Auctions

3.81-Carat Fancy Intense Blue Diamond Sells for $3M

AuctionsSep 22, 2016

3.81-Carat Fancy Intense Blue Diamond Sells for $3M

The oval-cut stone went above its pre-sale estimate of $1.7 to $2.4 million at Bonhams London’s Fine Jewellery sale Tuesday.

20160922_Oval-Blue-Diamond.jpg
This 3.81-carat fancy intense blue diamond sold for $3 million at Bonhams London Tuesday, making it the top lot of the auction house’s Fine Jewellery sale.

London--A fancy intense blue diamond from a private British collection went above its pre-sale estimate when it hit the auction block in London Tuesday.

The 3.81-carat oval-cut stone, estimated to sell for between $1.7 and $2.4 million, garnered $3 million at Bonhams’ Fine Jewellery sale Tuesday, making it the top lot of the event.

Other notable blue stones finished at the top of the sale, with a pair of late 19th century Kashmir sapphire earrings, weighing 8.97 carats and 8.93 carats, selling for $1.1 million, also going over their pre-sale high estimate of $790,000.

In fact, many lots sold for more than expected, with nine out of the top 10 besting pre-sale estimates.

A marquise-cut 11-carat diamond in a six-claw 18-karat gold setting more than doubled its estimate when it garnered $799,560 (high estimate $330,000); a 13.77-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring from J. Roca went for $393,599 (also a high estimate of $330,000); and an early 20th century bow brooch/pendant set with old brilliant-cut diamonds garnered $151,584 (high estimate $52,500).

A Harry Winston necklace featuring an articulated line of alternating marquise-cut and pear-shaped diamonds sold for $143,777 (with a pre-sale high of $78,700).

The only lot in the top 10 to fall within its pre-sale estimated range was a pair of earrings set with cushion-shaped sapphires weighing 4.16 and 5.01 carats and a border of old brilliant-cut diamonds, which garnered $221,847.

The full list of results can be found on Bonhams.com.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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