Elton John’s Leopard-Print Rolex Roars at Auction
Two Cartier watches also topped their estimates at Christie’s “The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road” evening sale.
The auction, which continues through next week with online sales, features jewelry, watches, clothing, art and memorabilia the superstar singer collected over the years and kept in his condominium on Peachtree Road in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.
Elton John sold the condo, which he bought in the early ‘90s, last fall.
As expected, the top jewelry/watch lot of the sale’s opening night was a circa 1991 Cartier “Crash” watch.
A buyer paid $277,200 for the 24 mm, 18-karat gold timepiece, more than double its highest pre-sale estimate of $100,000.
The singer’s animal-print Rolex Daytona, set with a ring of cognac-colored sapphires and diamond hour markers, sold for $176,400, nearly triple its highest pre-sale estimate of $60,000.
And an 18-karat white gold Cartier “Tank Normale” watch with a baguette sapphire-set dial surrounded by a frame of diamond baguettes blew its $20,000-$30,000 pre-sale estimate out of the water, with a buyer paying $176,400 for the wristwatch.
It also was a record for the model, Christie’s said.
Together, the three watches garnered $630,000 against a high estimate of $190,000 total.
Other jewelry/watch highlights from the auction include Elton John’s diamond necklace featuring the title of one of his ‘70s hits, “The Bitch Is Back,” which sold for $32,760, within its estimated range, and a Cartier ring set with a heart-shaped sapphire.
A buyer paid $132,300 for the ring, more than its anticipated sale price of $50,000 to $80,000.
As anticipated, the top lot was Banksy’s “Flower Thrower” triptych. It sold for $1.9 million, topping its $1 million-$1.5 million estimate.
The auction of items from Elton John’s former Peachtree Road home will continue with a day sale that begins today and closes Friday, and the online portions of the sale, which conclude on Feb. 27 and 28.
One of the online sales, “The Jewel Box,” features more jewelry and watches formerly owned by the singer from brands including Chopard, Hublot, Oscar Heyman, Stephen Webster, and Theo Fennell.
The Latest
John Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
In his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.
An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.
While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
Jérôme Lambert returns as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while Laurent Perves takes the lead role at Vacheron Constantin.
The extravagant gifts in this year’s “A Neiman’s Fantasy” Holiday Book range from a Messika diamond necklace to pavé diamond cowboy boots.
Owners Greg and Lynn Bires are heading into retirement.
From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
The industry veteran is remembered for his faith, his dedication to his family, his wealth of knowledge and his generosity in sharing it.
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2024 holiday trends survey took a 10-year look back to see what mattered to consumers then versus now.
Monique Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers collaborated to create the pieces, which were offered at the recent Baby2Baby gala.
Botswana joins Antwerp as a certification center for rough under the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.
The miner said its November sale, which earned $16.1 million, felt the effect of competitive pricing by a rival Zambian producer.
Mignon Faget honors its hometown of New Orleans with a piece inspired by “The Crescent City.”
The London-based business-to-business diamond and gemstone marketplace just closed on a $51 million round of Series C funding.
“Forever Present” highlights gifting opportunities for natural diamonds, celebrating familial, friendship, and romantic relationships.
Successful email marketing campaigns are all about timing, personalization, and compelling CTAs, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Retail leader Lisa Bridge and geology professor Dr. Wendy Bohrson joined the organization’s board.
Look out for a black bear wearing a purple Santa hat and its zippered tummy pouch made for holding a holiday gift from Ben Bridge Jeweler.
“The William Goldberg Way” was released in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary and 25 years of its proprietary Ashoka diamond.
Fenix and Dholakia Lab-Grown Diamonds have jointly acquired the Israel-based company, which grows diamonds using solar power.
The Danish brand has opened an appointment-only location on Madison Avenue in New York City.
The actor and watch enthusiast will be part of the show’s education lineup.
Step inside the nearly 21,000-square-foot suburban Chicago jewelry store with Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff.
These punk-inspired earrings from the new Canadian brand’s debut collection reveal the alter ego of the classic pearl.
The company brings its nanotechnology to two new fancy cuts for diamonds that feature its signature color and brilliance.
Sponsored by Tasha R