Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
12-Carat Marquise Blue Diamond Sells for $16M at Christie’s
The July 9 Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong totaled $39.8 million.

Hong Kong—A 12-carat blue diamond proved there’s still demand for colored diamonds when it went for well above its pre-sale high estimate at auction Thursday.
Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Hong Kong marked one of its first live sales for the house since the onset of the pandemic.
The auction was led by a 12.11-carat internally flawless marquise-cut fancy intense blue diamond, which sold for $15.9 million, compared with its pre-sale estimate of between $8 million and $12 million, after 15 minutes of bidding, according to Christie’s.
Following behind the blue diamond at No. 2 in the auction results was a 19.53-carat Burmese star ruby pendant, with ruby and diamond accents, by Edmond Chin for Etcetera (pictured below).
The piece garnered $2.7 million at auction Thursday, falling within its pre-sale estimate range.
At No. 3 was a 17.95-carat cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond ring accented with tapered baguette-cut diamonds, which went for $1.6 million.
Tied at No. 4 was another blue diamond ring, this one a 2.08-carat fancy intense blue marquise brilliant-cut, and a necklace featuring two oval-cut sapphires weighing 12.81 carats and 6.50 carats.
Both of those pieces went for above their pre-sale estimate high when they sold for $1.5 million Thursday.
Rounding out some of the top lots were a 14.70-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring that sold for a little more than $1.3 million; a 6.06-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring and a pair of jadeite, ruby and diamond earrings, which both went for just under $1.3 million each; and a 10.59-carat diamond ring from Harry Winston for approximately $868,000.
The July 9 Magnificent Jewels auction totaled $39.8 million. For full results, visit Christies.com.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.