AuctionsDec 12, 2022
Rolex ‘Paul Newman Lemon’ Daytona Sells for More Than $800K AuctionsDec 13, 2022
13-Carat Pink Diamond Pulled from Jewelry Auction Allegedly Stolen
It’s believed to be part of a $90 million scheme perpetrated by a man who billed himself as a psychic online.
This 13-carat pink diamond was withdrawn from a recent jewelry auction at Christie’s, and though no reason was given at the time, reports have emerged that it allegedly was stolen.
New York—A big pink diamond pulled from a recent Christie’s jewelry auction was withdrawn because it was allegedly stolen, recent reports have found.
Christie’s unveiled the 13.15-carat, VVS1/potentially internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ring in mid-November, billing it as a highlight of the Dec. 6 Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.
It had a pre-sale estimate of between $25 million and $35 million.
Not long after its debut, the diamond was pulled from the auction. Christie’s confirmed the stone’s withdrawal to National Jeweler but did not offer any further explanation or comment.
Recently, reports have been emerging about the diamond’s history and why it was withdrawn.
According to court documents first uncovered by Court Watch, the diamond allegedly was stolen from an unnamed wealthy individual who lives in Doha, Qatar.
An employee of this individual contacted a man named John Lee, who had advertised himself as a psychic online.
The employee sent Lee some of their jewelry to have it “cleansed of bad spirits.”
When said employee’s jewelry was returned but they were still experiencing “bad feelings,” Lee encouraged the employee to send him some of the employer’s jewelry for cleansing, court documents state.
Related stories will be right here …
Christie’s unveiled the 13.15-carat, VVS1/potentially internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ring in mid-November, billing it as a highlight of the Dec. 6 Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.
It had a pre-sale estimate of between $25 million and $35 million.
Not long after its debut, the diamond was pulled from the auction. Christie’s confirmed the stone’s withdrawal to National Jeweler but did not offer any further explanation or comment.
Recently, reports have been emerging about the diamond’s history and why it was withdrawn.
According to court documents first uncovered by Court Watch, the diamond allegedly was stolen from an unnamed wealthy individual who lives in Doha, Qatar.
An employee of this individual contacted a man named John Lee, who had advertised himself as a psychic online.
The employee sent Lee some of their jewelry to have it “cleansed of bad spirits.”
When said employee’s jewelry was returned but they were still experiencing “bad feelings,” Lee encouraged the employee to send him some of the employer’s jewelry for cleansing, court documents state.
The employee removed jewels from their employer’s safe and sent them to Lee at addresses in Davenport, Florida, and Paramus, New Jersey.
In addition to the large pink diamond, jewels shipped to the “psychic” included an approximately 42-carat white diamond, as well as two large yellow diamonds, according to court documents.
Instead of returning the jewelry, Lee allegedly sold the goods to a jeweler.
The pink diamond then showed up at auction, where it was recognized and eventually identified as a stolen diamond belonging to the wealthy Qatari.
Agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were present at a private viewing in which the diamond was identified and “took immediate possession of the stone, as it was readily apparent the diamond was stolen property,” according to court documents.
Christie’s didn’t respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the case by press time but confirmed to Rapaport it had cooperated with the authorities.
According to the court documents, at least 17 gems and jewels valued at more than $90 million have been identified as stolen as part of this alleged psychic’s scheme.
Lee is being charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
