Auctions

A 73-Carat Yellow Diamond Is the Star of Sotheby’s Spring Jewelry Auction

AuctionsJun 01, 2021

A 73-Carat Yellow Diamond Is the Star of Sotheby’s Spring Jewelry Auction

The fancy vivid yellow “Sienna Star” is in a setting from designer Glenn Spiro.

20210601_Sothebys-header.jpg
“The Sienna Star,” a 73-carat fancy vivid yellow diamond in a setting from G by Glenn Spiro (Image courtesy of Sotheby’s)
New York—Sotheby’s New York has dubbed its spring jewelry auction “The Roaring Twenties 2.0” and it is indeed filled with timeless opulence. 
 
The biggest “Magnificent Jewels” sale draw is a design from G by Glenn Spiro. 
 
“The Sienna Star” is a 73.11-carat fancy vivid yellow, cut-cornered square step-cut diamond, estimated to sell for as much as $3 million, the auction house said. Spiro’s setting features round pavé diamonds and a flexible shank.
 
Ahead of the June 9 live auction, bidders can submit their maximum bids online for any of the sale’s 94 lots. The Sienna Star’s starting bid is $2.2. million.

20210601_Sothebys-1.jpg
Multiple views of “The Sienna Star” (Image courtesy of Sotheby’s)
 
Also on the agenda is a “Distinguished Private Collection” comprising six lots that are being auctioned to benefit a charitable foundation. 
 
In all, they are estimated to sell for $13 million.

 Related stories will be right here …  
Among them is a Harry Winston Colombian emerald and diamond necklace estimated to garner between $1.5 million and $2.5 million; a 13.02-carat Burmese ruby ring mounted by Carvin French expected to earn between $1 million and $2 million; and a necklace by Andrew Clunn set with 28 graduated oval-shaped diamonds weighing more than 168 carats, estimated to sell for $2 million to $3 million. 
 
SEE: A Distinguished Private Collection Being Auctioned for Charity

The mini-collection is rounded out by a 23.59-carat, D-color, internally flawless Type IIa diamond ring expected to sell for between $1.8 million and $2.8 million, and a pair of D-color diamond pendants weighing 27.01 carats and 29.84 carats, estimated to sell for between $1 million and $1.5 million, and $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. 
 
The spring Magnificent Jewels sale dazzles with colorful gems and diamonds. 
 
There’s a Bulgari 25.29-carat Kashmir sapphire ring with bullet diamond side stones, estimated to sell for $2 million-$3 million, as well as a 168.18-carat Ceylon sapphire and diamond necklace expected to fetch between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
 
Magnificent Jewels Springtime Color

A Bulgari 9.27-carat Colombian emerald and diamond ring is expected to garner $500,000-$700,000, and a 3.75-carat, VVS1 fancy intense pink diamond and diamond ring should earn between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
 
The sale also features a notable array of signed jewels from houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, including several splashy mystery-set jewels and a version of the zipper necklace that transforms into a bracelet.

20210601_Sothebys-11.jpg
This Van Cleef & Arpels zipper bracelet in the “Zip Antique Udaipur” style, which also transforms into a necklace, is expected to fetch between $250,000 and $350,000.

The full sale can be previewed online or at Sotheby’s New York from June 4-8, with the live auction taking place June 9.
 
Immediately following the sale, online bidding will open for a single-lot auction of a 50.03-carat, G-color round diamond,  which will be offered without reserve.

The Latest

DeBeeers_Bridal_Display_Dune_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal Reinvigorated

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

Faceting Apprentice gem cutting school
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone Cutters

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Former Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers Board

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy