EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
