CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
AuctionsMar 17, 2017
Pink diamond sells for $83M, sets auction record
A 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond called the “Pink Star” set a new world auction record price for any diamond, gemstone or jewel at Sotheby’s Geneva Wednesday when it sold for $83.2 million.
Geneva--A 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond called the “Pink Star” set a new world auction record price for any diamond, gemstone or jewel at Sotheby’s Geneva Wednesday when it sold for $83.2 million.
The sale of the Pink Dream eclipsed the previous world auction record price of $46.16 million, set in 2010 with the sale of the 24.78-carat “Graff Pink” diamond, purchased and named by diamantaire Laurence Graff.
The auction of the Graff Pink also took place at Sotheby’s Geneva.
“The Pink Star (Dream) is a true masterpiece of nature. Its immense importance was reflected tonight in the strength of the bidding and we are thrilled that the record price it achieved earned it a place in history,” said David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry division in Europe and the Middle East and chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland. “Today’s record sale is a further testimony to the strength and depth of the diamond and jewelry market.”
Overall, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale totaled nearly $200 million, a new world auction record for any jewelry sale. The previous record was set in December 2011 when Christie’s held a sale of jewelry once belonging to the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, bringing in a total of $137.2 million.
Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction sold 92 percent by lot and 97 percent by value.
A number of other world auction records were set Wednesday, beginning with the second highest-grossing lot of the auction, the “Walska Briolette Diamond” brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels. Featuring a 96.62-carat fancy vivid yellow briolette diamond, the lot sold for $10.6 million, a world auction record for a Van Cleef & Arpels piece. It was purchased by an anonymous bidder.
A pair of brilliant-cut diamond earrings boasting D color, internally flawless 23.77-carat and 23.78-carat stones sold to an Asian private buyer for $9.2 million, setting a world auction record for a pair of colorless diamonds.
The “Richelieu Sapphires,” earrings featuring 26.66-carat and 20.88-carat Kashmir sapphires with diamonds, sold for $8.4 million to an anonymous bidder, setting world auction records for sapphire jewels, a Kashmir sapphire and price per carat for a sapphire.
A 114.73-carat Burmese sapphire classified
as a “royal blue” color realized $7.1 million, and set the world auction record for a Burmese sapphire.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
