Latest news with #RahulKadakia
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sold! The diamond tales of Rahul Kadakia
Born and raised in Mumbai, Rahul Kadakia , international head of jewellery at Christie's, has been surrounded by jewels for as long as he can remember. 'It's in my blood,' he tells ET PanacheLuxury, noting that he's the fourth generation of his family in the jewellery business. 'My uncles still run a store in Bombay and my cousins continue the family tradition. I grew up with these stories.'Kadakia has overseen several landmark auctions, including the sale of the 'Winston Pink Legacy' (a 18.96-carat fancy vivid pink diamond acquired by Harry Winston for more than $50.3 million in 2018) and the 'Blue Belle of Asia' sapphire, which sold for a record $17 million in a conversation, he recalls unforgettable diamonds that have sold — and explains why, in his view, fine jewels might be recession-proof.'We've handled quite a few remarkable pieces through the years — Mughal spinel beads, the Archduke Joseph Diamond, the Princie Diamond (named after the Prince of Baroda), the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue. In 2011, we sold Elizabeth Taylor's jewels. It's been an incredible journey and I hope it's not over yet.''It's not easy. There are many locked doors, armed guards — layers of security. But when you finally get to the exhibition, and you're able to hold and examine a piece, it's a privilege.''The market is always influenced by global events. But with the suspension of tariffs and policy moves aimed at strengthening the [US] economy, we hope for a positive impact.''My mother insists I wear a diamond around my neck. She says, 'Rahul, you're in the diamond business — you must wear one.' So I do. It's small, but I wear it every day. And I believe it brings me luck.'
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Regent Kashmir Sapphire Makes Jewelry History By Reaching $9.5 Million
A Regent Kashmir piece that set a new world record for the per carat price of a sapphire at auction ... More ($271,515 per carat, according to Christie's website, soaring past the previous record of $243,703 per carat, which was for the Jewel of Kashmir sold in 2015 at Sotheby's Hong Kong). On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, an exceptional 35.09-carat Regent Kashmir sapphire made jewelry history at Christie's Hong Kong: it broke the record for price per carat ever fetched for a sapphire at auction. The piece in question achieved $9.5 million, with a colossal per carat price of $271,515 (as per Christie's website). It soared past the previous record of $243,703 per carat, which was achieved by another Kashmir jewel sold in 2015 at Sotheby's Hong Kong. The distinct Regent Kashmir is a unique 35.09-carat antique, unheated and cushion-shaped gemstone—a royal blue Kashmir sapphire. Set in a sapphire and diamond ring, it is mounted in platinum with small round diamonds. A saleroom shot of the International Head of Jewellery at Christie's Hong Kong, Mr. Rahul Kadakia, ... More hammering for this lot According to the Gem Society, sellers at the Tucson Gem Shows have reported that their dealers agree that buyers this year are noticeably calmer, more settled, and less interested in fads. Dealers have also observed that the gem selling the most consistently is the timeless blue sapphire. The London DE Group also state that in the world of luxury and finance, sapphires hold a unique position—not just as one of the most captivating colored gemstones, but also as a valuable investment. Gaia Bespoke Engagement Ring With a diamond-set band that gently tapers to the centre sapphire, the ... More Gaia ring is a treasure of glittering gems. Two diamond clusters frame the centrepiece and elevate your chosen design in a sparkling crown. Available in 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, 18k rose gold and platinum. Known as September's birthstone, and sometimes referred to as the stone of wisdom, these gems are celebrated for their striking blue color and historical significance. Like the ruby, they belong to the corundum family and are considered one of the world's four precious stones alongside diamonds and emeralds. Sapphires come in several colors, including pink, yellow, purple, orange, and green, but are known mostly for their intense blue shade. The blue sapphire is, in fact, often associated with royalty and nobility. Princess Diana's blue sapphire engagement ring, for example, a 12ct oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds and set in white gold, is regarded as one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in recent history. Princess Diana Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The Kashmir Sapphire Mines, located in a remote part of the snow-capped Zanskar Range of the Himalayas, are known for producing some of the finest blue sapphires in the world. The gems were first discovered there in a mine in 1881, following an avalanche in the region. From 1882 to 1887, this mine was the source of the largest and finest stones ever discovered, making these sapphires among the rarest in the world. As explained by Tobias Kormind, managing director and co-founder of 77 Diamonds, Kashmir sapphires are known for their pure cornflower blue and velvety glow, and are highly prized for both their aesthetics and their rarity. He tells me that natural, unheated Kashmir sapphires often command prices above $1 million. Tobias also informs me me that the previous world record holder for price per carat, for a sapphire sold at auction, is the 27.68 carat Jewel of Kashmir that sold for $6.7 million and achieved the price of $243,703 per carat at Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2015; and the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction (The Pink Star) was also sold in Hong Kong for $71.2 million in 2017 by Sotheby's, setting a precedent for significant jewelry sales taking place in the city. A further detail shared with me by Tobias over email is that the Regent Kashmir sapphire's record-breaking price of $271,515 per carat (with a total price of $9.5 million), is a landmark moment for the sapphire market—proof that the rarest gems still command unstoppable power. He tells me that the previous record was $243,703 per carat, for The Jewel of Kashmir, sold in 2015 at Sotheby's Hong Kong and that 'while the region of Kashmir continues to be conflict-ridden, nature's glittering gifts are still there to be discovered'. He adds that when it comes to sapphires, the old property adage holds true: it's all location, location, location. Due to its history, the geographical origin is as important as the quality itself, so, as in this case, you have both a truly royal blue Kashmir sapphire that is unheated, clean and large in size, and you also have something incredibly rare that collectors truly desire. 'Gemstones of this calibre continue to be sought after and go up in value," he concludes. Gaia ring by 77 Diamonds Orion cocktail ring by 77 Diamonds
