AuctionsMay 13, 2021
The 100-Carat ‘Spectacle’ Diamond Sells for $14M AuctionsMay 26, 2021
The 15-Carat ‘Sakura’ Purple-Pink Diamond Sells for $29M
Christie’s said it was a record for a purple-pink diamond at auction.
The 15.81-carat “Sakura” diamond sold for $29.3 million at Christie’s on May 23, which the auction house said was a record price at auction for a purple-pink diamond.
Hong Kong—The final price of many top lots in Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong fell within pre-sale estimate ranges, including one purple-pink diamond that got a lot of attention ahead of the sale.
The 15.81-carat “Sakura” diamond, called the largest purple-pink flawless diamond ever sold at auction, sold for $29.3 million at the May 23 jewelry auction, or about $1.9 million per carat.
Christie’s said its final hammer price was a world record at auction for a purple-pink diamond.
The stone, named for the Japanese word for cherry blossom, was expected to fetch between $25 million and $38 million.
This necklace featuring a 50.05-carat briolette diamond and pear and circular rose-cut diamonds sold for $2.7 million.
A 31.17-carat fancy vivid yellow square emerald-cut diamond ring with circular-cut diamond accents garnered $2.2 million.
This necklace featuring Colombian emeralds—rectangular and square-cut stones weighing between 6.03 and 2.06 carats—and rectangular-cut diamonds went for $2.1 million.
This pair of earrings dubbed the “Green Jewels” garnered $2 million at the auction. They comprise Muzo emeralds weighing 7.32 and 6.46 carats and Argyle pink diamonds around the halo and on the back as seen in this illustration from artist Hannah Fagerström Day.
This ring centered on an antique cushion-shaped Burmese ruby weighing 6.04 carats and pear- and circular-cut diamonds garnered $1.8 million.
The second highest selling lot in the jewelry auction was a 4.19-carat fancy vivid pink heart modified brilliant-cut diamond set in a platinum ring with pear-shaped brilliant-cut accent diamonds, which went for about $6.5 million at current exchange rates.
This was followed by a 50.05-carat diamond briolette necklace that sold for $2.7 million, a 31.17-carat fancy vivid yellow square emerald-cut diamond ring that garnered $2.2 million, and a Cartier emerald and diamond necklace that went for $2.1 million.
Related stories will be right here …
There was also a pair of Muzo emerald and Argyle pink diamond earrings that sold for about $2 million (compared with a $1.5 million pre-sale high), a 6.04-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring that garnered $1.8 million, and a heart-shaped modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 20.88 carats set in a ring that went for $1.5 million.
The top 10 highest earning lots were rounded out by a 20.02-carat fancy brownish orangey-pink oval modified brilliant-cut diamond ($1.5 million) and a 12.55-carat round brilliant-cut diamond ring ($1.4 million).
Magnificent Jewels totaled $76.8 million, which Christie’s said is the highest total for the category at the auction house in four years.
To see the full results, visit Christies.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
