Auctions

Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

AuctionsJun 18, 2025

Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
The 10-carat Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond dating back to the 18th-century and set into a modern ring by JAR (left) and “The Blue Belle” necklace featuring a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire (right) were the top lots of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction this week.
New York—Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, held Tuesday in New York, achieved $87.7 million, with every lot finding a buyer.

The result marks the highest total ever recorded for a various-owner jewelry auction at Christie’s in the Americas, with colored gemstones drawing significant attention.

Headlining the sale was the historic “Marie-Thérèse Pink,” a 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond believed to date to the mid-18th century. 

Set in a modern ring by JAR, it sold for $14 million, nearly three times its highest estimate of $5 million, and set new auction records for a fancy purple-pink diamond and for a JAR jewel.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond
This antique 10.38-carat fancy purple-pink kite-shaped brilliant-cut diamond was set in a ring by Parisian jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal (JAR), which Christie’s said transformed it into “a contemporary masterpiece, imbued with centuries of royal history, elegance, and intrigue.”


The diamond is rumored to have been belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette and included in the jewels passed down to her only surviving child, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Angoulême, and later to her niece, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Chambord.

Generations later, a will named Queen Marie Theresa of Bavaria as the diamond’s next known owner, Christie’s said. 

The jewel was presented in a velvet case containing a hat pin bearing the Austrian Imperial Warrant, likely dating to 1868. Queen Marie Theresa referred to the jewel as “a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord.” 

The jewel was last seen at a 1996 auction in Geneva, offered by a member of a European royal family. It had remained out of public view until it came up for auction at Christie’s this spring.

Another star of the sale was “The Blue Belle” sapphire and diamond necklace, which sold within its estimate for $11.3 million.

Blue Belle sapphire
The Blue Belle, the 393-carat Sri Lankan sapphire at the heart of this necklace, features a “luminous intensity,” Christie’s said.


The piece features a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire discovered in 1926.

It was acquired in 1937 to be presented to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in celebration of King George VI’s coronation, but it never entered the royal collection. 

It passed through several distinguished owners, Christie’s said, until reappearing at a 2014 Geneva auction.

“This season’s results highlight the tremendous demand for jewels of exceptional rarity, provenance, and craftsmanship,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry.

“In addition to the regal splendor of the Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and the Blue Belle sapphire, private collections and superb jewels were met with enthusiastic and competitive bidding driven by our team’s passionate expertise.”

Signed jewels performed exceptionally well, the auction house said.

Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond shoulder brooch
A Cartier shoulder brooch, circa 1924


A Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond bracelet achieved $831,600, more than twice its high estimate of $300,000, while a Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond shoulder brooch sold for $340,200.  

Also, a Harry Winston diamond pendant necklace with more than 20 carats of diamonds sold for $2.4 million against an estimate of $1.4 million to $1.8 million. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Offered from a royal collection, the three-piece curation “Magnificent Mughal Jewels: Property from a Royal Collection” achieved $14.8 million, led by a carved emerald necklace, which sold for $6.2 million.

The 470-carat emerald at the center is inscribed with the name Ahmad Shah Durr-I Durran, founder of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan and northwest India (18th century). This inscription also appears on the Timur Ruby and the Koh-I-Noor diamond

 
 
The seller’s proceeds from these three jewels will benefit notable charitable causes, Christie’s said.

The auction also featured several private collections, each “distinguished by connoisseurship and excellence,” the auction house said.

“Color and Ingenuity: The Collection of Lucille Coleman,” a curation of jewelry that belonged to the philanthropist and New York society figure who died last June, achieved a total of $7.4 million.

The top lot was a Van Cleef & Arpels “mystery-set” ruby and diamond flower brooch, which sold for $1.6 million against a high estimate of $600,000, a new world record price for a “mystery-set” jewel sold at auction. 

Van Cleef & Arpels “mystery-set” ruby and diamond brooch
The Van Cleef & Arpels “mystery-set” ruby and diamond brooch from Lucille Coleman’s collection


The Coleman collection featured nine “mystery-set” pieces in total, one of the most significant groups of jewels in the category ever to appear at auction, according to Christie’s.

Proceeds will benefit the charitable institutions Coleman supported throughout her life.

The “Jewelry Collection of Anne H. Bass” totaled $8.8 million, led by a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pendant earrings, which sold for $2 million.

The arts patron and collector was celebrated for her refined taste, and this curation of her jewels from her personal collection—assembled with discernment and passion over decades—achieved “remarkable results,” Christie’s said.

Her JAR sapphire, emerald and diamond necklace, sold for $1.5 million against a pre-sale estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.

Jewelry Collection of Anne H. Bass JAR emerald necklace
This JAR necklace, circa 1991, from the Anne Bass collection features drop briolette emeralds, faceted sapphire beads, round diamonds, platinum and 18-karat white gold.


The 26-piece offering featured 11 pieces by JAR, one of the “finest private assemblages” of jewels by the designer, Christie’s said. 

The auction house said that overall, the Bass collection represents one of the “most impeccably curated” private jewelry collections to appear on the market, featuring the best examples of other famed houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and Cartier.  

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