Auctions

Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auction Totals Nearly $59M in New York

AuctionsDec 07, 2022

Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auction Totals Nearly $59M in New York

After a 13-carat pink diamond was pulled ahead of the sale, blue and colorless diamonds reigned supreme.

20221207_Christies-5.jpg
This 2.21-carat fancy intense blue diamond ring was one of the top lots in the Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction held Dec. 6.
New York—After a big pink diamond was pulled prior to the auction, big blue and colorless diamonds reigned supreme at the Dec. 6 Magnificent Jewels sale at Christie’s New York.

The auction was 93 percent sold by lot and totaled $58.8 million.

The top lot of the sale was a necklace set with a 31.62-carat fancy blue pear modified brilliant-cut diamond. It garnered $11.8 million, falling within its pre-sale estimate range.

At No. 2 was a pendant necklace featuring a pear brilliant-cut diamond weighing 86.64 carats and 78 pear diamonds, set in platinum and white gold, which also fell within its estimate when it sold for $5.7 million.

Next up there was a signed Graff brooch centered on a 107.46-carat fancy yellow round-cornered square diamond, with round and baguette-cut diamond accents and set in 18-karat white and yellow gold that sold for $2.6 million.

See: The Top 5 Lots of the NY Magnificent Jewels Auction

Rounding out the top five lots were two platinum rings, one with a 51.60-carat near colorless oval diamond, which went for $2.5 million, and the other with a 2.21-carat fancy intense blue oval diamond, which went for slightly above its pre-sale estimate when it garnered $2.3 million. 

There was also an unmounted 104.04-carat fancy intense yellow modified pear diamond that sold for $2.3 million, and a ring featuring a 5-carat fancy vivid blue modified pear double rose-cut diamond with single-cut diamond accents in platinum that garnered $2.1 million. 

Meanwhile, a Van Cleef & Arpels mystery-set ruby, emerald, and diamond flower brooch more than doubled the low end of its estimate when it sold for $1.2 million, and a circa 1948 diamond palm tree brooch from Cartier, featuring a 13.30-carat round brilliant-cut diamond and marquise, baguette, round, and single-cut diamond accents, sold for $1 million, compared with a pre-sale estimate range of between $500,000 and $700,000. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

A pair of colored diamond earrings—comprised of a fancy deep grayish blue heart shape diamond, fancy intense yellow heart shape diamond, and a colorless heart diamond on one, and a fancy intense purplish pink heart shape diamond, a fancy vivid yellow heart diamond, and a heart shape black diamond on the other—also went for $1.4 million. They were only estimated to sell for $250,000-$350,000.

Had it not been withdrawn from the sale a few weeks ago—Christie’s gave no explanation why—the top lot likely would have been a 13.15-carat fancy vivid pink diamond.

The initial estimate on the VVS1/potentially IF stone was $25 million to $35 million.

To see the full results of the Dec. 6 New York Magnificent Jewels auction, visit Christies.com

The Latest

Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie in Pandora Bridgerton campaign
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Ana Khouri logo
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Stuller’s Color of the Year for 2026, “Signature Red”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s White

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Gracie Abrams Chanel Coco Crush
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry Campaign

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bobbi L. Avery, Jeffery Bolling, Britney Phillips, and Lindsay Salvo
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board Directors

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Pinar Hakim Rainbow Seahorse Pendant, Nue Fine Jewelry Irene Charm, Susannah King Venus Ring
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC Show

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Collage of NationalJeweler.com’s most-read stories of 2025
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Stock image of rough diamonds from Diavik mine in Canada
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

×

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