Magnificent Jewels Auction Showcases Rare Gems

Sotheby's International Jewellery hosted an exquisite auction of the world's signature jewels, including a rare 100 Karat perfect diamond, capping a six month global tour in preparation for the springtime auction in New York City.

The auction was led by an extraordinary 100.20-carat 'Perfect Diamond' in a classic Emerald-cut, which sold for $22.1 million, the highest price ever achieved for a colorless diamond auctioned in New York.

The Magnificent Jewel Collection held displays in London, Dubai, Hong Kong and in New York City before the showcasing 370 of the most exquisite, rare and stunning pieces in New York City. This sale of Magnificent Jewels reached $65.1 million. 

Other notable lots included the gorgeous Baron de Rothschild Necklace, made by Cartier in the 1920s, that sold for $2.6 million, four Harry Winston jewels from the Spectacular Bid Collection brought $1.3 million in active bidding, and the 35-carat Flagler Emerald, eagerly sought by eleven bidders, soared to $2.8 million.

The Magnificent Jewels collection featured blinding beauty and impressive craftsmanship from a bygone era as combinations of clear and tri-color diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, jade, horn, sapphires, and amethyst set in platinum, gold, silver designed as rings, bracelets, brooches, pins, pendants, earrings, chokers, necklaces, long and short strands were presented.

Provenance, rarity and signed jewels drove the bidding. Also featured was an impressive Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch formerly from the collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon that was designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 

Additional highlights include rare Art Deco jewels from Cartier, a suite of Harry Winston sapphire and diamond jewels, a selection of Art Moderne pieces and numerous top quality fancy colored diamonds and precious gemstones.

Image courtesy of Sotheby's

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