Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
AuctionsOct 08, 2020
2 Top Lots Withdrawn, Jadeite Necklace Sells for $8M at Sotheby’s
The 118.88-carat Burmese sapphire touted ahead of the sale didn’t go up for auction in Hong Kong Wednesday.
This top color jadeite necklace was the highest-grossing lot at Sotheby’s jewelry auction in Hong Kong this week, selling for $8.1 million.
Hong Kong—Like almost everything else in 2020, the sale of two jewels expected to go for millions at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong Wednesday didn’t go as planned.
Ahead of the sale, the auction house highlighted one special gemstone it predicted would be one of the top lots: a 118.88-carat unheated Burmese sapphire graded as “royal blue” in color by both the SSEF and Gübelin labs (pictured below).
The rare cushion-shaped stone, which is surrounded by pear-shaped diamonds weighing 16.06 total carats and set in a platinum pendant, was expected to sell for more than $5 million, a spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler when news of its auction was announced.
But the lot was withdrawn ahead of the sale Wednesday, Sotheby’s confirmed. 
Also taken out of the sale was a 4.84-carat fancy vivid blue internally flawless pear-shaped diamond with two brilliant-cut diamond accents, estimated to sell for between $7.2 million and $8.5 million.
Though no official reason was given for the gemstones’ withdrawal, it came just two days after a “perfect” 102-carat diamond underwhelmed at the same auction house in the same city. The giant D flawless stone went for $15.7 million, far less than what similar stones have sold for in recent years.
The top lot of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale ended up being a necklace comprised of 43 jadeite beads of a “highly translucent brilliant emerald green color” weighing approximately 630 total carats and featuring a clasp set with brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds.
It sold for $8.1 million at the jewelry auction.
This was followed by a ring featuring a 5.22-carat fancy intense blue diamond with single- and old European-cut shoulders. It sold for $4.5 million, topping its highest pre-sale estimate of $3.9 million.
The third highest grossing lot was a 6.41-carat unheated Burmese pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond ring (pictured below) designed and mounted by Hong Kong high jewelry house Forms, which sold for $2.8 million.
Coming at No. 4 was a 16.38-carat emerald-cut diamond set between tapered baguette diamonds and mounted in platinum. It sold for $2.5 million.
Among the lots that failed to find a buyer on Wednesday were a pair of earrings featuring pear-shaped and fancy intense blue diamonds expected to sell for as much as $4.6 million and a jadeite bracelet expected to fetch as much as $3.4 million.
The Magnificent Jewels auction was 77 percent sold by lot and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
