The top lot at Christie’s New York’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale was the 126.76-carat “Light of Peace” diamond.
New York—Christie’s drew in jewelry lovers with not one but two sales held Wednesday in New York.
Headlining “Magnificent Jewels” was the “Light of Peace” Diamond, which sold within its $10 million-$15 million pre-sale estimated range, garnering $13.6 million.
The 126.76-carat, D-color, internally flawless, Type IIa pear brilliant-cut diamond was offered without reserve.
Originally owned by the Zale Corp. of Dallas, which is now owned by Signet, the diamond got its name when Zales would charge for viewings of the stone to benefit charities.
Put up for auction by a private owner, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the rock will benefit USA for UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency.
This 3.10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring failed to find a buyer at Christie’s New York this week.
A 71.27-carat Burmese “Royal Blue” sapphire set in a diamond pendant fell within its $3 million-$5 million pre-sale estimated range when it garnered $4.6 million.
This Verdura ring in platinum with 2.55-carat fancy intense blue pear brilliant-cut diamond, cushion-shaped Burmese ruby with no indication of heating, and old-cut diamonds sold for $1.8 million.
A 3.10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond ring expected to earn $4.2 million-$5.2 million didn’t fare as well, failing to find a buyer.
A 71.27-carat Burmese “Royal Blue” sapphire set in a diamond pendant fell within its $3 million-$5 million pre-sale estimate when it garnered $4.6 million, as did a Verdura ring in platinum with 2.55-carat fancy intense blue pear brilliant-cut diamond, cushion-shaped Burmese ruby with no indication of heating, and old-cut diamonds. The ring, expected to earn between $ 1.5 million and $2.5 million, and ultimately sold for $1.8 million.
Leading the jewelry auction was a Van Cleef & Arpels “Jarretière” ruby and diamond bracelet.
Actress Marlene Dietrich purchased the piece from VCA in 1937. She wore it in the 1950 Alfred Hitchcock film “Stage Fright.”
Eisenhower acquired the bracelet in 1992.
Van Cleef & Arpels “Jarretière” ruby and diamond bracelet
It sold for $4.5 million, its high-end estimate.
The No. 2 lot from Eisenhower’s estate was a D-color diamond ring weighing 20.54 carats, which went for its low-end estimate, $1.2 million.
The No. 3 lot was a Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond “Cascade” necklace that far surpassed its $500,000-$700,000 pre-sale estimate, ultimately earning $1.2 million.
Christie’s two sales totaled $62 million. They were 97 percent sold by value.
