Auctions

‘The Rock,’ the Biggest White Diamond Ever Put Up for Auction, Sells for $22M

AuctionsMay 12, 2022

‘The Rock,’ the Biggest White Diamond Ever Put Up for Auction, Sells for $22M

The 228-carat stone came in at the low end of its estimated range while “The Red Cross Diamond” exceeded expectations at $14.3 million.

20220512_Christies1.jpg
“The Rock,” a 228.31-carat near colorless diamond, sold for within its pre-sale estimate when it garnered $21.9 million at Christie’s Geneva this week. (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
Geneva—The largest white diamond to ever appear at auction is also now one of the most expensive.
 
On Wednesday, “The Rock,” a 228.31-carat, G-color, VS1 clarity, pear-shaped diamond, sold for $21.9 million at Christie’s Geneva Wednesday, coming in at the low end of its $20-$30 million pre-sale estimated range.

It sold for $96,000 per carat. It is the fifth most expensive white or colorless diamond in auction history.
 
It falls behind the 163.41-carat, D-color, flawless “The Art of De Grisogono, Creation I” diamond, which fetched $33.7 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2017; the 112.28-carat, D-color, flawless oval-shaped diamond that sold for $30.8 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2013; the 101.73-carat, D-color, flawless pear-shaped “Winston Legacy,” which sold for $26.7 million at Christie’s Geneva in 2013; and the 100-carat, D-color, flawless emerald-cut diamond sold at Sotheby’s New York in 2015 for $22.1 million. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Also appearing at Wednesday’s sale was “The Red Cross Diamond,” a fancy intense yellow cushion-cut diamond with VS2 clarity weighing 205.07 carats, which ultimately sold for $14.3 million, or $70,000 per carat, topping its pre-sale estimate by about $4 million.
 
The stone with a fascinating history was estimated to sell for between $7.5 million and $10.7 million.

Christie’s said the Red Cross Diamond, which it has put on the auction block three times in a century, set a world auction record for a fancy intense yellow diamond. 
 
A “significant” portion of its sale will benefit the Red Cross, though the auction house would not disclose the exact amount. 
 
“For nearly half a century, our family has had the privilege of safeguarding the Red Cross Diamond. Since it was first brought to market in 1918, the legacy of this symbol of humanity has always been the support of communities ravaged by war, famine and other hardships endured by people across the world,” the stone’s anonymous consigner said in a statement shared via Christie’s. 
 
20220512_Christies2.jpg
The Red Cross Diamond (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)

“At this moment in history, we honor the call others have made before us. A significant share of the proceeds will be donated to the great institution whose name it bears as we acknowledge the tireless efforts of the volunteers of the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
 
International Head of Christie’s Jewelry Rahul Kadakia added: “It was a privilege to present this legendary stone, which was first sold at Christie’s in 1918 as part of the Red Cross Appeal. 
 
“Over a century since that first sale, the diamond sold after 11 minutes of competitive bidding for ($14.3 million), a world auction record for a fancy intense yellow diamond. We are delighted that a significant share of the proceeds will benefit the humanitarian efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
 
20220512_Christies3.jpg
The Furstenburg Tiara (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)

Other high-performing jewels at Christie’s Geneva included the “Furstenberg Tiara,” a 19th century natural pearl and diamond tiara that demolished its $400,000 to $600,000 pre-sale estimate when it sold for a whopping $2.4 million.

20220512_Christies4.jpg
25.2-carat, D-color, potentially IF rectangular-cut diamond ring by Harry Winston (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
A 25.2-carat, D-color, potentially IF rectangular-cut diamond ring by Harry Winston sold for $2.4 million, or $94,000 per carat, just over its $1.8-$2.2 million estimate.

20220512_Christies5.jpg
Cartier's Art Deco bracelet (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
An Art Deco diamond bracelet from Cartier was the next highest-earning jewel, selling for $2.2 million, within its pre-sale estimate, followed by a 40.41-carat Colombian emerald and diamond necklace attributed to Harry Winston that also fell within its estimated range when it sold for $2.2 million.

20220512_Christies6.jpg
40.41-carat Colombian emerald and diamond necklace by Harry Winston (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
Rounding out the sale was a 17.8-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring by Chaumet estimated to earn $450,000-$650,000 but ultimately garnered $1.9 million, or $103,000 per carat.

20220512_Christies7.jpg
17.8-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring by Chaumet (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
A 16.93-carat, VS2 clarity, fancy light purplish-pink cut-cornered rectangular diamond ring fell within its $1.6-$2.2 million estimate, selling for $1.8 million, or $103,000 per carat.

20220512_Christies8.jpg
16.93-carat, VS2 clarity, fancy light purplish-pink cut-cornered rectangular diamond (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
Next, a sapphire and diamond necklace by Reza expected to fetch $250,000-$350,000 sold for $1.5 million.

20220512_Christies9.jpg
Sapphire and diamond necklace by Reza (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
The final of the auction’s top 10 lots was a 7.14-carat ruby and diamond ring that sold within its pre-sale estimate for $1.2 million, or $160,000 per carat.

20220512_Christies10.jpg
7.14-carat ruby and diamond ring (Image courtesy of CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2022)
 
In all, Christie’s Geneva’s jewelry auction sold 92 percent by lot and 98 percent by value. Full results are available online.

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy