ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
AuctionsMar 19, 2021
Christie’s Latest White-Glove Jewelry Auction is Easter-Appropriate
“Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” was full of springtime pastels.
This Michele della Valle blue topaz, aquamarine, ruby, and diamond bunny brooch sold just in time for Easter, fetching $9,375 at Christie’s just-concluded jewelry auction. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
New York—Christie’s latest jewelry auction was a white-glove sale.
The “Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” auction sold 100 percent by lot and value, garnering a total $799,125.
On the cusp of spring, della Valle’s 65-lot oeuvre with colorful, pastel-hued gemstones like opals, agates, and sapphires felt appropriate for the changing season and Easter holiday.
The Christie’s sale represented a full circle moment for the designer’s journey, who had a relationship with the auction house early in his career.
Della Valle was born in Rome and began his foray into jewelry at age 16, designing costume pieces.
He purchased his first gemstone during a trip to Burma in 1976, then met two figures who influenced his journey into the world of fine jewelry—first, renowned gemstone dealer Roger Varenne, who suggested he take the stone to Christie’s, and second, Hans Nadelhoffer, who headed Christie’s jewelry department.
With their encouragement, della Valle worked for Fürst Jewellers in Rome, which dealt with Harry Winston jewels for Roman clientele.
By 1978, he opened a workshop of his own, traveling regularly to Asia to source gemstones and even working with Bulgari on special commissions.
He garnered an important clientele, including film stars and opera singers.
In 1987, della Valle relocated to Geneva and developed his eponymous collection in earnest.
The “Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” auction sold 100 percent by lot and value, garnering a total $799,125.
On the cusp of spring, della Valle’s 65-lot oeuvre with colorful, pastel-hued gemstones like opals, agates, and sapphires felt appropriate for the changing season and Easter holiday.
The Christie’s sale represented a full circle moment for the designer’s journey, who had a relationship with the auction house early in his career.
Della Valle was born in Rome and began his foray into jewelry at age 16, designing costume pieces.
He purchased his first gemstone during a trip to Burma in 1976, then met two figures who influenced his journey into the world of fine jewelry—first, renowned gemstone dealer Roger Varenne, who suggested he take the stone to Christie’s, and second, Hans Nadelhoffer, who headed Christie’s jewelry department.
With their encouragement, della Valle worked for Fürst Jewellers in Rome, which dealt with Harry Winston jewels for Roman clientele.
By 1978, he opened a workshop of his own, traveling regularly to Asia to source gemstones and even working with Bulgari on special commissions.
He garnered an important clientele, including film stars and opera singers.
In 1987, della Valle relocated to Geneva and developed his eponymous collection in earnest.
“We are delighted with the results received for this special online auction dedicated to one of the most vibrant names in jewelry, Michele della Valle,” Caroline Ervin, specialist for Christie’s Jewels, said in a press release
“With a background in opera and the arts, della Valle’s aptitude for creative output knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewelry collectors and fans alike with his bold and colorful creations. His unexpected and whimsical creations offered in our sale were met with enthusiasm from Christie’s clients around the world.”
Of the 65 lots sold, the top was a pair of yellow sapphire, tsavorite garnet, and diamond lemon earrings, which sold for $75,000, though were only estimated to sell for between $7,000 and $10,000.
All in all, the lots sold for 193 percent above their total low pre-sale estimate. See some of the highlights below, and the full sale results online.
These lemon earrings, made of yellow sapphire, tsavorite garnet, and diamonds, sold for $75,000 at the Christie’s “Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” sale. They were the top lot. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
This kunzite and pink sapphire ring, expected to fetch between $4,000 and $6,000, sold for $8,125. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
These carved pink opal, tourmaline, and diamond earrings sold for $10,000, though they were expected to earn between $4,000 and $6,000. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
A pair of turquoise and diamond earrings (pre-sale estimate between $6,000 to $8,000) sold for $20,000. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
The multi-gem and diamond bird earrings earned $15,000, well above their $5,000-$7,000 estimate. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
This emerald and tourmaline brooch (estimated $15,000-$25,000) sold for $37,500. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
These blue zircon and diamond earrings (estimated $3,000-$5,000) sold for $11,875. (Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
