AuctionsNov 04, 2022
5-Carat Emerald Ring From 400-Year-Old Shipwreck Surfaces for Auction AuctionsNov 09, 2022
‘Fortune Pink’ Falls Short of Lofty Expectations at Auction
Estimated to sell for $25 million-$35 million, the 18.18-carat fancy vivid pink diamond went for $28.8 million.
The 18.18-carat fancy vivid “Fortune Pink” diamond went up for auction at Christie’s Geneva Tuesday, selling for $28.8 million against an estimate of $25 million to $35 million. It was sold mounted in a platinum and 18-karat rose gold ring flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds.
Geneva—The “Fortune Pink,” the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond ever brought to auction, did not bring as much fortune as expected Tuesday at Christie’s Geneva.
The estimated sale price for the 18.18-carat diamond, a modified pear cut, was $25 million to $35 million, and its auction appearance came just one month after the record-breaking sale of another fancy vivid pink diamond, the “Williamson Pink Star” at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
That diamond, a 11.15-carat fancy vivid pink diamond, had a pre-sale estimate of $21 million, well below its ultimate $57.7 million sale price.
While CBS News described a “tense bidding war” for the “Fortune Pink” among three telephone bidders at auction, the final sale price for the VVS2 stone was $28.8 million, at the low end of its estimated range.
A private buyer from Asia purchased the diamond.
The estimated sale price for the 18.18-carat diamond, a modified pear cut, was $25 million to $35 million, and its auction appearance came just one month after the record-breaking sale of another fancy vivid pink diamond, the “Williamson Pink Star” at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
That diamond, a 11.15-carat fancy vivid pink diamond, had a pre-sale estimate of $21 million, well below its ultimate $57.7 million sale price.
While CBS News described a “tense bidding war” for the “Fortune Pink” among three telephone bidders at auction, the final sale price for the VVS2 stone was $28.8 million, at the low end of its estimated range.
A private buyer from Asia purchased the diamond.
This 41.36-carat square emerald-cut D-color, potentially internally flawless diamond ring set in platinum and signed by Graff sold for $3.8 million at Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale.
A diamond riviere necklace from the collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock sold for nearly $900,000. It features a 10.33-carat pear brilliant-cut diamond, old-cut diamonds weighing 7.02 and 4.80 carats, and 4.18 carats of circular brilliant-cut diamonds.
This circa 1930s signed Bulgari necklace from a royal family sold for $511,779. It features three strands of graduated natural and cultured pearls, old- and baguette-cut diamonds, and a rectangular-shaped green doublet.
The Fortune Pink was sold as part of Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction.
Other highlights from the sale included a 41.36-carat diamond ring from Graff ($3.8 million), and a diamond riviere necklace from the collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock ($882,816)
Four jewels from what Christie’s described as a “European Princely Family” sold for a total $1.4 million.
The highlight was a Bulgari Art Deco natural and cultured pearl necklace. A wedding gift from Prince Gaetano of Bourbon-Parma to his wife, Princess Margarete of Thurn and Taxis, it sold for $511,779.
In total, Magnificent Jewels earned $57.3 million, with the sale of the Fortune Pink accounting for half of that. The auction sold 96 percent by value and 87 percent by lot.
Related stories will be right here …
Other highlights from the sale included a 41.36-carat diamond ring from Graff ($3.8 million), and a diamond riviere necklace from the collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock ($882,816)
Four jewels from what Christie’s described as a “European Princely Family” sold for a total $1.4 million.
The highlight was a Bulgari Art Deco natural and cultured pearl necklace. A wedding gift from Prince Gaetano of Bourbon-Parma to his wife, Princess Margarete of Thurn and Taxis, it sold for $511,779.
In total, Magnificent Jewels earned $57.3 million, with the sale of the Fortune Pink accounting for half of that. The auction sold 96 percent by value and 87 percent by lot.
The Magnificent Jewels sale was part of Christie’s “Luxury Week,” which also included two watch auctions and a sale of rare wines in Geneva, as well as an upcoming auction of art from the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen in New York.
“Legendary and Unique Watches” took place Nov. 6, totaling $31.7 million and selling 100 percent by lot.
The top lot was a sapphire and titanium Richard Mille RM56-01, which sold for $3.6 million.
“Rare Watches” was Nov. 7 and totaled $23.9 million, selling 99 percent by lot.
The top lot was a circa 1969 Rolex “Lemon Paul Newman Daytona,” ref. 6263, which sold for $3.5 million.
More on Auctions
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
