CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
AuctionsMay 17, 2017
‘Apollo’ and ‘Artemis’ Set an Auction Record for Earrings
The fancy vivid blue and fancy intense pink diamonds sold for $57.4 million at Sotheby’s on Tuesday.
The most valuable pair of earrings to ever hit the auction block, the Apollo Blue and the Artemis Pink sold for a total of $57.4 million at Sotheby’s Tuesday.
Geneva--A non-matching pair of pear-shaped fancy color diamonds have become the most valuable pair of earrings ever sold at auction.
The “Apollo Blue” and “Artemis Pink” diamonds hit the auction block at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva, where they were sold as separate lots but garnered a combined total of $57.4 million.
The Apollo Blue is a fancy vivid blue diamond that weighs 14.54 carats. The internally flawless, Type IIb pear-shaped stone went for $42.1 million, falling within its pre-sale estimate of $38 to $50 million.
The Artemis Pink, a 16-carat fancy intense Type IIa pink pear-shaped diamond of VVS2 clarity, also sold within its pre-sale range when it garnered $15.3 million.
The same anonymous buyer bought both diamonds.
Sotheby’s originally named the stones after Apollo and Artemis, “a twin brother and sister of great power and beauty who were among the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities,” but the buyer has renamed the stones.
The Apollo Blue has been changed to “The Memory of Autumn Leaves” and the Artemis Pink was renamed “The Dream of Autumn Leaves.”
They’re the most valuable earrings ever to be offered at auction, according to Sotheby’s, setting a world auction record for a pair of earrings but not breaking any records individually.
The auction record for a pink diamond was set last month by the $71.2 million sale of the 59.60-carat “CTF Pink,” which is also the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction.
The most expensive blue diamond ever sold at auction is the Oppenheimer Blue. The 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue stone sold for $57.5 million, or $3.9 million per carat, in May 2016.
Tuesday’s sale at Sotheby’s Geneva totaled $151.5 million with 90 percent of the lots selling.
Two more records were set at the auction--for a fancy intense purplish-pink diamond when a 7.04-carat diamond ring from Piaget went for $13.2 million, and the record per-carat price for that same fancy intense purplish pink diamond at $1.9 million per carat.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on May 17 to reflect the renaming of the diamonds.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is SoldGrosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.
