Auctions

Christie’s Holds 2 Sales Despite Cyberattack

AuctionsMay 16, 2024

Christie’s Holds 2 Sales Despite Cyberattack

Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.

202.18 carat fancy intense yellow diamond The Yellow Rose
The 202-carat colored diamond dubbed “The Yellow Rose” led Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale, with a buyer paying $6.7 million for the stone.
Geneva—Christie’s went ahead with two of its Geneva auctions, one for jewelry and one for watches, despite the fact that its website has been down since late last week following a cyberattack

“The Yellow Rose” diamond, pictured above, was the top lot in its “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva. 

The 202.18-carat fancy intense yellow diamond sold for CHF 6.1 ($6.7 million), topping its pre-sale estimate of about CHF 4 million ($4.4 million).

It is the second highest price ever paid for a yellow stone weighing more than 200 carats at Christie’s, the auction house said.

The jewelry sale took place Wednesday at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues and brought in CHF 49.2 million ($54.2 million) total. The auction was sold 97 percent by lot and 98 percent by value.

It was livestreamed on YouTube. 

Registered bidders were instructed to bid in real time on Christie’s Live, its livestreaming platform, accessible via a unique and secure link shared by the auction house’s bids team.

Though its website was unavailable during the livestream, Christie’s noted it saw “deep bidding from a full saleroom, on the phones, and online.” 

As of press time, the site was still down. Visitors are instead redirected to a temporary webpage with contact details and catalogs for upcoming auctions.

“There is nothing better as an auctioneer than a full and engaged sale room, and to achieve such strong results—97 percent by lot and 140 percent of the low estimate—is remarkable,” said Max Fawcett, Christie’s head of jewels for Europe. 

“The market for colored gemstones and signed jewelry is on fire and I could not think of a better way to start the 2024 season.” 

An emerald and diamond brooch belonging to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain sold for CHF 189,000 ($208,089), slightly above its high estimate of CHF 200,000 ($220,000).

Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain emerald brooch
An early 20th century sugarloaf and oval-shaped cabochon emerald and diamond brooch that once belonged to Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain

Another colored gemstone, a 25.20-carat pink sapphire, also stood out, selling for CHF 1.4 million ($1.5 million), tripling its low-end pre-sale estimate of CHF 450,000 ($500,000).

25.20 carat pink sapphire
A 25.20-carat pink sapphire

In signed jewels, a suite of turquoise and diamond “Liberté” jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels sold for CHF 781,200 ($860,101), more than double its estimate of CHF 220,000-320,000 ($250,000-$350,000). 

From Tiffany and Co., a Schlumberger “Hedges and Rows” necklace fetched CHF 1.3 million ($1.4 million), topping its high-end pre-sale estimate of CHF 400,000 ($445,000). 

Several pieces by Cartier also were highlights of the sale, including a diamond, onyx, and emerald “Panthère” clip brooch that sold for CHF 554,400 ($610,395), above its highest pre-sale estimate, CHF 350,000 ($385,000). 

An early Art Deco diamond and onyx brooch from the brand sold for CHF 579,600 ($638,140).  

An Art Deco Clock by Cartier sold for more than CHF 900,000 ($1,050,000) following a half-hour long bidding war, nine times its pre-sale estimate. 

 
Other pieces by Buccellati, Georges Fouquet, Tiffany & Co., Jean Schlumberger, Marina B, Van Cleef & Arpels, Sterlé and JAR also shone, Christie’s said, and signed animal pieces were particularly popular.

Boivin lion brooch
A lion shoulder brooch, circa 1985, signed by René Boivin sold above its estimate for CHF 504,000 ($554,904) to a buyer in the room following about four minutes of heated bidding, Christie’s said.


 Related stories will be right here … 

Christie’s “Rare Watches” sale including timepieces owned by Formula One driver Michael Schumacher took place Tuesday. Christie’s pushed the sale back one day because of the cyberattack. 

It was also livestreamed on YouTube.

The auction achieved a total of CHF 22.8 million ($25.2 million). It offered 164 pieces and was 96 percent sold by lot.

The auction saw the highest price for a wristwatch sold this spring in Geneva, Christie’s said, a vintage Patek Philippe reference 1518 that sold for CHF 2.5 million ($2.7 million).

The watch is one of only 58 made in pink gold and one of 12 with a pink dial, the auction house said.

Patek Philippe ref 1518 pink gold
This 1948 Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 “Pink on Pink” was made for the Latin American market with the weekday and month calendars in Spanish, Christie’s said.

Remi Guillemin, Christie’s head of watches for EMEA and the Americas, said the sale saw strong global participation, particularly from the United States. 

Eight watches from Schumacher’s private collection sold for just under CHF 4 million ($4.4 million). The offerings included timepieces by Rolex, F.P. Journe, and Audemars Piguet.

An engraved F.P. Journe “Vagabondage” gifted to Schumacher by his mentor Jean Todt sold for CHF 1.5 million ($1.6 million).

It was estimated to sell for CHF 2 million ($2.2 million).

Schumacher’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak chronograph, also a gift from Todt, achieved CHF 415,800 ($457,380) against an estimate of CHF 150,000 to 250,000 ($165,000 to $275,000).

Michael Schumacher Royal Oak
Schumacher’s Royal Oak features a bespoke dial with Ferrari’s famous prancing horse emblem, six stars representing each World Championship the driver has won, and Schumacher’s red racing helmet.

Schumacher’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6262 sold for CHF 315,000 ($346,500). 

The timepiece is one of the rarest vintage Rolex Daytonas, Christie’s said, and was in production only from 1970-1972.

Another Rolex Ref. 6262 Daytona also shone. It is thought to be the only one with a “Paul Newman” dial made for the Peruvian Air Force. It sold for CHF 302,400 ($332,640).

Rolex Dayton ref 6262 Paul Newman
This Rolex Daytona may have been made for the Peruvian Air Force, which is believed to have received around 700 Rolex watches between 1962 and the late 1970s.

Though each of the five watches were offered separately, the same buyer purchased Schumacher’s full F.P. Journe ruthenium collection, paying a total of CHF 1.7 million ($1.8 million) for the set.  

“These results demonstrate the passion of international collectors for exceptional timepieces. Our sincere thanks go to our consigners as well as the Schumacher family, who entrusted us with the outstanding property of Michael Schumacher,” said Guillemin. 

Christie’s said the “Rare Watches” sale results continue the success seen in Geneva with its charity sale, Only Watch, which took place earlier in the week.  

It was 100 percent sold, raising CHF 28.3 million ($31.3 million), for medical research. 

The Latest

The Edit – A Gallery of Italian Jewelry Masterpieces Graphic
Events & AwardsOct 17, 2025
An Edit of Italian Jewels Is Coming to NYC

The new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.

Judi Powers Jewelry Stella Earrings
TrendsOct 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Judi Powers Jewelry’s ‘Stella’ Earrings

Take a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsOct 17, 2025
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (2) (1).jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Jeffrey Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
IndependentsOct 16, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Jeffrey Zimmer

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.

Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Oscar Heyman 2025 Holiday Catalog Cover
MajorsOct 16, 2025
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Catalog Is Out, and It’s Spectacular

The holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 16, 2025
Foundrae Adds To ‘United in Love’ Collection

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Kathy Corey
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy Corey

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

Douriean Fletcher Messenger Collection
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MAD

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Logo for Timepieces at Luxury
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
JCK, Luxury to Debut New Watch Section in Vegas Next Year

Timepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Tom Dixon

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher of Shimmer LLC
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2025
Here Are the Winners of the BIJC, JA ‘Emerging Jewelers’ Grant

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.

Cooper Flagg family at Day’s Jewelers
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Day’s Jewelers Crafts Custom Jewelry for No.1 NBA Draft Pick Cooper Flagg

The parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.

Pragnell Kitulo Garnet collection
SourcingOct 14, 2025
Pragnell Debuts Kitulo Garnet Jewelry

The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.

Astrid & Miyu 2025 12-Day, 24-Day, Solid Gold Advent Calendars
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent Calendars

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Front of Marla Aaron porcelain Nymphenburg Lock
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Alisa Bunger Frederick Goldman
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of Sales

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Fabergé Imperial Winter Egg
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

Kessler watch battery recycling program
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

×

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