CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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.
“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
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
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.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
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.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
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.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
