MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
AuctionsNov 15, 2017
De Grisogono’s 163-Carat D Flawless Diamond Sells for $33M
The necklace, whose sale sparked a one-man protest over its origin, reportedly set a record with its final price.
“The Art of De Grisogono, Creation I” led the Magnificent Jewels sale at Christie’s Geneva Tuesday, selling for $33.7 million.
Geneva--A necklace set with the largest flawless white diamond to go to auction sold for $33.7 million Tuesday.
“The Art of De Grisogono, Creation I” led Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva, where its hammer price (including buyer’s premium) set a world record for a D flawless diamond, according to Reuters.
The piece features a 163.41-carat D flawless diamond at center, which was cut from a 404.2-carat rough diamond found in Angola and dubbed the “4 de Fevereiro,” or 4th of February, in honor of the country’s independence day.
Over six months, 14 master craftspeople--consisting of eight jewelers, five setters and one engraver--spent 1,700 hours making Creation I by hand, De Grisogono said.
The setting for the 163.41-carat center stone features 399 brilliant-cut diamonds, and the prongs are set with four baguette-cut diamonds.
In addition to the center stone and its accents, the necklace has 18 emerald-cut diamonds ranging in size from 0.48 to 8.10 carats and totaling 48.64 carats; a total of 862 brilliant-cut diamonds accenting these emerald-cut stones, totaling 6.52 carats; and 5,949 brilliant-cut emeralds totaling 38.84 carats accenting 66 pear-cut emeralds that weigh 120.42 carats total. In addition, the clasp of the collar is hidden under a 0.54-carat emerald.
The necklace was the largest D flawless diamond ever auctioned, according to Christie’s.
It also was, because of De Grisogono’s reported ties to Angola, at the center of one gem explorer’s recent, public protests.
Yianni Melas began a hunger strike on Nov. 7 in Geneva, in an effort to raise awareness about the brand’s reported connection to some of the country’s leaders, telling National Jeweler that unless 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the piece were donated back to the country, he would travel to Athens, Greece to continue his hunger strike at the Acropolis.
De Grisogono’s partner, Nemesis International, has said it will donate 1 percent of the hammer price to the foundation Fundação Brilhante, an organization championing social change in the areas surrounding mines in Angola and established by Endiama, Angola’s national mining company. The money will be used to support the construction of a primary school and health center near the Lulo mine.
Melas, meanwhile, confirmed yesterday on his Instagram account that he would now, in fact, continue his boycott in Greece.
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
