Auctions

Christie’s announces record half-year results

AuctionsAug 10, 2016

Christie’s announces record half-year results

Auction house Christie’s is having a record-setting year so far, announcing a 22 percent increase in total sales and noting its 20th consecutive year of auction market leadership in the jewelry sector. 


The $23.8 million sale of the 13.22-carat “Winston Blue” helped Christie’s May 14 auction in Geneva achieve the status of highest total ever for a jewelry auction. Jewelry, watches and wines are among the categories at Christie’s that have
New York--Auction house Christie’s is having a record-setting year so far, announcing a 22 percent increase in total sales and noting its 20th consecutive year of auction market leadership in the jewelry sector.

Christie’s luxury category, which includes jewelry, watches and wine sales, have totaled $455.5 million in the six-month period ended June 30, a 20 percent increase as compared with 2013. 

Colored diamonds have been instrumental in driving up the totals of Christie’s jewelry sales in the first half of the year. 

The largest fancy blue vivid diamond in the world sold for $23.8 million at Christie’s May 14 sale of Magnificent Jewels in Geneva. The diamond’s price brought the auction’s total to more than $150 million and set a new world auction record for a jewelry sale.

RELATED CONTENT: Aided by big blue, Christie’s sale sets new record

Also in May, a 6.13-carat cushion-shaped fancy intense green diamond ring set a world auction word price for a fancy intense green diamond when it sold for $3.6 million. In June, a 5.50-carat fancy vivid pink diamond sold for $9.6 million at Christie’s New York, exceeding its pre-sale high estimate of $7.5 million. 

Christie’s total sales, including for categories outside luxury, have increased to $4.47 billion in the first half of the year, driven not only by an increase in the value of artwork but also through digital engagement and new buyers, the auction house said.

Christie’s launched the Watch Shop earlier this year, an online-only retail model that provides e-commerce consumers with a place to buy rare, vintage and luxury timepieces through a retail store format, rather than as an online auction.

RELATED CONTENT: Christie’s enters retail with online watch store

Christie’s said to date, 33 percent of its Watch Shop consumers are new customers. While the average watch price is around $10,000, the highest price achieved on the digital store is $58,000. 

The Watch Shop also is the most-viewed sale of any of Christie’s auctions or online sales to date in 2014, aiding in the watch category’s 10 percent growth in the first half of the year.

Online-only auctions also continue to attract new buyers and

drive revenue for the auction house, with sales up 87 percent to $14.4 million in the half-year period. 

Christie’s first introduced online-only jewelry sales in 2013, and has held five of these auctions to date, offering pieces from brands including Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. While the jewelry offered is at relatively lower price points as compared with its regular auctions, generally less than $50,000, the company has said the online-only sales have been instrumental in engaging new collectors from around the world.

The highest-grossing piece sold online this year (though not in an online-only auction) is a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring, which went for $2.8 million through Christie’s Live, part of its Magnificent Jewels sale held in Geneva in May.

Geographically, strong results in the first half of the year were recorded by region, with significant activity in the Americas. New York sales are up 31 percent to $1.76 billion, and sales in the EMERI region (Europe, the Middle East, Russia and India) have increased 22 percent to $1.45 billion. 

“Christie’s continued position of leadership is evidenced again in our half-year results. Yet more important is that we are meeting our goal of serving more clients than any other art business globally and at all levels of collecting,” said Christie’s CEO Steven Murphy. 

The Latest

Cashier handing Rocksbox bag to customer
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers Downsizes

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

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.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

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.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

XO Tacori diamond ring
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Collection

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Caryl Capeci Starboard Cruises
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry Shopping

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

Kirk Kara fine jewelry
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New Jewels

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

Gemfields 36 Carat Ruby
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough Ruby

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.

×

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