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

Buccellati jewelry
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Richemont Appoints Van Cleef & Arpels’ Nicolas Bos as New CEO

The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Fiscal-Year Sales Flat

Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.

My Next Question webinar series graphic
Recorded WebinarsMay 17, 2024
Watch: Preparing for Trade Show Success

Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.

Royal Chain gold chains
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.

Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.

The Allnatt yellow diamond
AuctionsMay 16, 2024
Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from Auction

Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.

Weekly QuizMay 16, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMay 16, 2024
The PR Adviser: What the Designer Should’ve Done

Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.

Mothae Diamond Mine Lesotho
SourcingMay 16, 2024
Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine

The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.

Header image w logo.jpg
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire Brands

Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.

The Argyle Phoenix red diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips Geneva

The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 2024 recipients
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2024
See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.

David Mann jewelry store
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 Years

Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.

Brilliant Earth Logan Hollowell jewelry collection
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1

While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.

Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers

The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”

The Yellow Rose and the Allnatt yellow diamonds
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to Auction

Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.

Born Leaders Platinum Born campaign
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New Campaign

The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.

Instappraise Trifold Brochure
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal Offerings

Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.

White, pink, and blue lab-grown diamonds from Lightbox
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%

The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.

Christie’s New York
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed

The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.

Madeleine K. Albright’s Patriotic Leopard Brooch
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | Hindman

The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest winners
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest Winners

Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.

Kimberly Adams Russell
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEO

Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.

Birth of Venus necklace
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ Necklace

As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.

Roberto Coin Fleur de Lis jewelry
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.

The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.

Lauren K Mosaic necklace
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms  

Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.

Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury Store

The company’s Easton location will remain open.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New Chairman

Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.

×

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