AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sAuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s
The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
This ring featuring a 16.53-carat alexandrite sold for $1.9 million at Sotheby’s on Dec. 11.
New York—A piece of alexandrite jewelry made history at Sotheby’s recent Magnificent Jewels auction.
A ring set with a 16.53-carat oval-shaped alexandrite sold to a buyer on the phone for $1.9 million, more than three times its high-end estimate of $600,000.
It set a record for any alexandrite sold at auction, said Sotheby’s, noting that the gemstone, remarkable for its color-change phenomenon, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
The piece was one of three alexandrite lots on offer, a group described by the auction house as being of “the finest gem quality.” They achieved a combined total of $3.3 million.
A ring set with a 16.53-carat oval-shaped alexandrite sold to a buyer on the phone for $1.9 million, more than three times its high-end estimate of $600,000.
It set a record for any alexandrite sold at auction, said Sotheby’s, noting that the gemstone, remarkable for its color-change phenomenon, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
The piece was one of three alexandrite lots on offer, a group described by the auction house as being of “the finest gem quality.” They achieved a combined total of $3.3 million.
A pair of earrings featuring a 7.69-carat and a 7.38-carat alexandrite sold for $1.2 million against a high-end estimate of $300,000 following a four-minute bidding war.
A 40.52-carat oval-shaped alexandrite (est. $150,000 - 350,000) that sold to an online bidder for $216,000.
Anna Ruzhnikov, a Sotheby’s specialist and head of Magnificent Jewels, said the stones are the finest and largest alexandrites the house has ever encountered.
“The 16.53-carat ring, in particular, is a truly exquisite gem, and its record-breaking price is a well-deserved reflection of its exceptional quality,” she said.
“It’s incredibly exciting to witness alexandrites reaching such remarkable new heights in the market and equally thrilling to see the growing recognition among collectors, who are now embracing these gemstones as not only rare and beautiful but on par with the legendary sapphires, emeralds, and rubies in terms of desirability and value.”
The Magnificent Jewels auction, which took place in New York on Dec. 11, achieved $30 million, with 92 percent of the lots offered finding buyers.
A ring featuring a 10.33-carat untreated Burmese ruby that Sotheby’s called “exceptional and immeasurably rare,” was the auction’s top lot.
This 10-carat Burmese ruby ring was the star lot of Magnificent Jewels.
It sold for $5.5 million after a six-minute bidding battle between two bidders on the phone and one in the room, exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $1 million-$2 million.
In lots featured colored diamonds, a 7-carat fancy intense purplish pink diamond inspired a four-minute bidding war.
In the end, it sold within its estimate for $3.4 million, making it the auction’s second highest-grossing lot.
A 7-carat emerald-cut fancy intense purplish pink diamond
A 3.32-carat marquise-shaped fancy grayish blue diamond that sold above estimate for $720,000
A 5.02-carat fancy orangy pink diamond and diamond ring that sold to an online bidder for $684,000, slightly above its pre-sale estimate
This group of 10 emerald- and square emerald-cut Kashmir sapphires weighing between 1.55 and 3.55 carats sold for $912,000, with six bidders vying for the set.
Also at Magnificent Jewels, Sotheby’s offered a selection of jewels that belonged to beauty entrepreneur and philanthropist Sydell Miller, who died in February.
The auction house said the offering captured the attention of international private collectors.
All 22 pieces in “A Legacy of Beauty: The Collection of Sydell Miller” found buyers, totaling $6 million.
Miller and her husband created two dominant beauty brands, Ardell and Matrix Essentials.
She was a pioneering leader in the beauty industry who, Sotheby’s said, exemplified the power of self-determination and creativity that influenced her approach to collecting jewelry.
Her Graff diamond necklace featuring a detachable 18-carat pear-shaped diamond drop sold above its estimate for $1.8 million.
Miller’s Graff necklace featuring all D-color diamonds
Miller’s custom 21.46-carat diamond ring by Graff features an old emerald-cut diamond that exemplifies her love of bold, statement jewelry, Sotheby’s said.
The jewelry Miller collected, including the Hemmerle earclips pictured here, reflected her daring spirit, confidence and individuality.
A 21.46-carat diamond ring by Graff, the result of years of collaboration with the jeweler to find the right stone, sold for $1.8 million following a nine-bidder chase, the most of any lot in the sale.
An artistic pair of cultured pearl and diamond earclips by Hemmerle also inspired a bidding war, and after a prolonged battle between three phone bidders and two online bidders, the set sold for $96,000, against an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.
In addition to Miller’s jewels, Sotheby’s also sold pieces from the collection of New York socialite Millicent Rogers, the granddaughter of H.H. Rogers, who co-founded the Standard Oil Trust with John D. Rockefeller.
Millicent Rogers’ ruby and diamond brooch by René Boivin consigned directly from her family
A pair of her ruby and sapphire earclips by Suzanne Belperron realized $50,400, soaring above the pre-sale estimate of $8,000 to $12,000, while a René Boivin brooch sold for $456,000, against a high estimate of $120,000.
The auction house said the sales demonstrate continued demand for pieces from the great style icons of the 20th century.
Also notable, a rare pair of earclips by Salvador Dalí that once belonged to Andy Warhol sold slightly above estimate for $84,000.
These earclips by Dalí featuring asymmetrical hearts bordered by clustered round rubies have been exhibited in museums around the world including in Barcelona, Stockholm, Rotterdam, and London. They match a brooch of the same style that also sold at the jewelry auction.
Hundreds registered to participate in Magnificent Jewels, with participants hailing from more than 35 countries.
Of the lots offered, 70 percent sold above their pre-sale estimates and nearly half sold online.
“Following the success of recent sales in Paris and Geneva this fall, we are incredibly proud of today’s strong results, which further underscore the market’s growing confidence and sets a promising tone for our sales in the year ahead,” said Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby’s Jewels, Americas & EMEA.
“The enthusiasm from international collectors translated into strong bidding across the board in clear recognition of the rare and world-class pieces we offered, including the remarkable ruby, as well as the thriving white diamond market.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
