AuctionsDec 06, 2022
Jewels from the Sunken ‘Ship of Gold’ Smash Auction EstimatesAuctionsDec 08, 2022
303-Carat ‘Golden Canary’ Diamond Fails to Sing at Auction
In addition, a 2.08-carat blue diamond did not find a buyer while a 3.24-carat blue from the same collection was pulled from the sale.
The 303.10-carat fancy deep brownish-yellow “Golden Canary” diamond sold for $12.4 million at Sotheby’s New York on Wednesday, compared to a pre-sale estimate of at least $15 million.
New York—The yellow diamond dubbed the “Golden Canary” fell short of expectations at Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale Wednesday while two blue diamonds also did not dazzle.
The 303.10-carat fancy deep brownish-yellow diamond is one of the largest polished diamonds in the world, Sotheby’s said, and the largest flawless or internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
Originally, the stone was cut into a shield-shaped 407.49-carat fancy deep brownish-yellow diamond and called the “Incomparable Diamond,” but was recut to improve its color and shape.
Offered without reserve, meaning with no minimum bid requirement, the auction house expected the stone to sell for at least $15 million.
The final hammer price, however, was only $12.4 million, including buyer’s premium.
All told, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale totaled $50 million, with 81 percent of lots sold.
Many jewels failed to exceed expectations.
There were a few standouts, however, like the 5.27-carat emerald ring from the collection of Mrs. Frank Perdue that was salvaged from a Spanish shipwreck, sold to benefit humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Estimated to earn between $50,000 and $70,000 it brought in a staggering $1.2 million.
Two blue diamonds from a collection of “exceptional” blues, though, again failed to find an audience at Magnificent Jewels.
“The De Beers Exceptional Blues Collection” comprises eight diamonds, two of which Sotheby’s has offered at auction so far.
Earlier this fall, Sotheby’s announced it would sell a collection of eight fancy blue diamonds valued at more than $70 million total at different auctions through 2022 and 2023.
Sourced from the Cullinan mine in South Africa, De Beers and Diacore jointly purchased the original five rough blue diamonds, with the latter cutting and polishing them into the collection of eight stones.
The first of “The De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection” failed to sell at Sotheby’s Geneva in November.
On offer at the New York Magnificent Jewels auction this week was a 3.24-carat cushion brilliant-cut internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond (estimated at $5 million-$8 million) and a 2.08-carat cushion-cut fancy intense blue diamond ($1.2 million-$1.5 million).
One of these stones was pulled last minute, and the other failed to meet its reserve.
A Sotheby’s spokesperson explained, “The 3.24-carat from the De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection was withdrawn prior to the sale following discussions with the consignor and, unfortunately, the 2.08-carat from the same collection did not find a buyer in our salesroom today.
“In no part, however, does this detract from the rarity of the De Beers Exceptional Blue Collection, and we are very much looking forward to presenting the five remaining exquisite gems in the New Year.”
Sotheby’s less-than-stellar sale caps off an interesting auction season full of highs and lows.
At Sotheby’s Hong Kong this fall the 11.15-carat internally flawless fancy vivid pink “Williamson Pink Star” diamond sold for $57.7 million, becoming the second most expensive gem or jewel ever sold at auction.
Christie’s was poised to have its own pink diamond auction moment with the sale of a 13.15-carat VVS1 clarity, potentially Internally Flawless fancy vivid pink diamond at its Magnificent Jewels sale this week, with the stone estimated to earn between $25 million and $35 million.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The Latest
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
