“The Blue Lagoon,” a 93.94-carat Paraíba tourmaline, was set to be the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline ever to come to auction, but it was withdrawn prior to the sale.
Geneva—Sotheby’s jewelry auction went on as planned Wednesday in Geneva, minus one exceptional gemstone.
Sometime before its highly anticipated sale, the 94-carat Paraíba tourmaline known as “The Blue Lagoon” was withdrawn from the sale.
The stone was set to be the largest top-quality Paraíba tourmaline ever to come to auction, according to Sotheby’s.
It was estimated to sell for 1.3 million-2.5 million CHF, or $1.4 million-$2.7 million.
This 93.94-carat Paraíba tourmaline dubbed “The Blue Lagoon” was withdrawn from Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction held Wednesday in Geneva. It was set in a bespoke high jewelry necklace by 130-year-old European Maison Adler Joailliers, which crafted the necklace specifically for The Blue Lagoon.
“‘The Blue Lagoon’ is an exceptional stone; however, the lot was withdrawn prior to the sale following discussions with the consignor,” Sotheby’s told National Jeweler Wednesday.
The auction house did not elaborate on the decision.
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Despite the absence of The Blue Lagoon, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale went on to garner 41.8 million CHF ($46.5 million), within its estimate range of 37.9-58.1 million CHF ($42.1 million-$64.6 million).
“Sapphires from Sri Lanka soared well past expectations, bringing many multiples of their pre-sale estimates, while white diamond solitaire rings performed particularly well, solidifying their position as the cornerstone of the industry,” said Catharine Becket, Sotheby’s head of Magnificent Jewels, Geneva.
“For those with an eye for design, it was clear that high-impact jewels from the 1980s in particular, are very much in the air du temps, with Italian firms Bulgari and Marina B grabbing the spotlight.”
This sapphire and diamond ring “Alpha Baguettes” by Marina B, circa 1986, sold for $98,800, above its estimate of $22,200-$44,400.
Marina B’s diamond, enamel and gold demi-parure “Ecume” and a pair of “Japan” ear clips, circa 1980s, sold for $67,800. The estimate was $31,000-$51,000.
Titled “Kashan,” this ruby, diamond, and onyx parure is comprised of a choker, a bangle, and a pair of ear clips by Marina B, circa 1980s. It sold for just over $169,000, topping its estimate of $61,000-$100,000.
A gem set and diamond parure from Bulgari, comprising a sautoir, a pair of ear clips and a ring, circa 1980s, sold for $106,000. Its estimate was $53,000-$72,000.
Other highlights from the sale include the 103.62-carat “Love Stone,” a natural fancy intense yellow diamond set in a ring, which sold for nearly $2.5 million (about $24,000 per carat), within its estimate of $2 million-$4 million.
The “Love Stone,” a 104-carat natural fancy intense yellow diamond, sold for nearly $2.5 million
Another fancy vivid yellow diamond set with emerald and diamond in a ring circa 2012 by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Titled “Kallima,” a name derived from a genus of butterflies native to Southeast Asia, sold for $960,000, well above its estimate of about $400,000-$510,000.
The piece was commissioned by a collector.
Several other pieces of emerald jewelry achieved prices above their high estimates, including a rare gem set and diamond demi-parure, “Drapery” by Cartier, circa 1958.
The set comprises a Mughal-inspired necklace and a pair of ear clips. It sold slightly for $508,000, slightly above its estimate.
This Mughal-inspired gem set and diamond demi-parure from Cartier sold for more than $500,000.
A 19.03-carat Kashmir sapphire estimated to sell for $1 million-1.5 million apparently did not find a buyer.
However, several other blue-hued gems, including Ceylon and Kashmir sapphires, set in jewelry sold above their estimates.
A pair of fancy intense blue and fancy deep blue diamond earrings sold for more than $1 million, outdoing their estimate of $510,000-$710,000.
This pair of blue diamond earrings sold for more than $1 million.
This ring featuring a 4.42-carat natural green diamond with VS2 clarity sold for $1.8 million ($410,900 per carat).
Another colored diamond, a 4-carat fancy intense green diamond ring, saw heated bidding, eventually selling for $1.8 million, within its pre-sale estimated range.
