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‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17M
It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
The 5.50-carat, triangular-cut “Ocean Dream” diamond became the most expensive fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever sold at auction, selling for more than $17 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale this week.
Geneva—“The Ocean Dream,” a 5.50-carat fancy vivid blue-green diamond, sold for $17.3 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva this week.
It carried an estimate of $8.9 million to $12.7 million.
It was the second auction appearance for “The Ocean Dream,” which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva in May 2014.
The stone is now the most expensive fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever sold at auction.
“It was thrilling to see three international collectors participating in a spirited bidding battle for the final lot of the sale, lasting 20 minutes,” said Max Fawcett, Christie’s global head of jewelry.
The jewelry auction, which was 99 percent sold by lot, totaled $66.5 million.
Of the 87 lots offered, 84 percent exceeded their high estimate.
More than a dozen lots sold for more than $1 million.
The second highest grossing lot was a two-row natural pearl and diamond necklace, which sold for $5.3 million against a high estimate of approximately $1.5 million.
The necklace was followed by two sapphire pieces, both of which sold above their estimates.
It carried an estimate of $8.9 million to $12.7 million.
It was the second auction appearance for “The Ocean Dream,” which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva in May 2014.
The stone is now the most expensive fancy vivid blue-green diamond ever sold at auction.
“It was thrilling to see three international collectors participating in a spirited bidding battle for the final lot of the sale, lasting 20 minutes,” said Max Fawcett, Christie’s global head of jewelry.
The jewelry auction, which was 99 percent sold by lot, totaled $66.5 million.
Of the 87 lots offered, 84 percent exceeded their high estimate.
More than a dozen lots sold for more than $1 million.
The second highest grossing lot was a two-row natural pearl and diamond necklace, which sold for $5.3 million against a high estimate of approximately $1.5 million.
The necklace was followed by two sapphire pieces, both of which sold above their estimates.
A Chaumet ring with a 22.28-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire with no indications of heating
A ring by Harry Winston centering a 76.39-carat oval cabochon sapphire
A royal blue 22.28-carat Kashmir sapphire ring by Chaumet achieved $3.5 million, while a Harry Winston ring set with a 76.39-carat oval cabochon sapphire realized $2.3 million.
Other necklace highlights included a diamond and ruby Boucheron necklace created for the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, which sold for $1.5 million against a pre-sale estimate of approximately $500,000.
Several Cartier pieces also stood out in the sale.
A Cartier multi-gem “Tutti Frutti” clip-brooch realized $1.3 million, while a Cartier Art Deco diamond tiara sold for $894,080.
Additionally, a Cartier sautoir worn in the 1974 film “The Great Gatsby” achieved $568,960, which Christie’s said underscores the continued strength of historically significant jewels with cultural provenance.
This Cartier multi-gem “Tutti Frutti” clip-brooch sold for $1.3 million against a high estimate of approximately $805,000.
A Cartier “Flamingo” brooch that sold above its estimate, achieving $406,400. It was inspired by the original model created in 1940 for the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.
“We are delighted with the results, and the market for top quality jewels and gemstones is exceptionally strong. It was a privilege to present this carefully curated sale from our new rostrum in Geneva, marking 260 years of Christie’s history and celebrating the enduring allure of the finest jewels,” Fawcett said.
Of the bidders at Magnificent Jewels, 41 percent were from Europe, 27 percent were from the Americas and 28 percent were from Asia Pacific.
This included registrants for the sale from eight new countries, with interest coming from 40 countries in total, Christie’s said.
Magnificent Jewels was held as part of Christie’s Luxury Week, which also included the two-part Rare Watches sale, in which a 1990 Cartier Crash London achieved $2 million, a new record for the model.
The Geneva Jewels Online sale remains open for bidding until May 19.
Of the bidders at Magnificent Jewels, 41 percent were from Europe, 27 percent were from the Americas and 28 percent were from Asia Pacific.
This included registrants for the sale from eight new countries, with interest coming from 40 countries in total, Christie’s said.
Magnificent Jewels was held as part of Christie’s Luxury Week, which also included the two-part Rare Watches sale, in which a 1990 Cartier Crash London achieved $2 million, a new record for the model.
The Geneva Jewels Online sale remains open for bidding until May 19.
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