Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Christie’s Selling Largest D-Color Diamond Ever Offered at Online Auction
The nearly 29-carat diamond will headline the Jewels Online sale next month.

New York—Auction houses have pivoted jewelry and watch sales online due to COVID-19, and Christie’s is pushing the envelope with its most valuable lot yet.
The auction house announced a 28.86-carat D-color, emerald-cut, VVS1 Type IIa diamond will headline its Jewels Online sale next month.
It’s estimated to earn between $1 million and $2 million and is the largest D-color diamond to be offered at auction online, according to Christie’s.
“As the jewelry auction market leader for over 26 years, our team continues to strategically innovate and bring to market the very best jewels for our clients,” said Christie’s International Head of Jewelry Rahul Kadakia.
“This year has presented unprecedented circumstances, enabling Christie’s new opportunities through our enhanced digital platform. Year-over-year, we have seen an increase in online participation and the value threshold for transacting online. Recognizing greater client confidence, we are proud to announce the highest valued lot ever to be offered for sale in our June 2020 Jewels Online auction.”
Christie’s pointed to several figures to indicate the demand for jewelry online, like the February sale of Graff ruby and diamond hoop earrings that sold for $187,500, which had a pre-sale estimate low of only $8,000.
An April online sale sold 99 percent by lot and boasted “unprecedented online engagement,” with 99 percent new visitors compared to April 2019. Actual new buyers were about 39 percent.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jewels online sale concluded May 8 achieved the highest total for a Christie’s online jewelry sales in the region, earning $1.38 million.
Christie’s said it will continue holding an online jewelry auction each month. The Jewels Online sale, in which the 28.86-carat will be featured, is happening from June 16 to 30.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

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

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.