EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
AuctionsMay 30, 2017
‘Jonker No. 5’ Garners $5.3M at Christie’s
The 25.27-carat rectangular-cut diamond went for well above its highest pre-sale estimate, $3.6 million.
Though it was only predicted to sell for up to $3.6 million, the 25.27-carat Jonker No. 5 diamond went for $5.3 million at Christie’s on Tuesday.
Hong Kong--The legendary Jonker No. 5 diamond proved to be of great interest to buyers at Christie’s on Tuesday, as the historic stone sold for well above its pre-sale estimate.
The 25.27-carat rectangular-cut diamond went up on the block at the auction house’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong, where it sold for $5.3 million. Christie’s predicted before the sale that it would garner between $2.2 million and $3.6 million.
The Type IIa, D color, VVS2 clarity Jonker No. 5 is part of the legendary collection of diamonds cut from the 726-carat piece of rough discovered by Jacob Jonker in South Africa in 1934. The 726-carat stone was, at the time, the fourth largest gem-quality diamond ever found.
The Diamond Corporation, owned by Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, originally bought the rough, which was then sold to Harry Winston Inc. in 1935 and displayed during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in London, as well as at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Harry Winston chose Lazare Kaplan to cleave and cut the Jonker. The company examined it for months before the diamond took the final form of 13 polished pieces ranging in weight from 3.53 carats to 142.90 carats, though the largest stone was eventually cut down to 125.35 carats to increase its brilliance.
Also sold at Tuesday’s auction was the “Palmette” necklace, created by renowned designer Edmond Chin for the House of Boghossian.
Featuring 11 perfectly matched, no-oil rectangular-cut emeralds, weighing approximately 3.00 carats to 12.34 carats and surrounded by circular-cut emeralds to create a repeating palmette motif with white diamonds of various cuts as spacers, the piece garnered $6 million at the sale.
Other top lots included a 3.98-carat rectangular fancy-cut vivid blue diamond set in a cushion and triangular-shaped pink diamond surround from Moussaieff that went for $8.9 million; a double-strand jadeite and diamond necklace that sold for $7.1 million; and a bracelet featuring cushion-shaped sapphires ranging from 3.19 to 9.47 carats alternating with diamonds weighing 4.67 to 2.01 carats that garnered $4.7 million.
A pair of earrings set with oval-shaped fancy purplish pink diamonds weighing 4.64 carats and 4.01 carats and accented with pear and marquise cut diamonds sold for $3.4 million, while a pair of asymmetric Kashmir sapphire and diamond earrings went for $3.1 million.
Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale totaled about $79.4 million.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
