Editor’s Note
This article highlights the continued strength of the high-end diamond market, as demonstrated by Christie’s recent $44.4 million auction. The sale underscores the enduring appeal and investment value of exceptional natural stones.
Christie’s auction house has once again highlighted the vigor of the rare natural diamond market, as well as their undiminished appeal and investment value. The Magnificent Jewels auction, held as part of the prestigious Luxury Week at the Rockefeller Center, energized by bidders present in the room, on the phone, and online, raised the impressive sum of $44.4 million, with 90% of the 144 lots offered being sold.
The star of the sale was undoubtedly the Eden Rose, an intense pink natural diamond of 10.20 carats, round brilliant cut, set in a ring with a magnificent asymmetrical halo of pear-shaped diamonds, which reached the staggering sum of $13.3 million, far exceeding its highest estimate.
Throughout the sale, other natural colored diamonds were subject to vigorous bidding, highlighting the extent of the market’s strength. An exceptional ring featuring a 2.28-carat intense blue natural diamond heart shape reached a final price of $2,107,000; a necklace set with an extraordinary 84.05-carat intense yellow natural cushion-cut diamond was sold above its estimate for over $2 million; and antique-cut yellow diamond earrings along with a ring were sold for over $1.6 million.
Natural colored diamonds were not the only ones in the spotlight. Natural colorless diamonds saw most of their prices reach or exceed their estimates. A pair of magnificent pendant earrings adorned with two natural pear-shaped diamonds, each over 23 carats, was sold for over $1.3 million, and a pear-shaped diamond solitaire of nearly 12 carats shattered its estimate with a final price of over one million dollars.
Natural pearls were not left behind, with several lots far exceeding their estimates. A natural pearl and diamond necklace reached $378,000, shattering its $70,000 estimate, and a pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings were awarded at $277,200, nearly ten times its highest estimate, proof of the boundless recognition we hold for Mother Nature’s gifts.
