Auctions

Christie’s top 10 jewels of 2013

AuctionsJan 23, 2014

Christie’s top 10 jewels of 2013

Jewelry sales topped $600 million at Christie’s last year, setting a new world record for annual jewelry sales by a single auction house. Read on to review the lots that pushed Christie’s jewelry total over the top in 2013.

Christie’s Rahul Kadakia directing the bidding for the Princie Diamond in New York in April. The diamond was the top jewel of the year for the auction house. (Photo credit: Christie’s Images Ltd.)

New York--When it comes to jewelry, Christie’s had a record year in 2013.

The auction house’s global jewelry sales totaled $678.3 million, the highest annual total ever for jewelry at any auction house worldwide, and the highest annual result ever achieved for jewelry at Christie’s.

The total represents an 18 percent increase over Christie’s 2012 total, and tops its previous highest annual jewelry record of $600 million, which was set in 2011 and included the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, the most valuable sale of jewelry in auction history.

Each one of the auction house’s major sales regions held sales offering some of the most significant diamonds in the global auction market, with six of the year’s top ten jewels sold by Christie’s. Specifically, Christie’s Geneva led the company in jewelry sales with a $228.4 million total.

More than 120 jewels brought in more than $1 million, 14 lots garnered above $5 million and five pieces sold in excess of $10 million.

“Last year, the prices achieved and the records set soared above all previous records and raised the jewelry auction market to an entirely new level. The top ten jewels sold at Christie’s demonstrate jewelry as art--gemstones of such quality they will perhaps only be seen once in a lifetime,” said Francois Curiel, international head of jewelry and president of Christie’s Asia.

Christie’s top ten jewels of 2013, listed by price, are as follows.

1. “The Princie Diamond.” The 34.65-carat, VS2 type IIa cushion-cut fancy intense pink Golconda diamond sold to an anonymous buyer for $39.3 million at Christie’s New York in April.

The stone set a world auction record for a Golconda diamond at auction, and is also the most expensive diamond ever sold at Christie’s and in the United States.

2. “The Orange.” This 14.82-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid orange diamond was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $35.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in November, setting a world auction record for price per carat for a diamond (at $2.4 million per carat) and a world auction record for an orange diamond.

3. “Winston Legacy.” This 101.73-carat pear-shaped D-color flawless diamond sold to Harry Winston, which is owned by the Swatch Group, for $26.7 million at Christie’s Geneva in November.

4. “The Star of China.” Tiffany Chen, vice chairman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., bought this 75.36-carat D-color internally flawless briolette diamond for $11.2 million at Christie’s Hong Kong in November, setting a world auction record for a briolette diamond.

5. A 52.58-carat rectangular-cut D-color internally flawless Golconda diamond. This stone was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $10.9 million at Christie’s New York in December.

6. The Patiño emerald and diamond necklace. Made by Cartier in 1937, this necklace sold to an Asian private buyer for $9.9 million at Christie’s Geneva in November.

7. A seven-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace. Purchased by a private collector for $9 million, this necklace sold at Christie’s Geneva in November.

8. A single-strand natural pearl necklace. With pearls measuring from 10.4 to 13.7 millimeters, this piece sold to an anonymous bidder for $8.5 million at Christie’s Geneva in May, setting a world auction record for a single strand natural pearl necklace.

9. A circular-cut D-color flawless diamond necklace. An Asian private buyer purchased this necklace, comprised of 52 stones weighing a total of 104.84 carats, for $8.1 million at Christie’s Hong Kong in November.

10. A Burmese ruby and diamond necklace. Purchased by an Asian private buyer for $6.4 million at

Christie’s Hong Kong in November, this necklace set a world auction record for a ruby necklace.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM

With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.

Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry Companies

Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson Retires

Johnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.

Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?

Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI

Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and Family

The industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.

CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA Says

At JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.

Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s Dream

It highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.

Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From Gems

Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.

Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant Recipients

Here’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.

TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready Earrings

The designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results

The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022

In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.

Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems

See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.

WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full Year

The new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Amid Uncertainties, India’s Diamond Industry Continues to Adjust

The mood among diamantaires is fairly optimistic despite the challenges brought about by sanctions and a cloudy economic outlook.

Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing Up

The mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Q&A: GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah

Shah talks with National Jeweler about diamond demand, lab-grown, and why it’s difficult to make predictions about the U.S. market.

Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the Earth

Hari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.

TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on Traceability

The educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New Owner

Australian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.

Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award Recipients

They will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.

ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February?

Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.

MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval Jewels

The 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.

Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show Yet

More than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.

SourcingMar 14, 2023
Bonas Group’s Jimmy Gove Joins Opsydia

Gove, who has more than a decade of experience in the diamond industry, is Opsydia’s new sales and marketing director.

×

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