 to $872,000.
The sale will include an antique diamond riviere (estimated $349,000-$523,000,) accompanied by three handwritten notes naming the necklace after a previous owner as the ‘Lady Mount Stephen,’ which was given to the princess by her grandmother, Queen Mary.
Another highlight is a five-row art deco pearl and diamond necklace (estimated $26,000- $35,000,) and a marquise cut diamond ring of 5.17 carats (estimated $105,000-$122,000.)
The ‘Poltimore Tiara,’ which was originally created by Garrards in the 1870’s for Florence, Lady Poltimore, the wife of the second Baron Poltimore is up for auction (estimated $262,000-$349,000.) The princess wore it on her wedding day and prior to the wedding, she wore it in its alternative form as a diamond fringe necklace and scroll brooches.
“Christie’s are honored to have been instructed to sell jewelry and works of art from the private collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon,” said Francois Curiel, deputy chairman of Christie’s and international head of jewelry. “We will stage an auction that pays tribute to her glamorous style and beauty.”
Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond Sets Record Price At Sotheby's Auction.
A rare, vivid fancy pink diamond ring fetched a record $6.2 million at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction, held April 9 in Hong Kong.
Bought by an anonymous bidder, the 10.04-carat ring established a new world record price for a pink diamond sold at auction. Overall, the spring 2006 series of Hong Kong sales commanded a total of $108.5 million for watches, jewels, jadeite jewelry and art Sotheby's put on the block. The auctions were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hey, Waiter! Over Here! I'll take Two!
Israeli Diamond Auction.
One of the highlights of the 32nd World Diamond Congress to be held in Tel Aviv from June 26-28th, will be the largest auction of diamonds, precious gems and jewelry ever to take place in Israel.
Organized by Tzoffey’s, an Israel-based company that is a leading auction house to the diamond and jewelry trade, the event will offer up to 450 rare items, with a total value of up to $50 million.
The auction will take place at the conclusion of the Congress on June 28, 2006 at the Tel Aviv Hilton.
Ellen Barkin's Jewelry Nets Record Prices At Christies.
Love—or rather ex-love—was for sale last night at Christie's and it took home a premium, as actress Ellen Barkin sold off jewels given to her by her ex-husband, billionaire Ron Perelman, for more than $20 million.
"Tonight's sensational $20 million result makes Ellen Barkin's collection the highest single-owner jewelry sale of the past 15 years in the United States and also places it among the top four ever worldwide," said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie's Americas, in a statement.
Ron, looks like Ellen has got a better business Kop than you. This 20 mil sure would come in handy to help you bail out your sinking Revlon.
Diamond & Watch Aucions Break Records!
Christmas came early for Sotheby's and Antiquorum auction houses, which both hosted record-breaking watch and jewelry sales last week in New York.
Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels from the Houses of Castellani and Giuliano: The Judith H. Siegel Collection sale, held on Dec. 6, brought in $7.4 million, while the jewels in its Van Cleef and Arpels Tribute Collection netted $4.4 million. Additional jewelry sales held on Dec. 6 brought the day's total sales to $28.3 million.
Of the Magnificent Jewels lots, 58 percent sold above their pre-sale estimates, while 78 percent of the Castellani and Giuliano pieces sold above estimates.
To date, Sotheby's principal jewelry showrooms have sold $175.4 million, a 24 percent boost over the same period last year.
On Dec. 8, Antiquorum's Important Collector's Pocket Watches and Clocks sale brought in $7.3 million.
The sale, Antiquorum's last of the year, brought the world total of Antiquorum sales in 2006 to $78 million.
Diamond Studded Wine Bottle To Be Auctioned.
The Associated Press reports this morning that a bottle of sparkling wine adorned with 49 diamonds will be auctioned off next month for charity, the Austrian company that produced it said Wednesday.
The diamond-studded bottle of Kattus Hochriegel contains sparkling wine from the year 2004 and is worth some $13,200, said Ernst Polsterer-Kattus, who runs the Vienna-based company with his wife, Maria.
It took a Vienna jeweler 38 hours to glue the diamonds to the bottle, Polsterer-Kattus said. He said his wife came up with the idea.
The auction will take place Jan. 22, Austrian broadcaster ORF reported on its Web site.
What happens when you finish the bottle?
L'Chaim!
Christies to Auction Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry.
Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction on April 25 will feature three couture pieces from House of Taylor's Elizabeth Collection, inspired by actress Elizabeth Taylor.
The first piece is a diamond-encrusted necklace with 12 golden pearls mounted in 18-karat white gold, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000.
This diamond and pearl necklace and earrings set from House of Taylor's Elizabeth Collection will be auctioned at Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale on April 25.
The second piece is a pair of diamond-encrusted earrings with four large golden pearls set in 18-karat gold, estimated at $6,000 to $8,000.
The third piece is a double-strand ruby-and-diamond necklace with a tassel featuring cushion- and oval-cut rubies with round- and marquis-cut diamond floral accents in 18-karat gold, estimated at $180,000 to $250,000.
All pieces display a stamp that reads "Elizabeth."
Your Ebay Purchase: Quality Item or Ripoff?
Have you ever wondered if the luxury and designer watches, jewelry, and handbags you're bidding on Ebay at prices too good to be true, are legit or fakes?
No doubt you're not alone on this as Internet Chatrooms are rife with horror stories from consumers who thought they were getting a great deal only to find out to their chagrin that they've been ripped off.
Well, now comes the announcement of an organization that claims that they will authenticate the quality of these Ebay listed luxury goods. The name of their website is colinsworth.com and the link is here: Ebay Luxury Goods Authentication
They offer guaranteed third-party authentication of luxury watches, jewelry and handbags being auctioned on eBay.
"Up until now, bidders on luxury goods online did so with great trepidation and at great risk," Colinsworth Authentication's founder and chief executive officer Colin Dreizin said in a statement. "With the old way, buyers were saving 30 to 50 percent on luxury goods while taking a 75 to 90 percent chance of receiving a worthless counterfeit. For consumers, and for luxury goods manufacturers who wish to maintain their well-deserved reputations for quality, this is clearly a losing situation."
For example, Tiffany and Co. found that 75 percent of jewelry items offered in online auctions using the Tiffany name were counterfeit. Rolex sued two European subsidiaries of eBay over alleged auctions of counterfeit Rolex watches.
"By engaging our expert authenticators before the online sale is completed, buyers are guaranteed of purchasing legitimate luxury items, and sellers are assured that prices for their luxury items aren't driven down by their proximity to fakes," Dreizin said.
Both buyers and sellers can register for the service at the site. For buyers, the service protects them from counterfeits and fraud. For sellers, the service signals to buyers that they have agreed to have their items authenticated before sales are completed and protects them from chargebacks and fraud, the company said.
"By allowing us, a third-party authenticator, to confirm the items as being genuine, buyers are assured that the item is authentic," Dreizin said. "And, since all buyers have the same guarantee of authenticity, they should bid more often and bid higher, driving prices up."
Check this out.
This Backgammon Set will "set" back your gammon, Big Time!
Among the highlights of a Tzoffey's 1818 Auction House sale, to be held during the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) Congress, is a million-dollar backgammon set studded with black, white and fancy-colored diamonds.
Bring plenty of cash for this Baby!
This backgammon set uses 61,082 black, white and yellow diamonds with a total weight of 2071.48 carats. The diamond, gold and silver set took over 10,000 hours of labor to complete and is estimated to sell for $650,000-950,000.
The "Magnificent Jewels Auction," set for May 9, will also feature an unheated cushion-shaped Burmese ruby and a 22.23-carat tsavorite from Africa.
Sotheby's Has a Nice Diamond Day!
Rapaport News reports that Sotheby’s New York sale of Magnificent Jewels, held April 24, 2007, totaled $22,440,200 with the four top lots all going for more than $1 million.
The top lot was a 74.95-carat fancy intense yellow diamond, which sold for $2,056,000. An 18.54-carat emerald was the second bestseller of the sale bringing in $1,888,000 dollars, and at $101,833 per carat it was just shy of the record price for an emerald sold at auction, which was $107,570 per carat.
Two more diamonds each sold for $1,552,000. One was a 16.98-carat emerald cut, DVVSI, signed Van Cleef & Arpels and the other was a necklace signed Reza, Paris with a 30-carat baguette collar suspending a 48.91-carat J/VS2 pear-shaped drop.
Serious Bling Bling!!
What Finger Size Would You Need For This Diamond!
A pear-shaped 72.22-carat diamond is held up by Amanda Nicodemus, of Sotheby's, right, during a press preview Monday March 10, 2008 at Sotheby's in New York.
The D-color, flawless diamond is expected to bring up to $13 million when it goes on the auction block April 10 at Sotheby's Hong Kong galleries.
