SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
AuctionsMar 19, 2021
Christie’s Latest White-Glove Jewelry Auction is Easter-Appropriate
“Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” was full of springtime pastels.
This Michele della Valle blue topaz, aquamarine, ruby, and diamond bunny brooch sold just in time for Easter, fetching $9,375 at Christie’s just-concluded jewelry auction. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
New York—Christie’s latest jewelry auction was a white-glove sale.
The “Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” auction sold 100 percent by lot and value, garnering a total $799,125.
On the cusp of spring, della Valle’s 65-lot oeuvre with colorful, pastel-hued gemstones like opals, agates, and sapphires felt appropriate for the changing season and Easter holiday.
The Christie’s sale represented a full circle moment for the designer’s journey, who had a relationship with the auction house early in his career.
Della Valle was born in Rome and began his foray into jewelry at age 16, designing costume pieces.
He purchased his first gemstone during a trip to Burma in 1976, then met two figures who influenced his journey into the world of fine jewelry—first, renowned gemstone dealer Roger Varenne, who suggested he take the stone to Christie’s, and second, Hans Nadelhoffer, who headed Christie’s jewelry department.
With their encouragement, della Valle worked for Fürst Jewellers in Rome, which dealt with Harry Winston jewels for Roman clientele.
By 1978, he opened a workshop of his own, traveling regularly to Asia to source gemstones and even working with Bulgari on special commissions.
He garnered an important clientele, including film stars and opera singers.
In 1987, della Valle relocated to Geneva and developed his eponymous collection in earnest.
The “Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” auction sold 100 percent by lot and value, garnering a total $799,125.
On the cusp of spring, della Valle’s 65-lot oeuvre with colorful, pastel-hued gemstones like opals, agates, and sapphires felt appropriate for the changing season and Easter holiday.
The Christie’s sale represented a full circle moment for the designer’s journey, who had a relationship with the auction house early in his career.
Della Valle was born in Rome and began his foray into jewelry at age 16, designing costume pieces.
He purchased his first gemstone during a trip to Burma in 1976, then met two figures who influenced his journey into the world of fine jewelry—first, renowned gemstone dealer Roger Varenne, who suggested he take the stone to Christie’s, and second, Hans Nadelhoffer, who headed Christie’s jewelry department.
With their encouragement, della Valle worked for Fürst Jewellers in Rome, which dealt with Harry Winston jewels for Roman clientele.
By 1978, he opened a workshop of his own, traveling regularly to Asia to source gemstones and even working with Bulgari on special commissions.
He garnered an important clientele, including film stars and opera singers.
In 1987, della Valle relocated to Geneva and developed his eponymous collection in earnest.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“We are delighted with the results received for this special online auction dedicated to one of the most vibrant names in jewelry, Michele della Valle,” Caroline Ervin, specialist for Christie’s Jewels, said in a press release
“With a background in opera and the arts, della Valle’s aptitude for creative output knows no bounds. For decades, della Valle has delighted jewelry collectors and fans alike with his bold and colorful creations. His unexpected and whimsical creations offered in our sale were met with enthusiasm from Christie’s clients around the world.”
Of the 65 lots sold, the top was a pair of yellow sapphire, tsavorite garnet, and diamond lemon earrings, which sold for $75,000, though were only estimated to sell for between $7,000 and $10,000.
All in all, the lots sold for 193 percent above their total low pre-sale estimate. See some of the highlights below, and the full sale results online.
These lemon earrings, made of yellow sapphire, tsavorite garnet, and diamonds, sold for $75,000 at the Christie’s “Colorful Whimsy: Jewels by Michele della Valle” sale. They were the top lot. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
This kunzite and pink sapphire ring, expected to fetch between $4,000 and $6,000, sold for $8,125. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
These carved pink opal, tourmaline, and diamond earrings sold for $10,000, though they were expected to earn between $4,000 and $6,000. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
A pair of turquoise and diamond earrings (pre-sale estimate between $6,000 to $8,000) sold for $20,000. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
The multi-gem and diamond bird earrings earned $15,000, well above their $5,000-$7,000 estimate. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
This emerald and tourmaline brooch (estimated $15,000-$25,000) sold for $37,500. (Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
These blue zircon and diamond earrings (estimated $3,000-$5,000) sold for $11,875. (Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021)
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
