Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
This 88-Carat Oval Diamond Could Sell for $12M
The flawless D-color stone leads the Sotheby’s Hong Kong jewelry auction on April 2.

Hong Kong—This spring, Sotheby’s Hong Kong will put an oval diamond it calls “perfect according to every critical criterion” on the auction block.
On April 2, an 88.22-carat, D-color, flawless, Type IIa oval brilliant diamond will lead Sotheby’s jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
The stone is estimated to garner between $11.2 and $12.7 million.
The cut diamond came from a 242-carat rough uncovered at the Jwaneng mine in Botswana, which is owned in partnership by De Beers and the government of Botswana.
In addition to its rarity, the diamond could be significant to Hong Kong buyers for other reasons.
The number eight is considered lucky in China and other Asian cultures (the pronunciation of “Ba” in Chinese sounds similar to the word “Fa,” meaning to make a fortune), and also is a symbol of perfection and eternity. In its duality—88—it is thought to bring good wishes.
There also is a visual resemblance between 88 and a Chinese character (囍), meaning double joy, a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters.
News of Sotheby’s offering the 88.22-carat oval follows several years of landmark sales for the highest quality, rarest white diamonds at jewelry auctions.
In April 2018, Sotheby’s retail arm sold a 102.34-carat white diamond to a private collector that set a per-carat price record (the final sale price wasn’t disclosed).
The following month, two flawless D-color Type IIa diamonds weighing 51.71 carats and 50.39 carats sold at a Geneva jewelry auction for $9.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
In November 2017, Christie’s Geneva sold a 163.41-carat diamond that was also D color, flawless and Type IIa for $33.7 million.
The Latest

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.


Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.