A Big Pink and a Big Blue Diamond Fetched Big Bucks At Christie’s

Two fancy colored diamonds were the top sellers at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday. Meanwhile, the diamond engagement ring that Kris Humphries gave to Kim Kardashian at the same sale made lots of noise but ended up only having the 12th highest sale price at $749,000.

The top lots among the 389 offered were:

* An 8.77-carat rectangular-cut fancy intense pink VVS1 diamond that sold for more than $6.3 million, or $721,200 per carat (top photo). The buyer was Moussaieff Jewellers, a luxury retail jeweler with stores in London and Geneva.

* A 3.81-carat rectangular-cut fancy vivid blue VS1 diamond that sold for nearly $4 million, or more than $1 million per carat (pictured above). The buyer requested anonymity.

The other top lots are as follows:

* A 25.30-carat rectangular-cut D color VVS1 diamond that sold for more than $3.1 million.

* An 18.28-carat cushion-cut D color VVS2 diamond that sold for more than $2 million.

* A 15.88-carat cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire that sold for more than $1.8 million.

* A 10.75-carat rectangular-cut D color internally flawless diamond that sold for nearly $1.4 million.

* A 17-carat rectangular-cut F color VS1 diamond ring that sold for more than $1.2 million. The ring was part of Diana Dollar Knowles Collection. Knowles, who died March 4 at the age of 95, was a noted San Francisco philanthropist and patron of the arts.

The auction at Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters took in more than $46.6 million with 75 percent of the items sold by lot and 85 percent sold by value.

However, the sale also notable for a number of big-ticket items that failed to sell. Among them:

* An 18k pink gold and platinum ring set with a 2.47-carat heart-shaped fancy purple-pink diamond and flanked on either side by a modified heart- shaped fancy intense blue diamond, weighing approximately 1.22 and 1.16 carats. Its high estimate was $1.55 million.

* A 37.20-carat modified pear-shaped fancy deep brown-yellow diamond mounted in 18k rose gold with a high estimate of $800,000.

* An 11.70-carat circular-cut diamond, with the shoulders set with baguette-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum that had a high estimate of $800,000.

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Kim Kardashian’s 20-Carat Engagement Ring Fetches $749,000 At Auction

Kris Humphries reportedly said he just wanted to move on so he can’t be too disappointed for the price his 20.5-carat diamond engagement ring to Kim Kardashian achieved at auction Tuesday.

The NBA basketball player, who paid a reported $2 million for the diamond and platinum ring for the reality TV star in 2011, saw the ring sell for $749,000 during Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction. While the ring did not sell for its original price it did easily exceed the high auction estimate of $500,000.

Listed simply as an “Impressive Diamond Ring,” the ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz is set with a 16.21-carat rectangular-cut diamond with I color, VS1 clarity. The diamond is flanked on either side with a trapeze-cut diamond, each weighing approximately 1.80 carats. 

The celebrity couple separated after 72 days of marriage in 2011. The divorce became final in 2012.

Although reports started circulating as to the owner of the ring, the provenance wasn’t confirmed until an unidentified person representing Humphries told E! News that it was indeed being sold by him. 

“He has long-since moved on and is very much looking forward to a successful auction at Christie's on Tuesday, and of course to returning to the court this upcoming NBA season as a Boston Celtic,” the representative said in a statement to the entertainment news network.

Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, who led the auction, announced that a portion of proceeds will benefit a charity. 

Bidding began at $200,000 and quickly rose to $480,000. After a pause it went to $520,000. It then slowly climbed to reach a final bid of $620,000. Commission and fees bought the price of the ring to $749,000.

It was the last item of the morning session of the auction. It is scheduled to resume at 2:30 p.m.

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Largest Known Orange Diamond May Fetch $20 Million at Auction

The largest fancy vivid orange diamond ever to appear at auction will be the top lot in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale to be held in Geneva on November 12. Weighing approximately 14.82 carats, this diamond, being called “The Orange,” is expected to fetch between $17 million and $20 million.

Pure orange diamonds, also named ‘Fire diamonds’ by gemologist Edwin Streeter in his book The Great Diamonds of the World (1882), are exceptionally rare in nature. It is more common to find orange diamonds with secondary colors. The orange color is the result of the presence of nitrogen during the diamond's creation. Among the very few fancy vivid orange diamonds that were ever sold at auction, the largest was less than 6 carats. “The Orange” is more than double that size.

At 5.54 carats, the Pumpkin diamond was largely considered to be the largest known fancy vivid orange diamond. It was purchased by Ronald Winston for $1.3 million and made into a ring by Winston and Phillip Bloch. Best Actress winner Halle Berry wore the ring to the 2002 Academy Awards.

A 4.19 carat fancy vivid orange diamond sold for a record price of $2.95 million in October 2011 at a Sotheby’s auction.

The Gemological Institute of America, which graded the diamond and issued its report, recently said: “Strongly colored diamonds in the orange hue range rarely exceed three or four carats in size when polished. (This diamond) is almost four times larger than that size range. In GIA’s colored diamond grading system, as the color appearance of strongly colored diamonds transitions from orangy yellow to orange the occurrence becomes progressively more rare—that is—the less yellow present the more rarely they occur.”

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Christie’s To Hold Inaugural Online-Only Jewelry Auction Beginning Wednesday

Amethyst, diamond and gold necklace by Lily Gabriella. Estimate:
$3,500 – $4,500

“Summer Jewels," is the name of Christie’s first ever online-only sale of jewelry. It will include 100 lots of price accessible pieces from contemporary designers that include Lily Gabriella Elia and Olivia Wildenstein and the venerable names such as Marina B, Roberto Coin and Salavetti. The sale will open for bidding on Wednesday and run through July 26. It is accessible through www.christies.com/summerjewels. 

This isn’t the international auction house’s first foray into e-commerce for jewelry. It has included online bidding for some time during its regular auction, which operates in a similar way as phone bidding. The monumental Elizabeth Taylor auction in December 2011 had an online-only auction component that included jewelry for the record-breaking sale. 

Sapphire cufflinks by Trianon. Estimate: $3,000 – $3,500

Highlights of the upcoming jewelry sale include items from Brazilian born designer Lily Gabriella Elia and her namesake Lily Gabriella collection such as a diamond pendant necklace (estimate: $4,000 – $5,000), an 18K white gold and diamond ring inspired by Elia’s South American heritage (estimate: $2,800 – $3,800) and an amethyst, diamond and gold necklace (estimate: $3,500 – $4,500).

Keemee designer Olivia Wildenstein creations are comprised of rounded and organic jewels worked in 18K gold, diamonds and cultured pearls. Top items include a citrine and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – $1,500), a garnet and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – $1,500), and a pair of cultured pearl and diamond “Coeurs Enlacés” ear pendants (estimate: $6,000 – $8,000).

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Owner of 75-Carat Briolette Diamond Names it 'Star of China'

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million.

The new owner of what Christie’s auction house has called the largest and most perfect briolette diamond ever sold at auction has identified herself and picked a name for the 75.36-carat gem.

Tiffany Chen, vice chairman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., has revealed herself to be the owner of the briolette diamond. She named the diamond after her company, “The Star of China.”

Chen purchased the diamond May 28 at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale for $11.15 million, $148,000 per carat, a world record for a briolette diamond sold at auction.

The briolette has been graded by the Gemological Institute of America to be of D color and type IIa, indicating its internally flawless clarity, excellent polish, highest level of chemical purity and exceptional optical transparency. Less than one carat in every 100,000 carats of diamonds is found to be found in this perfect condition.

The diamond is part of a pendant necklace that includes a marquise-cut purplish pink diamond suspended above the briolette.

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale.

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Earliest Known Patek Philippe Grand Complication Sells For A Record $2.25 Million

The earliest and most significant example of a Patek Philippe Grand Complication sold for more than $2.25 million Tuesday at Christie’s New York Important Watches auction—well above its $1.5 million high estimate. The price represents a world auction record for a Patek Philippe Grand Complication.

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 is a minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph clockwatch with grande and petite sonnerie and moon phases, manufactured in 1898. It has never been seen in public and it was the first time it ever appeared on the auction block. 

The definition of Grand Complication is often debated among watch experts and collectors, but it is generally agreed that it features the following: Grand and Petite Sonnerie, Perpetual Calendar and Moon Phases, and Split-Seconds Chronograph.

Until the appearance of the 18k pink gold Palmer watch, it was broadly accepted that Patek Philippe did not make its first Grand Complication until 1910 and that the second ever made was reserved before World War I for James W. Packard in 1916, Christie’s said recently.

With all of the avid collectors of important watches, the historical watch experts, and the way that luxury watch companies maintain their historical data—how could such a rare and valuable watch be unknown? Last night I attended a panel presentation on Grand Complications at the Aaron Faber Gallery in New York and was told by two of the panelists that this type of thing does occasionally happen. Michael Friedman, an historical watch expert, explained to me that being in a private collection the watch was unknown. In addition, even if Patek Philippe has the information in its archives it would not have released it unless asked.

The watch was purchased on Oct. 3, 1900, for 6,500 Swiss francs by Stephen S. Palmer. The original certificate and presentation box were included in the sale.

The sale of 361 lots totaled nearly $8 million. 

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Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication May Fetch $1.5 Million

Christie’s New York said it will offer the earliest and most significant example of a Patek Philippe grand complication as the highlight of its New York Important Watches auction on June 11. It is estimated to fetch $1 to $1.5 million.

The Stephen S. Palmer Patek Philippe Grand Complication No. 97912 is a minute repeating perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph clockwatch with grande and petite sonnerie and moon phases, manufactured in 1898. It has never before seen in public, and it is the first time ever on the auction block.

Until the appearance of the Palmer watch, it was broadly accepted that Patek Philippe did not make its first Grand Complication until 1910 and that the second ever made was reserved before World War I for James W. Packard in 1916, Christie’s explained.

Purchased on Oct. 3, 1900, for 6,500 Swiss francs by Stephen S. Palmer, the discovery of this watch serves as a “spectacular addition to scholarship surrounding Patek Philippe and Grand Complications in general,” Christie’s said in a statement. “Adding to its rarity, it is the only example known to have been cased in pink gold whereas all following pieces were cased in yellow gold according to the style of the early 20th century.”

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‘Pigeon’s Blood’ Ruby Necklace Leads Diverse Christie’s Hong Kong Jewelry Sale

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

It’s a rare jewelry auction these days where diamonds are not the most prestigious items for sale. This auction will break the trend as leading the sale of Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels Autumn sale is a Burmese no heat “pigeon’s blood” ruby and diamond necklace (pictured above) with matching earrings (below) by James W. Currens. The necklace has an auction estimate of $3.5 to $5.5 million; and the earrings have estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Designed as twenty-six graduated oval-shaped rubies weighing between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, each ruby comprising the necklace named, “Red Scarlet” is accented by a cluster of marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold. The matching pair of earrings are titled the “Red Butterflies” for their shape, and each feature a pair of Burmese rubies over 7 carats. The rubies all come from the Mogok Stone Tract in Upper Burma, which is considered to be the source for the finest quality “pigeon’s blood” rubies, the term used to describe the brightest and most valuable red color for rubies.

More than 300 items will be on sale for the November 27 auction at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The pre-sale estimate is valued at approximately $70 million. An assortment of diamonds, emeralds and sapphires from the world’s legendary mines, natural seawater pearls, and, being Hong Kong, jadeite jewelry will be among the items featured. Highlights include: 

Emerald, pearl and diamond earrings in platinum, featuring Colombian pear-shaped emeralds weighing 23.34 carats and 23.18 carats. Its estimate is $3.5 million to $4.8 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Diamond and pearl earrings, featuring a pair of 6-carat pear-shaped diamonds from the legendary Golconda mine in India. Its estimate is $1.2 million to $1.9 million.  CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A natural pearl and diamond necklace with an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A lavender jadeite bead necklace, consisting of 63 slightly graduated jadeite beads measuring from 8.8 to 11.3 mm, and a jadeite cabochon and diamond clasp mounted in 18k white gold. Its estimate is $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

A 36.58-carat fancy brown diamond ring with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

An 8.59-carat fancy pink cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond and sapphire ring, by Paris-based American jeweler, JAR. Its estimate is $3 million to $4.5 million. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

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50-Carat Flawless Diamond Sells for $9.5 Million

50.52-Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond that sold for $9.5 million.
CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

NEW YORK — Big diamonds sparkled during Christie’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in New York on Tuesday. Leading the way was a pear-shaped D color flawless diamond of 50.52 cts., which sold for $9.5 million, or $188,000 per carat, to a private collector. The stone is mounted in platinum and may be worn suspended from a necklace with a 2.28 carat, circular-cut D-color diamond surmount.

It was one of several major diamond lots sold during the auction of 369 lots held during two sessions Tuesday. The other top sellers were:

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A pair of pear-shaped fancy yellow and colorless diamond ear pendants of 52.78 and 50.31 cts.(pictured above)  that achieved $4.5 million. The diamonds are surmounted by circular-cut fancy yellow and white diamonds Mounted in yellow and white gold. The pendants may be easily swapped or detached completely, giving the owner three options for how to wear them. Its estimate was $4.5 - $6.5 million. The buyer was listed by Christie’s as Aleks Paul of Essex Global Trading.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A 68.35-carat oval-cut fancy intense yellow, internally flawless diamond sold for $3.16 million. The gem with excellent polish and symmetry had an estimate of $2.2 - $3.2 million.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A pear-shape fancy light pink SI1 diamond ring sold for of 10.52 cts sold for $2.21 million, or $210,000 per carat; well above its estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.

* A 28.20-carat square-cut fancy intense yellow VVS1 diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels that sold for $902,000.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A 10.05-carat pear-shaped diamond on a ring, flanked on either side by a pear-shaped diamond, mounted in platinum took in more than $1.2 million.

* A 12.05-carat pear-shape F color flawless diamond that sold for $842,500.

* An 11.68-carat marquise-cut F color VS1 diamond ring by Harry Winston that sold for $746,500.

All totaled, the auction achieved $50 million and had a sell-through rate of 87 percent by lot and 93 percent by value.

“Private collectors and dealers reacted more than positively to a 369-lot auction that was finely-tuned in terms of prices and selection of gems to current market conditions,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry, Christie’s Americas and Switzerland. “Natural pearls, colorless flawless diamonds, and colored diamonds of high quality once again dominated the day, making for a vibrant atmosphere in the saleroom.”

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Natural pearls again proved to be a dynamic force in the auction market. This was underscored by the sale of a double strand natural pearl necklace for $3.66 million (pictured above). It has 120 large-sized individual pearls, ranging in size from 6.50 mm to 12.25 mm in diameter, and ranging in coloration from white to light cream, with subtle rosé and green overtones and superb luster. It is accented with a 3-carat, D color diamond clasp signed by Cartier. Its estimate was $2.8 – $3.5 million.

During the morning session, a single strand of 83 natural pearls, measuring from approximately 3.15 to 9.75 mm, sold for $158,500, nearly double its high estimate; and an antique diamond and sapphire brooch set with a natural baroque pearl, measuring approximately 15.90 – 16.70 x 20.40 mm, brought in $170,500, nearly tripling its high estimate.

CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

In addition, a 32.31-carat cushion cut Burmese sapphire ring (pictured above) sold for $986,500, nearly double the high estimate of $500,000.

Bidding was robust throughout the day, gaining strength in the afternoon session, with dealers in the back of Christie's saleroom loudly clamoring for attention, competing with those in the front of the room and many phone and online bidders.

Sharing the auctioneer duties was Kadakia, along with Christie's Asia president, François Curiel, the Christie’s jewelry veteran who moved to Hong Kong recently to head the auction house’s jewelry operation in the booming Asia market.

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76-Carat Archduke Joseph Diamond Expected to Fetch $15 Million

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The Archduke Joseph Diamond ©Tony Falcone

It has royal origins and was owned by royalty and now the legendary Archduke Joseph Diamond will be offered at Christie’s auction in Geneva on November 13. The auction house says it is one of the rarest and most famous diamonds in the world that combines an impressive size of 76.02 carats, perfect color, and internally flawless clarity.

Christie’s says the estimate is available on request but it is expected to achieve $15 million in the upcoming auction.

Its origin is traced to the ancient Golconda mines in Central India, the source of the world’s most coveted historical diamonds, including the Koh-i-noor, in the Royal Collection at the Tower of London; the Regent, considered the finest diamond in the French Crown Jewels, at the Musée du Louvre in Paris; and the Hope, gifted by Harry Winston to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

This same diamond “created a sensation when Christie’s Geneva offered it for sale the first time in November 1993 where it realized CHF 9.7 million (US$ 6.5 million)—the equivalent of $10.5 million today,” said François Curiel, InternationalHead of Christie’s Jewellery Department. “The magic of auction sometimes brings back great gems to our salerooms more than once.”

Although it is not known exactly when the diamond entered the House of Habsburg, it has been officially recorded as the property of the Archduke Joseph August of Austria, Palatine of Hungary (1872-1962), and was subsequently named after him.

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Harry Winston 'Martian Pink' Diamond Sells for $17.4 Million

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

The largest round fancy intense pink diamond to ever appear at auction sold for $17.4 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday.

Known as the “Martian Pink,” the extremely rare 12-ct. diamond was owned by a private collector. It was purchased from Harry Winston in 1976—the same year, the United States launched its first satellite on a mission to Mars: The Viking Landers. Ronald Winston named the diamond to honor the historic event. It sold for approximately $1.5 million per carat. Its estimate was $8.4 million to $12.3 million. The diamond is mounted on a size-7, 18k gold ring.

Other significant diamonds sold at the auction include:

* A pair of brilliant-cut unmounted diamonds, weighing 10.88 and 10.88 carats, sold for $4.8 million. Both diamonds are of D color, flawless clarity, with excellent cut, polish and symmetry.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A three-diamond ring from JAR sold for $2.9 million. It consisted of a 10.67-carat D color, internally flawless, oval-shaped diamond at its center is flanked by two D color, internally flawless diamonds of 6.07 and 6.04 carats. The estimate was $2.5 million – $3.5 million.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* A second large diamond with ties to Harry Winston, an 11.85-carat D VVS1 potentially flawless round brilliant-cut diamond, sold for just under $2 million, within its is estimate.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

* It was mostly diamonds that stole the show, but one other gemstone elbowed its way into being one of the top items sold Tuesday. A 6.04-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Etcetera sold for $3.4 million, just within its high estimate. This no heat cushion-shaped stone possesses the most desirable “pigeon’s blood red” color.

Diamond Tiara from Maureen Swanson Could Fetch $235,000

Diamond tiara from the late Countess of Dudley, also known as the actress and dancer Maureen Swanson.

With the ongoing celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, it seems fitting that Christie’s London sale of Important Jewels on June 13 would focus on royal and aristocratic jewels.

A total of 368 lots include jewels from the collections of Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiary, Beatrice Countess of Granard OBE, and the late Countess of Dudley. Spanning four centuries, the sale has rare historic rings, diamonds and pearls. The roll call of signed jewels by the leading houses and designers includes: Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Chopard, Graff and Van Cleef & Arpels.

One of the top pieces of the sale is an Art Deco diamond tiara by Cartier (pictured above) from the collection of the late Countess of Dudley, also known as the actress and dancer Maureen Swanson, with an estimate of £100,000 – £150,000 ($156,850 – $235,270). It is one of 17 jewels offered from the collection up for sale. The tiara is “composed of five graduated shield shaped clip brooches, each resembling the Pylon, the tapering monumental towers of ancient Egypt whose bold form inspired so much 1930s design,” Christie’s said. “Together, mounted atop the simple diamond line frame, these clips are transformed into a modern soaring geometric skyline, their design recalling both the architectural innovations of the era together with its inimitable style.”

The sale also will be led by the Cowdray Pearls, a rare natural pearl necklace, composed of a single row of thirty-eight graduated natural grey pearls, with an estimated price of £280,000 – £350,000 ($440,000 – $549,000). It is from the collection of the late Viscountess Cowdray, Lady Pearson (1860-1932).

Leading the small group of jewels formerly from the collection of Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiary is a 12.15 carat diamond circular single-stone ring (estimate: £70,000 – £100,000; $110,000 – $156,850). Another ring with notable provenance is an Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1905, which was formerly in the collection of Beatrice Countess of Granard OBE (estimate: £30,000 – £40,000; $47,000 – $63,000).

A selection of 40 lots from Cartier, including jewels, cufflinks, watches and clocks, is a highlight of the auction. This portion of the sale is led by an Art Deco diamond and gem bracelet of Oriental inspiration, circa 1925 (estimate: £100,000 – £150,000; $156,850 – $235,270), and a pair of platinum and diamond ear pendants, composed of a graduated line of three brilliant-cut diamonds, suspending a pear-shaped diamond drop (estimate: £100,000 – £150,000; $156,850 – $235,270).

For information on all the lots offered in the sale, view the online catalog.

Jewelry and Watch Sales Kick off Christie’s ‘Luxury Week’

Christie’s New York will begin its bi-annual “Luxury Week” series of auctions with jewelry and watch sales. The four-day sale devoted to jewelry, watches, wine and 20th Century design from will be held June 12 - June 15. More than 1,000 items will be offered, with a combined week-long total expected to realize in excess of $23 million. The auctions are as follows:

New York Important Jewels: Auction June 12 at 2 p.m.; viewing, June 9-11
More than 180 items, including investment-quality diamonds, rare gemstones, and period jewels will be offered. Highlights include an array of large top-quality diamonds, with more than a dozen colorless stones rated as D, E or F, the finest color quality possible. The largest in the group is a 22.46 carat rectangular-cut E-color diamond ring by David Webb (pictured), with an estimate of $1.2 - $1.8 million. The sale also features signed jewels from vintage and modern periods, including an Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier circa 1930 (estimate: $200,000 - $300,000) and a selection of designs by Van Cleef & Arpels, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Marina B. from the estate of Lucille E. Davison, a prominent New England philanthropist. The total sale is expected to achieve in excess of $10 million.

Important Watches: Auction June 13, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; viewing, June 9-12.
Comprised of nearly 300 timepieces, the sale features a selection of investment-quality Patek Philippe wristwatches. The star lots of the sale include a rare Patek Philippe reference 2523, an 18k gold world-time wristwatch with two crowns, manufactured in 1963 (pictured), with an estimate of $700,000 - $1.2 million), and a vintage Patek Philippe reference 1436, an 18k pink gold split-seconds chronograph watch manufactured in 1950 (estimate: $300,000 - $550,000). Other sale highlights include vintage and modern timepieces from Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Phillipe that include pocket watches, dress watches and sports watches for men, jeweled wristwatches for women, and antique desk clocks.

Other auctions will be dedicated to 20th Century decorative art and design (June 14) and fine and rare wines (June 15). The e-catalogs and other information are on Christie’s website.

Lily Safra’s Jewels for Hope Raises $38 Million for Charity, Sets 2 Records

The highly anticipated auction of “Jewels For Hope: The Collection of Mrs. Lily Safra,” held Monday at Christie's Geneva raised $37.9 million with 100 percent sold by lot and by value, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate. 

The top lot of the sale was a 32.08 carats cushion-shaped Burmese ruby and diamond ring, known as “The Hope Ruby”by Chaumet (pictured above), which sold for $6.7 million, well above its $5 million high estimate. It is a world record price for any ruby sold at auction. 

Tourmaline and diamond flower brooch by JAR sold for more than $1.2 million.

A group of 18 jewels by JAR, the largest ever seen on the market from a single-owner collection, sold 100 percent by lot and by value, totaling more than $11.4 million—the most valuable private-owner collection of JAR jewels ever sold at auction.

“Mrs. Safra received a standing ovation as she walked into the saleroom at the end of the sale to thank every buyer and bidder who contributed to this evening’s great success,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of Christie's Geneva and New York Jewellery Departments.

It was announced prior to the sale that the full proceeds from the auction would benefit 20 charitable institutions. As a result of the sale’s success, The Lily Safra Foundation decided to add 12 additional organizations as beneficiaries.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who participated in this evening’s success,” Safra said. “I am overjoyed, knowing that so many people in need around the world will benefit.”

The 32 organizations that will benefit from the sale are as follows:

* Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Rwanda
* ALEH: Caring for Israel‟s Disabled
* Alfredo J. Monteverde School, Natal, Brazil
* A Window to Tomorrow – A Computer for Every Child, Israel
* Children Action, Geneva, Switzerland
* Claude Pompidou Institute for Alzheimer‟s Disease, Nice, France
* Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
* Edmond and Lily Safra Children‟s Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel
* Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
* Elton John AIDS Foundation (worldwide)
* Fight AIDS Monaco
* Henry Street Settlement, New York
* Hope and Homes for Children, Romania
* Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève
* Imperial College, London: Edmond J. Safra Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology & Edmond J. Safra Chair in Radiochemistry
* Institute for Brain and Spinal Cord Disorders, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris
* Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
* Jordan River Village Camp for seriously ill children
* Keren Shemesh, Israel
* King‟s College, London: Edmond and Lily Safra Parkinson‟s Research Fellowships
* Le ballet de l‟Opéra national de Paris
* Les Restaurants du Coeur, France
* Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson‟s Research, USA
* Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York
* New York University, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center
* Royal Opera House, London
* UNICEF, USA
* Université Joseph Fourier, Institut des Neurosciences, Bâtiment Edmond J. Safra & Institut Clinatec, Centre de Recherche Edmond J. Safra, Grenoble, France
* University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital, Canada: Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson‟s Disease (Dr. Anthony Lang & Dr. Andres Lozano)
* Water Treatment Program, Amélia Rodrigues (Bahia), Brazil
* Yad Vashem International School, Israel
* Yahad-In Unum, France

JAR Diamond Ring, 6-Carat Burmese Ruby and Jade Necklace at Christie’s Hong Kong Auction

JAR three-diamond ring. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

The upcoming Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale is turning out to be something special in the quality and quantity of the items for sale. As previously reported, the May 29 sale at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, will have the largest round fancy intense pink diamond to ever appear at auction and a 11.85-carat D VVS1 potentially flawless round brilliant-cut diamond—both with Harry Winston pedigree. But there’s more.

The 1:30 p.m. sale, in the Woods Room of the convention hall, will include a three-diamond ring from JAR, a 6-carat, pigeon’s blood Burma ruby and diamond ring, and being Hong Kong, a superb jadeite bead necklace. The auction will also include natural pearls, Burmese sapphires, Colombian emeralds, rare period pieces, and selection of signed contemporary jewels.

The ring from JAR is set with three diamonds. They are a 10.67-carat D color, internally flawless, oval-shaped diamond at its center, flanked by two D color, internally flawless diamonds of 6.07 and 6.04 carats. The estimate is $2.5 million – $3.5 million. Perhaps the world’s most influential jewelry designer, Joel Arthur Rosenthal, along with his Swiss business partner, Pierre Jeannet, founded JAR in 1977. It is housed discreetly in an apartment boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris, only accepting clients by appointment. The one-of-a-kind and often made-to-order JAR creations are sought after by clients around the world and their appearance on the auction market marks an important event for collectors.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Also among the highlights of the auction is a 6.04-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring by Etcetera (pictured above) with an estimate of $2.5 million – $3.8 million. This no heat cushion-shaped stone possesses the most desirable “pigeon’s blood red” color and an extraordinary degree of transparency. Burmese rubies over 5 carats, particular those gems that have not undergone any thermal enhancement are extremely rare.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Another item that will attract the attention of bidders is a jadeite bead necklace (pictured above) with an estimate of $3.2 million - $4.5 million. “Evenly and strongly saturated, each of the jadeite beads featured in this necklace exhibits the optimal combination of color, translucency and texture,” Christie’s says. “The beads display a vivid emerald green color with a desirable tone that is neither too dark nor light. Their fine texture and excellent glass-like translucency only bolsters the rareness of such high-quality material, resulting in one of the most anticipated jewels offered at auction this year.”

Harry Winston Diamond Earrings Could Fetch Nearly $4 Million at Christie’s Geneva Sale

Pear-shaped diamond earrings by Harry Winston estimated to fetch $3.2 million and $3.9 million. Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Pear-shaped diamond earrings by Harry Winston weighing 16.21 and 15.67 carats is the top lot of the May 16 Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The set of D/VVS2, potentially flawless diamond earrings is expected to fetch $3.2 million and $3.9 million.

More than 340 lots estimated to bring in more than $50 million will be offered by the auction house in Geneva, including a colored diamond ring (whose history is closely linked to Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton), jewelry that once belonged to Mexian movie icon Maria Felix, a diamond tiara commissioned for the wedding of Count Carlo Raggio and Marchioness Tea Spinola in 1909, and a collection of Cartier cats.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

A 12.6-carat fancy brown-orange diamond ring (pictured above) that was offered to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1975 while they were in Africa is estimated at $600,000 – $800,000. Taylor refused the present, arguing that the money should be spent for building a hospital in Botswana.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Other significant items include a diamond flower brooch (pictured above) that is expected to fetch $2.5 million – $3 million and a 33.07-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire ring that is estimated to sell for 2.5 million – $3 million.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

A Belle Epoque old-cut diamond tiara (pictured above) was part of a large group of exceptional jewels, specially commissioned by Italian jeweler Filippo Chiappe (1863-1936), for the wedding of Count Carlo Raggio and Marchioness Tea Spinola in 1909. Appointed court jeweler to the Savoy House and official supplier to the Italian Royal Family in 1913, Filippo Chiappe is one of the most famous Italian jewelers of his time. It has an estimate of $320,000 – $530,000.

Photo Credit: CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2012

Jeanne Toussaint, appointed director of jewellery at Cartier in 1933, is credited with the creation of “Big Cat” jewelry. The Duke of Windsor commissioned a panther brooch in the late 1940s, and since then the panther has become an iconic Cartier motif. A great example of the legendary “Big Cat” series is a diamond, colored diamond, onyx and emerald tiger brooch created by Cartier in the 1960s. Designed as a tiger hanging from a baguette-cut diamond hoop, its body, tail and head set with yellow diamonds and onyx, its estimate is $290,000 – $380,000.

The highlight of a section dedicated to antique Indian jewels is the set of diamond, enamel and gold jewelry from the collection of Mexican movie legend María Félix (1914-2002). Comprising of a brooch designed as a Mughal tulip set with table-cut diamonds, a bracelet set with octagonal and pear shaped table-cut diamonds, a necklace centering upon a table-cut diamond flower-head with old-cut diamond leaves, and a pair of modern ear pendants, designed as diamond flower-heads, this set dates back to the 19th century and will be offered as a single lot with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.

Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Viewings in Geneva will be held May 11 till May 16.