Auctions

'The Orange' fetches $35M at Christie’s

AuctionsNov 12, 2013

'The Orange' fetches $35M at Christie’s

The largest fancy vivid orange diamond in the world at 14.82 carats, “The Orange,” set two world auction records when it sold for $35.5 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva Tuesday.

111413_Orange-Article.jpg
“The Orange” diamond sold for $35.5 million, or $2.4 million per carat, at Christie’s Geneva Tuesday. The stone’s pre-sale high estimate was $20 million.
Geneva--The largest fancy vivid orange diamond in the world at 14.82 carats, “The Orange,” set two world auction records when it sold for $35.5 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva Tuesday. 

The stone set the price-per-carat world record for any diamond sold at auction and a new world record price for an orange diamond.

An anonymous bidder purchased the stone.

“Time and time again, a stone will appear on the market that is truly a miracle of nature. The 14.82-carat orange diamond is one such a stone … which will perhaps only be seen once in a lifetime,” said François Curiel, international head of Christie’s jewelry department. 

“In the sale Tuesday, it soared far above all previous records for any orange diamond ever sold at auction, placing The Orange amongst great pinks and blues, which are traditionally the most appreciated colored diamonds.”

In total, Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction totaled $125.4 million, the highest total ever for a Geneva jewelry auction. It sold 89 percent by lot and 96 percent by value, with 22 of the lots going for more than $1 million.

In addition to The Orange, the sale included jewelry from the collections of the late French socialite Hélène Rochas and Bolivian business tycoon Simón Itturi Patiño. 

An emerald and diamond necklace made by Cartier in 1937, part of the Patiño collection, sold for $9.9 million to a private Asian bidder. 

Other top lots in the sale included a seven-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace, which sold to a private collector for $9 million.

A cushion-shaped sapphire and multi-gemstone “Côte D’Azur” brooch by Asian designer Anna Hu sold to an anonymous bidder for $4.6 million, setting a world auction record price per carat for a Burma sapphire and a world auction record price for a contemporary designer.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Seattle PD image of Menashe & Sons Jewelers following Aug. 14 smash-and-grab robbery
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

DEBEERS_DAY4_DSC_1023-01_1872x1052.jpg
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond Jewelry

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

Is This Love That I’m Feeling event imagery
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History Museum

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

Collage of bug jewelry
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful Jewelry

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Gem Awards 2025 at Cipriani New York
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award Nominees

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Graphic for Jewelers of America’s 2025 State of the Industry webinar
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

Eriness One of One Collection Rings and Necklace
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ Collection

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

Marie Louise’s emerald necklace and earrings stolen in the heist at the Louvre Museum
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

Holiday shoppers in Target
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate Jobs

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry Show

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

De Beers Diamond View Zoom machine with monitor
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument Demo

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

Two brooches stolen in the October 2025 heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Wyld Box Jewelry Ray of Light Large Drop Earrings
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ Earrings

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock pendant
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, Kering

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

Cullinan Diamond Mine plant
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches by Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, Tobias Kargoll
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch History

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & Watches

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

×

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