Christie's Geneva Jewelry Sale Achieves $72 Million With All Lots Sold
6.24-carat deep blue internally flawless diamond fetched $12.7 million, a per-carat auction record ... More for a deep blue diamond. It was purchased by Moussaieff Jewellers
There were plenty of headlines at Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction held Wednesday at the Hotel des Bergues.
First, the auction of 115 lots was a 'white glove' sale meaning that all lots were sold, which is rare during an international jewelry auction. The sale achieved more than $72.3 million with 77 lots selling above their high estimate. Again, a rare achievement.
Second, the top lot was a ring centered with a 6.24-carat fancy deep blue diamond that sold for more than $12.7 million after five minutes of competitive bidding. The potentially flawless gem with VVS2 clarity, sold for more than $2 million per carat, an auction record for a deep blue diamond.
Not only was the sale noteworthy but so was the buyer: Moussaieff Jewellers. The London-based family-owned high jewelry house that caters to Middle East royalty, important politicians, international celebrities and affluent Israelis. It is known for purchasing rare stones at auction. Most notable are the 6.04-carat flawless Moussaieff Blue Diamond and the 5.11-carat Moussaieff Red Diamond, the world's largest known red diamond. Alisa Moussaieff, who co-founded the firm with her late husband, Shlomo Moussaieff, said this diamond will be a fitting addition to the company's private collection.
'Moussaieff is delighted to have purchased the most exceptional blue diamond which has come to the market in recent times,' she said. 'The stone deserved to make a world record price, and it now ranks amongst the finest diamonds in the Moussaieff private collection. We believe that the value of this gem will endure given its rarity and beauty. To purchase such an exquisite gem is something we are very proud of.'
The JAR 'Apricot Blossom' bangle fetched more than $2.8 million
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The Magnificent Jewels auction also featured a private collection of 21 jewels by the renowned contemporary high jewelry house, JAR, headed by American-French artist, Joel Arthur Rosenthal. Named 'A Bouquet of Gems: A Superb Collection of Jewels by JAR,' the collection fetched more than $7.1 million, with some pieces among the top 10 lots of the sale.
This portion of the auction was led by the 'Apricot Blossom' bangle, which was also the fourth highest lot overall. The floral display features round diamonds, reddish orange and yellow enamel, blackened silver, yellow gold and bronze. It fetched more than $2.8 million, more than four times its high estimate.
The JAR 'extraordinary' diamond necklace fetched about $2.8 million
This was followed by a diamond necklace described as 'extraordinary,' by the auction house. It features approximately 16 old-cut and round diamonds set in 18k rose gold and blackened silver. This piece sold for approximately $2.6 million, making it the fifth most valuable lot in the sale.
A Graff ring with a 3.68-carat fancy, vivid blue diamond purchased by Laurence Graff for more than ... More $5.8 million
Christie's said there was strong demand for colored diamonds and colored gemstones throughout the auction, particularly for the vibrant and rare varieties. Among the highlights was a ring by Graff centered with a 3.68-carat fancy, vivid blue oval-shaped diamond. It fetched more than $5.8 million (price per carat: more than $1.5 million). Again, the buyer was notable. It was Lawrence Graff, the owner of the renowned London diamond jeweler. It was the number 2 lot of the sale.
Another highlight was a 10.17-carat Burmese, cushion shaped ruby on an 18k gold ring surrounded by round diamonds. It fetched more than $4.1 million. It was the number 3 lot of the auction.
10.17-carat Burmese fetched more than $4.1 million
The importance of this sale wasn't lost Rahul Kadakia, Christie's International Global head of Jewels.
'Today's sale marked a truly extraordinary and memorable moment in auction history,' Kadakia said in. statement. 'The exceptional JAR collection, along with a remarkable array of exquisite gems, achieved top prices in a packed sale room…. The atmosphere was uplifting as both Christie's and clients enjoyed the moment.'
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