AuctionsMar 25, 2021
Queen Victoria’s Mourning Jewels Find New Life at AuctionAuctionsMar 29, 2021
Take a Peek at All the Big Stones Heading to Auction This Spring
The largest Kashmir sapphire to hit the block, according to Sotheby’s, and several stones weighing more than 100 carats are on offer.
Sotheby’s Geneva’s May Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction will feature two exceptional emeralds: an 80.45-carat step-cut Colombian emerald and a 104.40-carat pear-shaped Colombian emerald.
New York—It’s shaping up to be a great auction season for large stone lovers.
Sotheby’s will have several notable colored gems and diamonds hitting the block at various sales this spring.
The highlight must be a sapphire that will be sold in Geneva in May, which Sotheby’s has called the largest Kashmir sapphire to appear at auction.
The 55.19-carat oval gem is set alongside a 25.97-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond accents in a 1930s brooch formerly in the collection of Maureen Constance Guinness, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava (1907-1998). The lot is expected to sell for between $2 million and $3 million.
The jewel will be part of the house’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva on May 11, where a number of other exceptional jewels will hit the block, including two significant pieces from an important noble collection.
The first is a Harry Winston brooch/pendant circa 1974, set with a 104.40-carat pear-shaped Colombian emerald, estimated to sell for between $1 million and $1.5 million.
A 1930s sapphire and diamond brooch, featuring the largest Kashmir sapphire ever to appear at auction—a 55.19-carat oval gem—and a 25.97-carat cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire (pre-sale estimate between $2 million and $3 million)
At left, an 80.45-carat step-cut Colombian emerald ($2.5 million-$3.5 million) and at right, a 104.40-carat pear-shaped Colombian emerald ($1 million-$1.5 million). Both will be up for auction in Geneva in May.
The sale will also include an 80.45-carat step-cut Colombian emerald and diamonds set in a brooch/pendant estimated to go for between $2.5 million and $3.5 million.
Also heading to the block in Geneva in May is a necklace featuring a 111.73-carat cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire and diamond accents. It has a pre-sale estimate of between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
That auction will also have a Harry Winston necklace with a detachable 126.43-carat cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire and diamond accents that could garner between $1.2 million and $1.8 million.
Related stories will be right here …
Meanwhile, at the Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale on April 15, bidders will have the chance to own an 82.54-carat oval-shaped Madagascar sapphire and diamond necklace.
The lot is estimated to garner between $200,000 and $300,000 but will sell with no reserve, meaning there is no minimum price for it.
Not to be left out is the upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong on April 20, starting with a diamond and rock crystal bangle from Cartier, featuring a 63.66-carat pear-shaped internally flawless, D color, Type IIa diamond (pre-sale estimate between $5.2 million and $8.4 million).
A necklace with a detachable pendant set with a 111.73-carat cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire ($1.5 million-$2.5 million)
Cartier diamond and rock crystal bangle centered on a 63.66-carat pear-shaped D color diamond ($5.2 million-$8.4 million)
Cartier ring centered on a 43.35-carat emerald-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond ($2.39 million-$3.1 million)
The jewelry auction will also offer a Cartier ring set with a 43.35-carat emerald-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond ($2.39 million-$3.1 million) and an unmounted 39.88-carat emerald-cut D color, flawless, Type IIa diamond ($3.9 million-$5.2 million).
The auction house said interest in gems of “exceptional size” is growing to include a wider range of collectors, buoyed by a growing understanding of the scarcity and value of these stones.
To see all lots in the three upcoming Sotheby’s jewelry auctions, visit the websites for the New York sale on April 15, the Hong Kong sale on April 20 and the Geneva auction on May 11.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
