Auctions

Christie’s Partially Resuming In-Person Jewelry Auctions in New York

AuctionsJul 22, 2020

Christie’s Partially Resuming In-Person Jewelry Auctions in New York

You can visit this 116-carat diamond estimated to sell for $5 million to $7 million at Christie’s Rockefeller Center location, but you can’t bid on it in person.

20200722_Christies-header.jpg
This pear-shaped diamond is expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million at Christie’s New York’s Magnificent Jewels Sale next week.

New York—Like most of the world, Christie’s went virtual this spring due to the global pandemic, breaking a record for most expensive jewel to be sold at an online auction in the process.

Now, following its in-person Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale, Christie’s New York is dipping its toe back into live jewelry auctions next week, with some significant caveats.

Christie’s is foregoing in-person bidding at its July 29 Magnificent Jewels sale but still allowing for absentee and telephone bids.

Real-time bidding is also available online through Christie’s Live. All manners of bidding require at least 24-hour advance registration.

Interested parties may peruse lots in person prior to the sale, however, by making an appointment during July 25-28 viewing hours.


There they can spy the lot leading the Magnificent Jewels sale—a diamond necklace, pictured at top of article and above, featuring a 115.83-carat, F color, VVS1 pear-shaped diamond, valued at $5 million to $7 million.


Other white diamonds of particular import are the above ring with a 25.22-carat, VVS2, D color, pear-shaped diamond valued at $1.5 million to $2.5 million, and the below ring with 15.20-carat heart modified brilliant-cut diamond.


Colored diamonds are also expected to garner some buzz. A ring with 7.16-carat, internally flawless, fancy intense blue diamond (seen below) is expected to go for between $3.5 million and $5 million, while a ring with 33.65-carat, VS2 fancy intense yellow diamond is estimated to fetch between $525,000 and $625,000.


Leading the colored gemstone lots are a ring with 42.45-carat Burmese sapphire ($350,000-$550,000), a 35.77-carat Colombian emerald ring ($300,000-$500,000), and the below Art Deco sapphire and diamond sautoir by Bulgari ($650,000-$850,000).


A number of private collections will be on offer featuring signed pieces from the likes of Belperron, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdura.

The Estate of Pauline Ireland features over 50 lots, most notably a Verdura beryl, yellow sapphire and cultured pearl brooch estimated to sell for $10,000 to $15,000 and a Cartier Art Deco ruby and diamond jabot brooch expected to fetch $15,000-$20,000.

The Collection of James and Marilyn Alsdorf most notably offers a single-stone pear-shaped diamond ($100,000-$150,000), while The Collection of Gloria Manney features Van Cleef & Arpels black opal, colored diamond and diamond fish brooch ($50,000 to $70,000).


A 16.79-carat Colombian emerald ring is the most expensive lot offered from The

Property of a Texas Collector, with a $200,000 to $300,000 estimate. Four lots from JAR, meanwhile, including a pair of diamond and colored diamond “Trellis” earrings (seen above), expected to sell for between $150,000 and $200,000, come from The Property of a Lady.

Christie’s Hong Kong, Alrosa, Diamonds Do Good and designer Anna Hu recently worked together to raise more than $300,000 in an auction benefitting families impacted by the pandemic, and the New York sale will feature an important piece from the designer.

From a private collection, the one-of-a-kind “Sky Tower” necklace” combines Chinese cultural influences with a nod to Western architecture.

The necklace (rendering pictured below) features a detachable brooch set with jadeite plaque and resembles French architect Jean Nouvel’s 53 West 53 building in New York City.


The Magnificent Jewels sale will take place at Christie’s Rockefeller Center Galleries on July 29.

Additionally, Christie’s latest Jewels Online sale kicks off today, July 22, and concludes Aug. 6 and 7, depending on the lot.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Rendering of renovated Orloff Jewelers store
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better Location

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

Chelsea Gabrielle Momentum Infinite Ring
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 Applications

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Simon G CEO Zaven Ghanimian
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry Design

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

Robert Pattinson Jaeger-LeCoultre
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand Ambassador

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Sydney Evan Little Love Open Coin Fixed Necklace
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New Collections

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Arnaud Michon
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of Americas

Arnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.

Glitter in the Grove Logo
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Charlotte Fournet and Krizia Cucurachi
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOs

Former Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.

Anne Marie Shulman
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA Global

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Levinger & Bissenger silver floral pendant
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Jessica McCormack South Coast Plaza California Store Exterior
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast Store

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

×

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