MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
AuctionsJun 13, 2018
$3.1M Jewelry Auction Caps Record-Breaking Rockefeller Sale
The estate of Peggy and David Rockefeller, which also included art, porcelain and furniture, just became the most expensive private collection sold at auction.
This is the platinum Raymond Yard diamond ring that David Rockefeller used to propose to his wife Peggy in 1940. It sold for $$287,500 at auction Tuesday.
New York--Their family is practically American royalty, and their estate, including a number of jewels, sure sold like they were.
On Tuesday, Christie’s New York auctioned off signed jewelry from the Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller, capping off a series of sales from the estate of the couple that was one of the last links to the Gilded Age.
David Rockefeller was the youngest and last-surviving grandchild of America’s first billionaire, John D. Rockefeller Sr. He died in March 2017 at the age of 101. Peggy died two decades earlier, in 1996.
The couple’s entire estate went up for auction this spring, with proceeds going to philanthropies they supported during their lifetimes, benefitting scientific research, higher education, support for the arts, sustainable economic development, and land conservation initiatives, among others.
There were 19 lots in Tuesday’s Magnificent Jewels sale from the couple, with the most important jewelry pieces from them including Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Raymond Yard and Van Cleef & Arpels, among other houses.
All 19 lots sold, with many outperforming their pre-sale estimates. The top lot of the group was a sapphire and diamond ring by Raymond Yard, realizing $372,500.
The jewelry lots also included the platinum Raymond Yard ring with which David proposed to Peggy in 1940. The ring, set with a cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond weighing 5.63 carats and epaulet and triangular-cut diamond shoulders, sold for $287,500--more than double its pre-sale estimate high.
All told, the various sales of The Peggy and David Rockefeller Collection resulted in more than $835.1 million in sales, which Christie’s said is the highest total for a private collection at auction.
It spanned a six-month campaign, 10 days of online sales and three days of auctions at Christie’s Rockefeller Center, putting on offer 19th and 20th century art, furniture, porcelain and more.
Also held on Tuesday, concurrent with the Rockefeller auction, was Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale, which was 89 percent sold by volume and 95 percent sold by value.
That portion of the auction was led by a ring set with the 20.47-carat old mine brilliant-cut diamond seen below, which garnered $2.7 million.
The sale also featured an “exceptional” Burmese ruby ring by Tiffany & Co., given by American composer and lyricist Irving Berlin to his wife Ellin for their 40th wedding anniversary, which sold for $1.2 million.
Also featured in the sale were several
other notable private collections--including property from the collection of Steve and Peggy Fossett, the estate of Ruth S. Stanton and property formerly from the collection of Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.--and lots from top houses like Belperron, Bulgari, Hemmerle, Lalique, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels.
For a full list of results, visit Christies.com.
For a full list of results, visit Christies.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
