Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips Geneva
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.

The “Argyle Phoenix” sold to Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds, for more than double its estimate, going for CHF 3.8 million ($4.2 million, or $2.7 million per carat).
Phillips said the stone set two auction records for a fancy red diamond, one for price and one for price per carat.

The 1.56-carat stone, sourced from the now-closed Argyle mine in Australia, is the largest known round brilliant fancy red diamond, according to Phillips’ Worldwide Head of Jewelry Benoît Repellin.
The auction’s expected top lot was a 6.21-carat fancy vivid pink diamond set in a ring.
The Type IIa diamond garnered CHF 10.8 million ($11.9 million or $1.9 million per carat), selling within its estimate of CHF 9.5 million to 13.6 million ($10.5 million to $15 million).

Colored gemstones were a highlight of the May 13 sale, “The Geneva Jewels Auction: Two,” which garnered CHF 23.6 million ($26 million) in total.
With 97 lots sold of the 131 lots offered, the auction was sold 74 percent by lot and 86 percent by value.
“We are thrilled with the result of CHF 23.6 million achieved today, building on the success of Phillips' first Jewels sale in Geneva last November,” Repellin said.
“The Geneva Jewels Auction: Two showcased outstanding pieces, notably the exceptional fancy vivid pink diamond ring, fetching CHF 10.8 million, making it the star lot of the season across Geneva auction houses.”
Another standout of the sale was the “The Amazon Queen,” a 280.84-carat emerald, which Repellin said sparked a 30-minute bidding war.
It sold for CHF 2.8 million ($3 million), exceeding the high-end of its CHF 2.4 million ($2.6 million) estimate.

Other colored diamond pieces also sold above their estimates.
A fancy intense yellow and fancy yellow diamond necklace from Harry Winston estimated to go for up to CHF 460,000 ($508,527), sold for CHF 762,000 ($840,410).
A 2-carat fancy intense green diamond also sold above its estimate, fetching CHF 368,300 ($406,198), or $180,000 per carat.
As for other colored gemstones, a ring featuring a nearly 15-carat no-heat sapphire from Burma went for CHF 304,800 ($336,164), more than double the high-end of its estimate.

A ruby and diamond necklace went for CHF 406,400 ($448,219), within its estimate, while a ring featuring an 18.01-carat step-cut sapphire sold for CHF 196,850 ($217,106), more than triple its high-end estimate of CHF 55,000 ($60,877).
Also, a pair of earrings, one featuring a 15.04-carat no-heat Burma sapphire and the other a 13.03 no-heat Ceylon sapphire, sold above its estimate, going for CHF 266,700 ($294,143).
Jewels from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, also did well at the sale.
“We are truly proud of today's achievements and extremely grateful to all the collectors who continue to put their trust in us and to the dedicated bidders who participated— particularly those who journeyed to join us at our new venue in the Hotel President,” said Repellin.
“We eagerly await our next Jewels auction in New York on June 12, where we are excited to carry this momentum forward.”
The Latest

Following visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minster sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.

The “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.

The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.


Take a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.

The one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.

The foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.

The De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”

The Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.

Industry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.

The winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.

Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.