“The duPont Ruby” headlined Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in New York City this week, selling for well above its pre-sale estimate.
New York—Christie’s Dec. 11 Magnificent Jewels sale saw “The duPont Ruby” brooch smash its pre-sale estimate.
Estimated to fetch between $3.5 and $5.5 million, the 11.20-carat Burmese ruby, emerald, diamond and pearl brooch ultimately went for nearly $9 million.
The jewel (seen at top) was offered by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, along with “The duPont Emerald” featuring a no clarity enhancement, modified rectangular step-cut 9.11-carat stone. Set in a Tiffany & Co. ring, the piece earned $1.6 million, more than three times its low estimate.
The duPont Emerald
Both jewels originated in the collection of Mrs. Alfred I. duPont. One of America’s wealthiest families, the duPonts made their fortune in gunpowder manufacturing in the 19th century.
Proceeds from the sale of the two pieces will benefit future VMFA acquisitions.
Other notable lots included the above fancy vivid blue round-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut 3.07-carat diamond set in a platinum ring, which earned $3.4 million, and the below 30.14-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, which sold for $3 million, less than its predicted $3.5-$5.5 million estimate.
A couple of notable diamonds fell within their pre-sale estimates, selling for $2 million.
The above Type IIa D-color, flawless rectangular-cut 24.13-carat diamond, flanked by trapezoid-shaped diamonds and set in platinum, earned $2 million, and the below Harry Winston diamond ring featuring a Type IIa D-color, potentially internally flawless, rectangular-cut 23.55-carat diamond center stone went for $2.2 million.
Lalique’s Art Nouveau enamel, glass, diamond and aquamarine pendant necklace, circa 1915 (pictured below), estimated to sell for between $150,000 and $250,000, ultimately sold for $325,000.
The below diamond-encrusted Beats headphones from Graff, meanwhile, realized $110,000, falling within their pre-sale estimate.
Overall, the Magnificent Jewels auction sold 91 percent of lots and 93 percent by value, totaling $67.5 million.
