AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionAuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’s
Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
“The Rainbow Collection,” a single lot of 300-plus fancy colored diamonds, will be offered at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, scheduled to take place Tuesday in Geneva.
Geneva—A collection of more than 300 loose fancy colored diamonds is coming to Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva Tuesday.
“The Rainbow Collection” features diamonds of varying cuts and sizes in hues spanning the full chromatic spectrum—red, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and grey.
Christie’s said it is one of the “most extensive and conceptually coherent” collections of natural fancy colored diamonds ever created.
The auction houses estimates that it will sell for between $2 million and $3 million.
Each diamond in the collection was chosen for its ability to represent a singular, unrepeatable hue, Christie’s said.
Eddy Elzas, a prominent collector and diamond expert who died in late 2021, assembled the collection.
Elzas got his start as a diamond cleaver and later moved on to diamond trading.
In the 1970s, while working as a broker in South Africa, he was shown a cigar box filled with colored diamonds that had proved difficult to sell because at the time, colored diamonds were considered commercially less valuable than white diamonds.
It sparked his interest, and Elzas became dedicated to sourcing “the rarest hues, the most captivating cuts, and the stories behind each stone,” Christie’s said.
He also taught about colored diamonds at the Gemological Institute of America, where he helped shape future gemologists and influenced the market’s perception of value.
Christie’s said The Rainbow Collection is a symbol of “wonder, elegance, and the pursuit of perfection.”
Related stories will be right here …
“The Rainbow Collection” features diamonds of varying cuts and sizes in hues spanning the full chromatic spectrum—red, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and grey.
Christie’s said it is one of the “most extensive and conceptually coherent” collections of natural fancy colored diamonds ever created.
The auction houses estimates that it will sell for between $2 million and $3 million.
Each diamond in the collection was chosen for its ability to represent a singular, unrepeatable hue, Christie’s said.
Eddy Elzas, a prominent collector and diamond expert who died in late 2021, assembled the collection.
Elzas got his start as a diamond cleaver and later moved on to diamond trading.
In the 1970s, while working as a broker in South Africa, he was shown a cigar box filled with colored diamonds that had proved difficult to sell because at the time, colored diamonds were considered commercially less valuable than white diamonds.
It sparked his interest, and Elzas became dedicated to sourcing “the rarest hues, the most captivating cuts, and the stories behind each stone,” Christie’s said.
He also taught about colored diamonds at the Gemological Institute of America, where he helped shape future gemologists and influenced the market’s perception of value.
Christie’s said The Rainbow Collection is a symbol of “wonder, elegance, and the pursuit of perfection.”
More than 100 jewels will be on offer at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction, including the 9.51-carat Mellon Blue diamond (est. $20 million to $30 million), which once belonged to American horticulturalist and philanthropist Bunny Mellon.
Three notable private collections also will be up for auction.
“A Splendid Casket of Ancestral Jewellery” features ruby jewels from a collection inherited by Helena Violet Alice (née Fraser), Third Countess of Stradbroke (1874-1949).
At the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902, the Countess wore this ruby and diamond tiara (left), which is estimated to achieve $360,000 to $600,000, with this ruby and diamond brooch (right), which is estimated to sell for $1.4 million to $2 million.
A collection of 25 pieces by JAR—the second-largest JAR collection ever to appear at auction, according to Christies—is also a highlight.
A fancy purplish-pink 8.68-carat diamond ring estimated to fetch $2.5 million to $3.5 million is part of the collection.
A ring by JAR featuring an 8.68-carat fancy purplish-pink colored diamond
A diamond-set articulated band depicting a Chinese pagoda and boat within an Oriental Garden, set with caliber-cut emeralds, rubies, and onyx, circa 1925, signed Lacloche Freres No. 65724.
Other highlights include a brooch featuring a 65.46-carat unheated Burmese blue sapphire. Its pre-sale estimate is $2.6 million to $3.8 million.
Also on offer are a Tiffany & Co. Art Nouveau floral brooch designed by Paulding Farnham (est. $110,000 to $150,000) and an Art Deco diamond and gem-set Lacloche Frères bracelet (est. $410,000 to $630,000) unseen on the market for nearly 20 years.
Magnificent Jewels will take place Tuesday at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
