Auctions

Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from Auction

AuctionsMay 16, 2024

Sotheby’s Withdraws 101-Carat Yellow Diamond from Auction

Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.

The Allnatt yellow diamond
This 101-carat yellow diamond, named “The Allnatt,” was withdrawn from Sotheby’s recent “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” sale.
Geneva—A highlight of Sotheby’s recent Geneva jewelry auction was a 101-carat yellow diamond dubbed “The Allnatt,” but it was withdrawn from the sale.

“The Allnatt” is a 101.29-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond mounted in a Cartier brooch. It had a pre-sale estimate of CHF 5.6 million to 6.5 million ($6.2 million to $7.2 million).

“It has been a privilege to present ‘The Allnatt’ to collectors and connoisseurs over the past few months. Following discussions with the consignor, they have elected to retain this jewel,” Sotheby’s said in a statement to National Jeweler.

The “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” sale, held Tuesday, totaled CHF 31.1 million ($34.3 million) with 90 percent of lots sold, and 96 percent of lots exceeding their lowest estimates.

“This edition of our ‘Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels’ sale was marked by a succession of outstanding results, affirming the continued strength in the market for jewels and gemstones of the finest quality,” said Catharine Becket, head of Magnificent Jewels, Geneva.

North America accounted for the largest percentage of bidders and buyers, said Sotheby’s, followed by Hong Kong and China, then the U.K., Switzerland, India, and Italy.

The sale continues to draw in younger bidders, said the auction house. More than 40 percent of bidders were between the ages of 20 and 49.

Sotheby’s diamond
The top lot of Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction was this 37.61-carat round-cornered square brilliant-cut diamond.


The top lot was a 37.61-carat round-cornered square brilliant-cut diamond, which sold for CHF 3.9 million ($4.3 million), above its pre-sale estimate of CHF 1.5 million to 2.4 million ($1.6 million to $2.6 million).

Sapphires were a standout in the sale, with six sapphires among the top 12 lots, said Sotheby’s.

Sapphire and diamond ring
This 17.29-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring sold for CHF 3.4 million ($3.8 million).


In the No. 2 spot was a 17.29-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire, set in a ring between triangular diamonds.

It sold for CHF 3.4 million ($3.8 million), above its estimate of CHF 500,000 to 800,000 ($553,408 to $885,452).

Sapphire and diamond parure
This sapphire and diamond parure includes a pendant necklace, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, a ring, and a watch.


Sapphire jewels also took the No. 3 spot. Up for sale was a sapphire and diamond parure, including a pendant necklace, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, a ring, and a wristwatch.

The necklace is set with a 51.77-carat sapphire and pear-shaped, brilliant-cut, and tapered baguette diamonds while the bracelet features a 20.77-carat sapphire.

The earrings are set with two oval-shaped sapphires, weighing 8.43 carats and 8.12 carats, while the ring has an 11.59-carat oval sapphire.

The watch features a lapis lazuli dial and is signed “Gérald Genta.”

The set sold for CHF 1.3 million ($1.4 million), above its estimate of CHF 730,000 to 1.1 million ($807,975 to $1.2 million).

Toi et moi diamond ring
A toi et moi ring set with a diamond and a blue diamond


A colored diamond toi et moi ring was the auction’s fourth highest-grossing lot.

The ring is set with a 3.03-carat pear-shaped fancy intense blue diamond and a 2.82-carat diamond of a similar shape, with the mounting pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds.

The ring is signed “Sotheby’s Diamonds by JdG (James Taffin de Givenchy).”

It sold for CHF 825,500 ($913,676), within its estimate of CHF 730,000 to 1.1 million ($807,975 to $1.2 million).

Natural pearl and diamond necklace
This natural pearl necklace has a marquise-shaped diamond clasp.


In fifth place was a natural pearl and diamond necklace, circa 1920. The clasp is set with a marquise-shaped diamond.

It sold for CHF 698,500 ($773,110), within its estimate of CHF 550,000 to 730,000 ($608,748 to $807,975)

 Related stories will be right here … 

Spinel and diamond ring
This ring is set with a 35.25-carat cushion-shaped spinel.


Another notable lot was a spinel and diamond ring, which sold for double its lowest pre-sale estimate and set a new record for a spinel sold by Sotheby’s, the auction house said.

The 35.25-carat cushion-shaped spinel, set between half-moon diamond shoulders, has a maker’s mark for Carvin French, a notable New York jeweler.

The ring sold for CHF 685,800 ($759,884), above its estimate of CHF 320,000 to 500,000 ($354,568 to $554,013)

Cartier flamingo gem brooch
The flamingo brooch by Cartier is set with rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds.



A “Flamant,” or flamingo, brooch by Cartier, circa 1988-1989, was also up for sale. It’s a recreation of the brooch Cartier designed for the Duchess of Windsor in 1940, said Sotheby’s.

“The jewel, offered with the original design drawing, is regarded as one of Cartier’s most iconic designs and is perhaps the only recreation of the original Duchess of Windsor flamingo brooch ever issued by the legendary maison,” the auction house said.

Its plumage is set with calibré-cut rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, while the beak has a blue sapphire and yellow sapphire. Its eye is a blue sapphire while its neck, body, and hinged legs are set with brilliant-cut pavé diamonds.

It sold for CHF 419,100 ($463,866), above its estimate of CHF 100,000 to 150,000 ($110,681 to $166,022).

Aquamarine and diamond parure
An aquamarine and diamond parure


Another parure was also up for sale, featuring a bib necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of ear clips, set with diamonds and aquamarines.

It sold for CHF 533,400 ($591,021), within its estimate of CHF 460,000 to 640,000. ($509,691 to $709,136).

Within the overall jewelry auction was a single-owner collection sale, “Iconic Jewels: Her Sense of Style,” a group of 46 signed jewels owned by an unnamed collector.

All the pieces in the collection sold and it achieved double what Sotheby’s expected.

Bulgari Buddha pendant
A Bulgari “Buddha” pendant, circa 1971


The star piece was a Bulgari “Buddha” sautoir, circa 1971, previously owned by the late Lyn Revson, a 1970s style icon and the former wife of Revlon founder Charles Revson.

The detachable pendant features the Buddha, made of citrines and onyx, accented by buff-top ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds, with a halo of calibré-cut sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds. 

The attached fancy link chain features collet-set cabochon citrines, onyx, and a sapphire. The necklace can be shortened or detached to be worn as three bracelets.

The Bulgari “Buddha” sautoir sold for CHF 660,400 ($731,740), more than six times its lowest pre-sale estimate.

The Latest

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

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

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

2026 Gem Awards logo
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging Designers

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy