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
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
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.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 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.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
