MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
AuctionsAug 10, 2016
Sotheby’s first half jewelry sales up 41 percent
Auction house Sotheby’s reported Friday that net auction sales were up 24 percent to $2.7 billion in the first half of 2014, with jewelry sales climbing substantially in the period.
This increase was led by strong performances in Hong Kong and London, which led to an 18 percent increase in auction commission revenues to $403.8 million compared with the prior-year period. Net income also was up during the six-month period, increasing 3 percent to $71.5 million.
Jewelry sales in both the second quarter and first half of 2014 climbed 41 percent, the auction house said.
The top lot for Sotheby’s in the jewelry department during the first half of the year was the storied Hutton-Mdivani necklace, made of 27 jadeite beads of “magnificent green color, excellent translucency, extremely fine texture and majestic proportions,” according to Sotheby’s. It sold for $27.4 million in April, more than double its highest pre-sale estimate.
Other top lots include the 100.09-carat, cushion-shaped VS2 “Graff Vivid Yellow” diamond, which sold for $16.3 million; a 70.33-carat, D color flawless Type IIa cushion-shaped diamond set into a ring, which sold for $14.2 million; and the “Red Emperor Necklace,” set with 60 pigeon’s blood rubies ranging in size from 0.72 to 5.04 carats for a total of 104.51 carats, sold to a private buyer for $9.9 million.
Prior to the release of its first half financials on Friday, Sotheby’s announced a restructuring plan designed to reallocate resources to collecting categories and regions that show the greatest potential for growth and to reduce cost. According to a Sotheby’s spokesperson, some departments will be expanded and new positions created while other areas will see modest staff reductions by the end of the year. It was unclear at press time how many employees would be affected by the restructuring.
Commenting on the company’s first half results, Sotheby’s President and CEO Bill Ruprecht said, “Sotheby’s is seeing success across categories and around the world.”
He added, “The fact that 26 percent of our buyers in the first half of the year were first-time clients shows we are engaging with a new generation of collectors, and that’s exciting. We’re looking forward
to building on the successes of these six months with a number of exceptional sales this fall and with our new eBay partnership that will showcase our New York auctions to an unrivaled global online audience of millions of potentially new collectors.”
RELATED CONTENT: Sotheby’s, eBay partner to offer online auctions
At upcoming sales scheduled for this fall, Sotheby’s will offer property from the collection of the late Rachel Lambert Mellon in a series of auctions in New York. Mellon’s marriage to Paul Mellon, the only son of financier Andrew Mellon, in 1948 united two of America’s most affluent families.
Sotheby’s will auction more than 2,000 individual pieces, including jewelry, from the Mellon’s residences in the United States and abroad that are estimated to have a total value of more than $100 million. Proceeds from the sales will benefit The Gerard B. Lambert Foundation, a charity established by Mellon in memory of her father that supports horticultural and educational endeavors.
In addition, in November Sotheby’s Geneva will present “The Henry Graves Supercomplication.” Made by Patek Philippe in 1933, the clockwatch is making a reappearance in the marketplace 15 years after its record sale to coincide with the brand’s 175th anniversary. The most complicated watch ever made entirely by human hands, it is estimated to sell for more than $16 million.
The Latest
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
