Auctions

30-Carat Yellow Diamond Fails to Sell in Online Auction

AuctionsMay 22, 2020

30-Carat Yellow Diamond Fails to Sell in Online Auction

The top lot of Freeman’s Jewelry & Watches sale turned out to be a 10.07-carat old European-cut diamond ring, sold for $75,000.

20200515_Freemans-Yellow.jpg
This 29.84-carat radiant-cut fancy-light yellow diamond had a pre-sale high estimate of $450,000. There were no takers at Freeman’s online jewelry auction Thursday.

Philadelphia—Though clients and collectors have been gobbling up jewelry in online auctions of late, one big natural colored diamond failed to find a buyer Thursday.

A 29.84-carat radiant-cut fancy-light yellow diamond set in an 18-karat gold ring and flanked by triangular-cut diamonds weighing 1.45 and 1.43 carats led the online Jewelry & Watches auction at Freeman’s in Philadelphia.

The auction house estimated the stone would garner between $350,000 and $450,000, but the stone ended up going unsold.

Freeman’s watch and jewelry auction featured 125 lots comprised of large diamonds, colored stones, vintage and antique jewels, and signed pieces from makers like Cartier, Tiffany, Rolex, Van Cleef & Arpels and David Webb.

The top lot turned out to be an N color, VS2 clarity 10.07-carat old European-cut diamond solitaire flanked by old European-cut diamonds and mounted in platinum.

It sold for $75,000 (buyer’s premium included), falling short of its pre-sale estimate of $80,000 to $100,000.

This was followed by another diamond solitaire ring that was half the size but better color. The ring featured an E color, SI2 clarity 4.79-carat cushion-cut diamond accented by single-cut diamonds and mounted in platinum (pictured below). 




It sold for $71,875, higher than its pre-sale estimate of between $30,000 and $50,000.

Other notable lots that sold included a diamond and platinum Cartier London bracelet weighing a total of 25.50 carats that went for $53,125, compared with a pre-sale estimate of between $20,000 and $30,000.

There were also two bracelets from Webb’s Animal Kingdom collection—an enamel, diamond, emerald and 18-karat gold elephant bangle that sold for $37,500, and an enamel, diamond, ruby and 18-karat gold zebra bangle that garnered $30,000.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

×

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