CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
AuctionsMay 16, 2019
Ruby Ring Sells for $7M, Leads Christie’s Jewelry Auction
May might be emerald month, but in Geneva on Wednesday it was all about the ruby.
This ruby and diamond Harry Winston ring was the top lot at Christie’s jewelry auction in Geneva Wednesday, selling for $7.1 million.
Geneva—May might be emerald month, but in Geneva on Wednesday it was all about the ruby.
A Harry Winston ring set with a 22.86-carat Burmese ruby flanked by half-moon diamonds led Christie’s jewelry auction, selling for $7.1 million, more than double its pre-sale estimates.
Coming in a close second at the Magnificent Jewels sale was an unmounted 118.05-carat fancy yellow cushion modified brilliant-cut diamond, which also doubled pre-sale estimates to garner $7 million.
At No. 3 in the jewelry auction was a natural saltwater pearl sautoir (seen below) featuring 110 pearls ranging from approximately 14.75 mm to 7.45 mm in size.
It went for well above its pre-sale estimate of $2.5-$3.5 million, with a buyer paying $5.7 million for the piece. 
Christie’s jewelry auction also featured a couple jewels with royal backgrounds.
The Imperial Emerald of Grand Duchess Vladimir (seen below), which features a 75.61-carat pear- shaped Colombian emerald, was first owned by Catherine the Great before winding its way through the Russian royal family.
Expected to fetch between $2.3 and $3.5 million, the necklace went for $4.3 million Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Fabergé aquamarine and diamond tiara (seen below) that garnered much attention before the jewelry auction more than doubled its pre-sale estimates, selling for $1 million.
Made in 1904 as a wedding gift from Frederick Francis IV, grand duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1882-1945), to Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland (1882-1963), the piece is comprised of nine graduated pear-shaped aquamarines and old-, cushion- and rose-cut diamonds.
Notably, the “Ana Maria Pearl,” the historic 30.24-carat pearl that Swiss gem lab SSEF radiocarbon age-dated prior to the jewelry auction, failed to sell Wednesday.
The Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale totaled $62.6 million. To see the full results, visit the auction house’s website.
Notably, the “Ana Maria Pearl,” the historic 30.24-carat pearl that Swiss gem lab SSEF radiocarbon age-dated prior to the jewelry auction, failed to sell Wednesday.
The Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale totaled $62.6 million. To see the full results, visit the auction house’s website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
