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
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
