Auctions

Sotheby’s to Offer Rare VCA Necklace, ‘Lavender Dream’ Diamond

AuctionsMay 23, 2024

Sotheby’s to Offer Rare VCA Necklace, ‘Lavender Dream’ Diamond

A tie necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels and a pinkish purple diamond are highlights of the upcoming New York jewelry auction.

Van Cleef & Arpels tie necklace
Sotheby’s expects the piece to sell for as much as $1.2 million.
View Slideshow
Editor’s note: This story has been updated post-publication to clarify the list of the categories that are excluded from Sotheby’s new fee structure.

New York—A natural pinkish purple diamond is one of the top lots of Sotheby’s New York auction next month, but it may be a rare Van Cleef & Arpels piece from the 1920s that steals the show.

The “Lavender Dream” is a 3.36-carat oval-shaped fancy intense pinkish purple diamond that will be up for auction at the “Magnificent Jewels” sale on June 7.

“Few have had the unique privilege of witnessing a purple diamond,” the stone’s accompanying GIA monograph states.

“Natural purple coloration in diamond is exceedingly rare, making the ‘Lavender Dream’ diamond a truly exceptional specimen.”

Sotheby’s Lavender Dream purple diamond
A fancy intense pinkish purple diamond named the “Lavender Dream”


Set in a ring with diamond side stones, the “Lavender Dream” is estimated to sell for $1 million to $1.5 million. 

Other colored diamonds that are part of the “Magnificent Jewels” sale include a 2.82-carat fancy intense blue-green diamond (est. $500,000 to $700,000), a 0.73-carat fancy purplish red diamond (est. 400,000 to $600,000) and a 1.41-carat fancy vivid green-blue diamond (est. $350,000 to $550,000). 

Among the additional sale highlights is a necklace by David Morris composed of graduated oval-shaped diamonds interspersed with pear-shaped and marquise-shaped diamonds and set with cushion-cut Kashmir sapphires with no indications of heat. 


 

Another sapphire piece, a Cartier ring from the 1930s, also will be offered. 

It features a 14.51-carat Kashmir sapphire with no indications of heat, and Sotheby’s estimates it could sell for up to $1.2 million. 

From Van Cleef & Arpels, the diamond tie necklace created in 1929 is estimated to fetch up to $1.2 million.

The brand conceived several designs of this style in the mid-1920s through the early 1930s, a period during which Van Cleef & Arpels was regarded for its innovation, Sotheby’s said.


Van Cleef & Arpels diamond tie necklace 1929
A Van Cleef & Arpels diamond tie necklace, circa 1929


The pieces manufactured in this style were long pendants or tassels that could be worn at the front of a dress, like a cravat, or draped asymmetrically over one shoulder.

It provided the framework to showcase geometric-shaped diamonds characteristic of the Art Deco movement. 

The style also can be interpreted as an evolution of the shoulder brooches created by Parisian jewelers at the time, Sotheby’s said.


Van Cleef & Arpels diamond tie necklace 1929
The Van Cleef & Arpels tie necklace being offered as part of Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale is composed of graduated links set with diamonds of various cuts, and the elongated tassel motifs rotate in part for various types of wear.


By the mid-1930s tastes had changed, with consumer preferences shifting to shorter bib styles and collars.

Tie necklaces seem to have been discontinued by 1935, the lavish nature of them such that only a handful of examples were ever made.

“It is exceedingly rare to find a Van Cleef & Arpels tie necklace and the example offered here is the first of its kind to come to auction in the recent times,” Sotheby’s said.

A celebrity jewel will also be up for sale at the jewelry auction, a 7.46-carat emerald and diamond Van Cleef & Arpels ring that once belonged to Hollywood icon Ava Gardner (1922-1990).


Ava Gardner Van Cleef & Arpels emerald ring
Ava Gardner’s ring, signed VCA, featuring an octagonal emerald weighing 7.46 carats, framed by diamonds


Gardner, a screen legend known for films including “The Barefoot Contessa” in 1954 and “Night of the Iguana” in 1964, had a highly refined selection of jewelry, Sotheby’s said. 

She prided herself on sourcing gemstones on her own and recalled finding the Colombian emerald in Los Angeles and later having it mounted in a ring by Van Cleef & Arpels New York in 1961. 

Gardner parted with several of her pieces at Sotheby’s New York in 1989, and when she died the following the year, the rest of her collection—including this emerald and diamond ring—was offered at Sotheby’s London. 

The ring is estimated to go for $420,000 to $520,000. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The “Magnificent Jewels” auction will be the among the first to feature Sotheby’s new simplified commission structure, which will see buyers’ fees reduced by 26 percent, the auction house said.

Effective as of May 20, the auction house has lowered its buyer’s premium rates and removed overhead premium for all Sotheby's auctions globally, excluding cars, real estate, wine and spirits.

The fees are “by a significant margin, the lowest in the industry,” Sotheby’s said, and make it simple for buyers to calculate their total purchase price. 

Prior to transitioning to the new rates, the auction house polled tens of thousands of clients on how the changes will affect their bidding.

It said 90.6 percent of respondents said they will bid higher because of the reduced buyer’s premium.

See more of the lots featured in the upcoming “Magnificent Jewels” auction on Sotheby’s website

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

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

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

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

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

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

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

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

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

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

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

×

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