Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Christie’s top 10 jewels of 2013
Jewelry sales topped $600 million at Christie’s last year, setting a new world record for annual jewelry sales by a single auction house. Read on to review the lots that pushed Christie’s jewelry total over the top in 2013.
New York--When it comes to jewelry, Christie’s had a record year in 2013.
The auction house’s global jewelry sales totaled $678.3 million, the highest annual total ever for jewelry at any auction house worldwide, and the highest annual result ever achieved for jewelry at Christie’s.
The total represents an 18 percent increase over Christie’s 2012 total, and tops its previous highest annual jewelry record of $600 million, which was set in 2011 and included the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, the most valuable sale of jewelry in auction history.
Each one of the auction house’s major sales regions held sales offering some of the most significant diamonds in the global auction market, with six of the year’s top ten jewels sold by Christie’s. Specifically, Christie’s Geneva led the company in jewelry sales with a $228.4 million total.
More than 120 jewels brought in more than $1 million, 14 lots garnered above $5 million and five pieces sold in excess of $10 million.
“Last year, the prices achieved and the records set soared above all previous records and raised the jewelry auction market to an entirely new level. The top ten jewels sold at Christie’s demonstrate jewelry as art--gemstones of such quality they will perhaps only be seen once in a lifetime,” said Francois Curiel, international head of jewelry and president of Christie’s Asia.
Christie’s top ten jewels of 2013, listed by price, are as follows.
1. “The Princie Diamond.” The 34.65-carat, VS2 type IIa cushion-cut fancy intense pink Golconda diamond sold to an anonymous buyer for $39.3 million at Christie’s New York in April.
The stone set a world auction record for a Golconda diamond at auction, and is also the most expensive diamond ever sold at Christie’s and in the United States.
2. “The Orange.” This 14.82-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid orange diamond was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $35.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in November, setting a world auction record for price per carat for a diamond (at $2.4 million per carat) and a world auction record for an orange diamond.
3. “Winston Legacy.” This 101.73-carat pear-shaped D-color flawless diamond sold to Harry Winston, which is owned by the Swatch Group, for $26.7 million at Christie’s Geneva in November.
4. “The Star of China.” Tiffany Chen, vice chairman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., bought this 75.36-carat D-color internally flawless briolette diamond for $11.2 million at Christie’s Hong Kong in November, setting a world auction record for a briolette diamond.
5. A 52.58-carat rectangular-cut D-color internally flawless Golconda diamond. This stone was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $10.9 million at Christie’s New York in December.
6. The Patiño emerald and diamond necklace. Made by Cartier in 1937, this necklace sold to an Asian private buyer for $9.9 million at Christie’s Geneva in November.
7. A seven-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace. Purchased by a private collector for $9 million, this necklace sold at Christie’s Geneva in November.
8. A single-strand natural pearl necklace. With pearls measuring from 10.4 to 13.7 millimeters, this piece sold to an anonymous bidder for $8.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in May, setting a world auction record for a single strand natural pearl necklace.
9. A circular-cut D-color flawless diamond necklace. An Asian private buyer purchased this necklace, comprised of 52 stones weighing a total of 104.84 carats, for $8.1 million at Christie’s Hong Kong in November.
10. A Burmese ruby and diamond necklace. Purchased by an Asian private buyer for $6.4 million at
The Latest
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show