Pink Diamond Sets Auction Record, Natural Pearls Remain in Demand

8.41-carat internally flawless pink diamond

The jewelry auction market continues to show strength as gems sparkled during sales in Hong Kong and New York. 

Sotheby’s Hong Kong said a world auction record was set for a fancy vivid pink diamond when an 8.41-carat internally flawless pink diamond sold for nearly $17.8 million at its Magnificent Jewels sale on October 7. The internally flawless fancy vivid purple-pink gem is a type IIa diamond, among the most chemically pure with exceptional optical transparency.

According to Sotheby’s, the previous world auction record for a fancy vivid pink diamond and record price per carat for a pink diamond were both achieved by a 5-carat pink diamond that sold for more than $10.7 million, or $2.15 million per carat, in Hong Kong in November 2009.

Per-carat price records were also set for a Cartier Kashmir sapphire ring that sold for $193,975 per carat and for a sapphire and diamond ring that sold for $236,404 per carat.

At Bonhams New York Fine Jewelry auction held October 8, a triple stand natural pearl, gem and diamond necklace (pictured above) fetched $185,000, over three times its high estimate. The piece is completed by a triple pavé diamond flowerhead clasp, enhanced by rubies, emeralds, and sapphires; centered by old European-cut diamonds and a fancy-cut emerald.

The top lot of the evening was a 14.51-carat round brilliant-cut diamond, flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds. 

In addition, a ruby and diamond bracelet designed as a graduated band of oval-cut ruby cluster links, enhanced by round brilliant-cut diamond borders, sold for $161,000; and a ruby and diamond pendant/brooch and necklace signed by M. Gerard where the largest ruby weighed 8 carats, achieved $106,250, soaring past its high estimate of $70,000.

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Designers Use Color in their Luxury Jewelry Creations

LAS VEGAS – Color is one of the early trends at Jewelry Week in Sin City as luxury designers are using a variety of materials to offset their gold, diamonds and platinum jewelry.

For example, Montreal-based designer Claude Thibaudeau uses a rose sapphire to add a touch of color for his new design from the La Royale Collection. This beauty, called “La Vie en Rose,” uses a centered semi-mount diamond accented by a diamond pave on its four prong setting. Then there’s the “floating set” side diamond. It’s available in platinum or 18k white gold and the center diamond is available from 1 ct. to 4 cts.

Meanwhile, Rina Limor, for her Caviar Collection, uses studded gemstones like black onyx and sapphires combined with trendy turquoise and coral gemstones offering what she calls a “mod” look for contemporary women. Pictured is an 18k gold wide cuff bangle with diamonds and a center moonstone.

More to come.