The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
5-Carat ‘Ai’ Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Goes For $13.8M
Coming in behind it at No. 2 in Sotheby’s Hong Kong jewelry auction was a 3.37-carat pear-shaped fancy intense blue diamond.
Hong Kong—The 5-carat fancy vivid blue ‘Ai’ diamond was named after the Chinese word for love, and one buyer certainly fell for the stone at auction Wednesday—to the tune of $13.8 million, to be precise.
The VS2 step-cut fancy vivid blue diamond set in an 18-karat white gold ring and flanked with baguette diamonds led the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite jewelry sale, falling within its pre-sale estimate of $12.5 to $15.3 million.
The jewelry auction totaled approximately $40.2 million.
It seemed like blue diamonds were all the rage, with the Ai diamond followed in the results by another stone of a similar color: coming in at No. 2 was an 18-karat white gold ring set with a pear-shaped fancy intense blue diamond weighing 3.37 carats. It sold for $3.1 million.
Just behind that was a ring centered on a step-cut 18.45-carat white diamond between two shield-shaped diamonds and mounted in platinum that went for $2.3 million.
Rounding out the top five were a 4.31-carat cut-cornered square modified brilliant-cut fancy intense purplish pink diamond set between trapeze-cut diamonds and mounted in platinum and 18-karat white gold, which sold for about $1 million, and a ring set with an old European-cut diamond weighing 10.05 carats in 18-karat white gold that went for about $934,000.
The sale also included a number of pieces from Wallace Chan, the first Asian jeweler to exhibit at the Biennale in Paris in 2012, who today can be seen at such major fairs as The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) and Masterpiece in London.
Only one of his works sold at the auction, according to the Sotheby’s website—the earrings pictured above. Featuring tsavorite garnets, brilliant-cut diamonds, jade, emeralds, diamond briolettes and seed pearls, they fell within their pre-sale estimate range when they garnered approximately $88,000.
The auction didn’t sell a tanzanite, chalcedony and diamond ring, expected to garner as much as $230,000, or a pair of earrings featuring conch pearl, various gemstones and diamonds, expected to sell for between $281,000 and $408,000, among other Chan lots.
A number of important jade pieces also didn’t sell Wednesday, including a necklace composed of 51 jadeite beads of a brilliant emerald green color and with “very good” translucency, with a diamond clasp signed Chaumet, and two fine jadeite bangles displaying hues of both lavender and green that were listed separately, with estimates of $665,000-$895,000 and $640,000-$895,000.
To
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
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” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
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.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.