Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
AuctionsApr 04, 2018
‘Circle of Heaven’ Jadeite Bangle Fails to Sell at Sotheby’s
The highlight of the Hong Kong jewelry sale was expected to garner between $10.2 and $12.8 million.
This jadeite bangle was the highlight piece of the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction, but failed to find a buyer on Tuesday.
Hong Kong--Though Sotheby’s called it a “highly important” piece, the “Circle of Heaven” jadeite bangle didn’t find a buyer in Hong Kong.
The rare bangle was expected to sell for $10.2 to $12.8 million at the Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale on Tuesday but failed to reach the reserve price.
The auction house described the piece as having a full, emerald-green color with “fine texture.” It was named as such for its circular form and for the ancient Chinese belief that jade is the “stone of heaven.”
When contacted by National Jeweler for comment, a Sotheby’s spokesperson said that while the jewelry and diamond markets continue to “enjoy solid support” across price tiers, the jadeite market remains price sensitive.
Some of the other notable lots sitting at the top of the pre-auction estimates didn’t sell, including an unmounted D color, flawless brilliant-cut diamond weighing 17.63 carats, expected to sell for up to $2.8 million; a signed Monture Cartier ring featuring a 14.72-carat step-cut Colombian emerald and brilliant-cut diamonds that Sotheby’s thought could sell for up to $1.4 million; and a ring with a 14.18-carat step-cut fancy blue diamond with pink-tinted brilliant-cut diamonds, expected to go for between $5.9 and $7.6 million.
The top lot of the sale turned out to be a ring, pictured below, featuring a cushion-shaped Burmese ruby weighing 24.70 carats, set within a surround of pear-shaped diamonds. The shank is pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds with a pink tint.
It garnered $11 million, falling within its pre-sale range estimate. 
After that, there was a large gap between the No. 1 lot and those that followed.
Falling at No. 2 was a pair of earrings featuring pear-shaped diamonds weighing 13.01 and 12.97 carats hanging from surmounts with 1.03- and 1.01-carat diamonds. They sold for $3 million.
There also was a 30.16-carat cut-cornered rectangular step-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond ring that went for $2.8 million and a 5.01-carat cushion-shaped fancy vivid purplish pink diamond with shield-shaped diamond shoulders that sold for $2.5 million.
A ring with a square emerald-cut fancy vivid orangey-yellow diamond weighing 10.30 carats set between two tapered baguette diamonds garnered $1.4 million.
Tuesday’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite auction sales totaled $48.6 million. For all results, visit Sothebys.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
