Auctions

Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

AuctionsJun 17, 2025

Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry Sale

The top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.

Selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s New York High Jewelry sale
A selection of jewelry from Sotheby’s recent High Jewelry sale, held June 13 in New York. The sale garnered a total of $31.4 million.
New York—Sotheby’s recent High Jewelry sale in New York raked in $31.4 million as bidders vied for big and fancy colored diamonds, colored gemstones, and signed jewelry from private collections.

With 95 percent of lots sold, the sale marked the highest sell-through rate for a various-owner jewelry auction at Sotheby’s New York, said the auction house.

The top lot was a 35.01-carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Graff, which sold for $3.2 million after a three-minute bidding battle, said Sotheby’s, above its estimate of $2 million to $3 million.

“It’s also encouraging to see that the very best white diamonds remain highly desirable, as highlighted by the stunning 35-carat Graff D-color diamond, which captivated all who laid their eyes upon it,” said Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby’s Jewels, Americas and EMEA.

35.01 carat emerald-cut Graff diamond
A 35.01-carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Graff was the top lot at Sotheby’s recent High Jewelry sale.


The ring was part of the “Joie de Vivre: Journey in Jewels” private collection up for sale, which achieved a total of $4.9 million, within its $3.3 million to $5.2 million estimate.

The jewels were gifts from a husband to his wife throughout their 60-plus-year marriage, said the auction house.

“Over the years, the husband became a familiar presence at many of the world’s most storied jewelry houses—including Graff and David Webb—where his thoughtful visits and enduring love for his wife were reflected in every carefully chosen piece,” said Sotheby’s.

Though a big diamond stole the show, the colored gemstones garnered top dollar as well.

JAR emerald and diamond ring
A JAR emerald and diamond ring, set with an 8.62-carat Colombian emerald


A Colombian emerald and diamond ring by JAR, set with an 8.62-carat emerald, sold for $1.6 million, more than twice the high end of its $500,000 to $700,000 estimate.

Kashmir sapphire
A 7.50-carat Kashmir rectangular step-cut sapphire, circa the 1930s


A “superb” Kashmir rectangular step-cut sapphire from the 1930s weighing 7.50 carats sold for $1.4 million, above its pre-sale estimate of $500,000 to $700,000.

“Today’s result is a great continuation for what has already been a phenomenal year for jewelry at Sotheby’s,” said Bruning.

“Much like our High Jewelry sale in Geneva last month, today’s top prices were dominated by exceptional stones of extraordinary color – from the superb emerald and diamond ring by JAR to the mesmerizing 1930s Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring.”

Fancy vivid blue diamond
This 2.02-carat fancy vivid blue diamond sold for $1.8 million.


Several colored diamonds also commanded high prices, including a 2.02-carat fancy vivid blue diamond that sold to an online bidder for $1.8 million, beyond the high end of its $1.4 million to $1.5 million estimate.

A ring set with a 5.02-carat oval-shaped fancy pink diamond sold within its estimate, achieving $1.5 million.

Fancy pink diamond ring
A 5.02-carat oval-shaped fancy pink diamond ring


A 0.47-carat oval-shaped fancy red diamond sold for $177,800, well below its $500,000 to $700,000 estimate, while a set of seven fancy red, purplish red and purple-red diamonds sold for $292,100, within its $250,000 to $450,000 estimate.


Another collection offered at the sale was four pieces from the estate of Emily Vanderbilt Wade, daughter of William Henry Vanderbilt III, former governor of Rhode Island, and great-granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt.

The pieces sold for a combined $2.2 million, the high end of its pre-sale estimate.

The top lot within that collection and the No. 2 lot overall by sale price was a Marcus & Co. necklace, circa 1915, set with a 9.60-carat Burmese ruby. It sold for $1.8 million, within its pre-sale estimate of $1 million to $2 million.


Vanderbilt Wade’s collection also included a Cartier Art Deco diamond bracelet, a René Lalique pendant, and a tassel sautoir.

 Related stories will be right here … 

“We saw remarkable enthusiasm for signed jewelry, with collectors showing appreciation for masterpieces by iconic names such as Schlumberger, Lalique, Suzanne Belperron, and Harry Winston,” said Bruning.

As for the signed jewelry, a selection of six jewels by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. sold for a combined $406,400, above its estimate of $200,000 to $315,000.

Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. enamel and diamond turquoise bracelet
An enamel and diamond bracelet by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.


The star of the group was an enamel and diamond bracelet in an “unusual” shade of turquoise blue, which sold for $107,950, well above its pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.

There were also four Art Nouveau jewels by René Lalique from a collection in Chicago, including a peridot, glass, and diamond “Le Vol de la Pierre” (“The Theft of the Stone”) brooch that sold for $279,400, more than five times its high estimate.

René Lalique peridot brooch
The “Le Vol de la Pierre” brooch by René Lalique


Two "rare" Suzanne Belperron pieces, including a gold, emerald, and ruby ring and a gold and diamond necklace, sold well above their estimates.

There was also a collection of 18 jewels by Harry Winston, which sold for a combined $2.6 million, above its estimate of $985,000 to $1.5 million.

The top lot of the group was a 12.59-carat oval-shaped Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring which sold for $571,500, above its pre-sale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.

Notably, more than half of the lots sold online, with 65 percent of lots selling above their pre-sale estimates.

Visit Sotheby’s website to see the full auction results.

The Latest

Mikimoto Les Pétales Campaign Imagery and Les Pétales Necklace
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into Petals

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium Pricing

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

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.

Diamond Divas Cast
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality Series

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
SMO Golden Gala
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New Foundation

In its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.

Stock image of container ship in port
Policies & IssuesJul 07, 2025
Higher Tariffs Set to Take Effect Aug. 1, Officials Say

The announcement comes just as the 90-day freeze on the “reciprocal” tariffs nears its end, giving countries more time to negotiate.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

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

David Kellie
MajorsJul 07, 2025
Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie To Step Down

Kellie, who joined the organization in 2019, will remain in his role through the end of 2025.

Suspects in Glendale burglary
CrimeJul 07, 2025
7 Suspects Charged in California Jewelry Store Burglary

Police officers apprehended the suspects as they were allegedly attempting to gain entry into another jewelry store.

Ella Klein Internship
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2025
Applications Open for Ella Klein Internship

The program, a collaboration between Julius Klein Diamonds and the Women’s Jewelry Association, is in its second year.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Madison Keys in Brilliant Earth campaign
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New Ambassador

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

Muse Nordstrom shop-in-shop
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry Hall

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-Negative

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.

Yeprem Golden Strada Statement Necklace
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From Yeprem

The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Exterior and entryway of Boucheron’s Los Angeles Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast Flagship

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

Exterior of Marco Bicego Milan Flagship
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan Flagship

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Chrono24 Time Is Our Thing campaign image
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New Campaign

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

Bernadette Mack
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive Director

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Counterfeit Pandora jewelry in bags and boxes
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry Network

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

Cast Issa Rae
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for Relaunch

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

Eve Goldberg, Matthew Denatale, Willie Lopez, Benjamin Goldberg
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship Program

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

Elie Hannoush
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

Claire’s store
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report Says

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Mindi Mond Spike Earrings
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot Rubies

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

×

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