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.

012714_C-Article.jpg
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

Benjamin Clymer and the Porsche Design x Hodinkee limited-edition watch
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—Hodinkee

The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.

Gabrielle Grazi
MajorsOct 04, 2024
Hearts On Fire Names Gabrielle Grazi VP of Sales, North America

The industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.

Ray Griffiths Double Headed Snake Ring
CollectionsOct 04, 2024
Piece of the Week: Ray Griffiths’ ‘Double Headed Snake’ Ring

Slither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

 Hurricane Helene
Policies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected Jewelers

Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.

Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Forevermark store Mumbai India
SourcingOct 03, 2024
How India Became the World’s Second-Largest Market for Diamond Jewelry

A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery Charge

Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”

1872x1052-Brought-to-you-By-Article-Image-Top (1).png
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This Fall

Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.

Sheryl Jones
MajorsOct 03, 2024
JA Appoints New Board Director

The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.

Pandora chief marketing officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsOct 03, 2024
Pandora Names 3rd CMO in Past 5 Years

New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.

Assael earrings
TrendsOct 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Arrival

Transition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.

New Lightbox campaign with Emma Breschi
Lab-GrownOct 02, 2024
Lightbox Continues as a Brand, While Supplies Last?

The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth Campaign
CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall Collection

The collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.

Armenian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2024
AJA’s Design Competition Now Accepting Entries

The Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.

Retiring Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to Retire

The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.

Woman wearing many rings
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Kay Jewelers to Revamp Brand

The Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.

JV Insardi Solar Campaign
CollectionsOct 01, 2024
JV Insardi Inspires Curiosity in New Collection

Creative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.

Glenn Douglass Oklahoma Jewelers Association
IndependentsOct 01, 2024
Oklahoma Jewelers Association Grants Lifetime Achievement Award

The recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.

Stuller 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Stuller Celebrates Long-Serving Employees

The manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.

Oscar Heyman emerald ring
AuctionsSep 30, 2024
Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction

The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.

Yvonne Leon Noeud Ring
TrendsSep 30, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Dainty Delights

While statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.

Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2024
JA Fly-In to DC Focuses on Russian Diamonds, Retail Crime

Jewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.

Graphic with headshots for My Next Question 2024 holiday season
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday Season

Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.

Lalaounis Archaeological Revival Necklace
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival

The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.

Woman wearing Rocksbox jewelry
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on Amazon

Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.

Black and white image of Bulova clock
EditorsSep 26, 2024
This New Bulova Documentary Is Perfect for History Buffs Like Me

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.

Marco Bicego Masai Campaign
CollectionsSep 26, 2024
Marco Bicego Adds Stackable Designs to Masai Collection

The new additions include flat coil rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed to layer elegantly.

×

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