Auctions

Christie’s Partially Resuming In-Person Jewelry Auctions in New York

AuctionsJul 22, 2020

Christie’s Partially Resuming In-Person Jewelry Auctions in New York

You can visit this 116-carat diamond estimated to sell for $5 million to $7 million at Christie’s Rockefeller Center location, but you can’t bid on it in person.

20200722_Christies-header.jpg
This pear-shaped diamond is expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million at Christie’s New York’s Magnificent Jewels Sale next week.

New York—Like most of the world, Christie’s went virtual this spring due to the global pandemic, breaking a record for most expensive jewel to be sold at an online auction in the process.

Now, following its in-person Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale, Christie’s New York is dipping its toe back into live jewelry auctions next week, with some significant caveats.

Christie’s is foregoing in-person bidding at its July 29 Magnificent Jewels sale but still allowing for absentee and telephone bids.

Real-time bidding is also available online through Christie’s Live. All manners of bidding require at least 24-hour advance registration.

Interested parties may peruse lots in person prior to the sale, however, by making an appointment during July 25-28 viewing hours.


There they can spy the lot leading the Magnificent Jewels sale—a diamond necklace, pictured at top of article and above, featuring a 115.83-carat, F color, VVS1 pear-shaped diamond, valued at $5 million to $7 million.


Other white diamonds of particular import are the above ring with a 25.22-carat, VVS2, D color, pear-shaped diamond valued at $1.5 million to $2.5 million, and the below ring with 15.20-carat heart modified brilliant-cut diamond.


Colored diamonds are also expected to garner some buzz. A ring with 7.16-carat, internally flawless, fancy intense blue diamond (seen below) is expected to go for between $3.5 million and $5 million, while a ring with 33.65-carat, VS2 fancy intense yellow diamond is estimated to fetch between $525,000 and $625,000.


Leading the colored gemstone lots are a ring with 42.45-carat Burmese sapphire ($350,000-$550,000), a 35.77-carat Colombian emerald ring ($300,000-$500,000), and the below Art Deco sapphire and diamond sautoir by Bulgari ($650,000-$850,000).


A number of private collections will be on offer featuring signed pieces from the likes of Belperron, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura.

The Estate of Pauline Ireland features over 50 lots, most notably a Verdura beryl, yellow sapphire and cultured pearl brooch estimated to sell for $10,000 to $15,000 and a Cartier Art Deco ruby and diamond jabot brooch expected to fetch $15,000-$20,000.

The Collection of James and Marilyn Alsdorf most notably offers a single-stone pear-shaped diamond ($100,000-$150,000), while The Collection of Gloria Manney features Van Cleef & Arpels black opal, colored diamond and diamond fish brooch ($50,000 to $70,000).


A 16.79-carat Colombian emerald ring is the most expensive lot offered from The

Property of a Texas Collector, with a $200,000 to $300,000 estimate. Four lots from JAR, meanwhile, including a pair of diamond and colored diamond “Trellis” earrings (seen above), expected to sell for between $150,000 and $200,000, come from The Property of a Lady.

Christie’s Hong Kong, Alrosa, Diamonds Do Good and designer Anna Hu recently worked together to raise more than $300,000 in an auction benefitting families impacted by the pandemic, and the New York sale will feature an important piece from the designer.

From a private collection, the one-of-a-kind “Sky Tower” necklace” combines Chinese cultural influences with a nod to Western architecture.

The necklace (rendering pictured below) features a detachable brooch set with jadeite plaque and resembles French architect Jean Nouvel’s 53 West 53 building in New York City.


The Magnificent Jewels sale will take place at Christie’s Rockefeller Center Galleries on July 29.

Additionally, Christie’s latest Jewels Online sale kicks off today, July 22, and concludes Aug. 6 and 7, depending on the lot.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Deutsch & Deutsch jewelers team
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in Texas

Family-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 10812 pink watch
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & Mercier

The Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.

Martin Katz snowflake earrings
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather

Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Ella Blum
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand Strategy

Ella Blum was appointed to the newly created role.

Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
National-Jeweler_1872x1502_B copy.png
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone Market

Sponsored by RapNet

Lugano Diamonds Greenwich Connecticut store
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a Buyer

Investment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

A Diamond Is Forever book
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ Book

It explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.

Sindhu Culas
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America President

Retail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.

Taylor Burgess
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales Officer

Taylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Columbia Gem House celestial shapes
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

Bulgari Vimini Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay California
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AI

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, Lorraine West
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities Manager

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy