Auctions

‘The Indian Blue’ Diamond Goes for $6.6M at Auction

AuctionsDec 11, 2019

‘The Indian Blue’ Diamond Goes for $6.6M at Auction

But a bracelet set with more than 200 pink and red diamonds failed to find a buyer at Sotheby’s jewelry auction Tuesday.

20191206_SothebysMagnificent-indianblue.jpg
“The Indian Blue,” a Type IIb, 7.55-carat, SI2 cushion-cut fancy deep grayish-blue diamond ring with shield-cut side stones sold for $6.6 million at Sotheby’s jewelry auction Tuesday in New York.

New York—Results were mixed at the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction held Tuesday in New York.

Some large diamonds sold for what was expected while others soared past pre-sale estimates.

Important pieces expected to be top lots failed to sell, and pieces from a contemporary label making its jewelry auction debut went for more than anticipated.

Headlining the sale was “The Indian Blue,” a Type IIb, 7.55-carat, SI2 cushion-cut fancy deep grayish- blue diamond ring with shield-cut side stones.

Sotheby’s estimated the diamond would sell for between $6 and $8 million; it ended up going for $6.6 million Tuesday.




Following the Indian Blue was a 20.16-carat cushion-cut fancy deep brownish-pinkish-orange diamond ring (seen above), which soared above its pre-sale estimate high of $1.8 million, selling for $2.8 million.




The Verdura brooch pictured above, meanwhile, fell within its pre-sale estimate of $1.6 and $2.4 million when it garnered $2.1 million.

Commissioned in 1999, it features a 14.37-carat square brilliant-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond surrounded by cabochon sapphires and colorless diamonds.




The above pair of fancy light brown-pink diamond and colorless diamond Harry Winston earclips from the collection of legendary Fort Worth, Texas philanthropist Nenetta Burton Carter garnered $1.6 million, selling for more than twice their highest pre-sale estimate.




Meanwhile, two top lots didn’t sell at the jewelry auction.

The above “Majestic Pink,” a fancy colored diamond and diamond bracelet features 204 radiant- and marquise-shaped pink and red diamonds totaling 43.34 carats in a setting by Carvin French, was estimated to sell for at least $3 million but found no takers.

A diamond ring featuring a 1.38-carat cushion-cut fancy red diamond center stone was valued at $1.8 to $2.8 million but also failed to sell.




David Michael Jewels, an Australian company headed by twin brothers who produce every piece by hand, made its auction debut Tuesday at Sotheby’s.

Their amethyst, turquoise, spinel and multi-colored sapphire earclips (seen above) were expected to sell for between $20,000 to $30,000 but ended up garnering $37,500 at the jewelry auction.

A brooch featuring portrait-cut aquamarine over an oil-painted depiction of a Koi pond and surrounded by tsavorite garnets and diamonds from the brand also went for more than its pre-sale estimate when it sold for $60,000.

The Magnificent Jewels auction was 82 percent sold by volume and totaled $37.9 million. For a full list of results, visit Sothebys.com.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

TopImageCrop.jpg
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.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

Cast Compass pendant
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

Virginia jewelers at charity ball
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

Common Era Difficult Women Pandora Pendant, Anne Boleyn Signet Ring, Cleopatra Pendant
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in Collection

The ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

American Gem Society Conclave 2026 Orlando logo
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.

Caitríona Balfe on Only Natural Diamonds Spring 2026 Issue Cover
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds Cover

The “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy