The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
3-Carat Blue Diamond Leads the Way at Christie’s NY
The rectangular-cut fancy intense blue sold for $5.4 million, beating out an 8-carat pink to top the sale.

New York--A fancy intense blue diamond went for nearly double its pre-sale estimate at Christie’s New York Tuesday, propelling it ahead of the expected top lot of the Magnificent Jewels sale.
The 3.09-carat rectangular-cut fancy intense blue diamond of VS1 clarity is flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond and set in platinum. It sold for $5.4 million, well above its pre-sale estimate of $2 million to $3 million.
It also beat out the expected top lot--an 8.42-carat pink diamond ring, which fell within its pre-sale range when it sold for $5 million.
Christie’sMagnificent Jewels auction totaled $45.7 million.
The sale also featured two notable pieces by well-known jeweler JAR.
Born in New York City in 1943, Joel Arthur Rosenthal graduated from Harvard in 1966 before moving to Paris. He worked as a screenwriter and needle stitcher, as well as with Bulgari in New York before moving back to Paris and opening a store on the Place Vendôme with his partner, Pierre Jeannet, for his jewelry creations.
The silver and 18-karat gold JAR “Moghul” pendant brooch pictured above sold for $432,500, going for well above its pre-sale estimate high of $300,000.
The piece was created in 1999 and designed as a stylized bombé architectural turret. It’s pavé-set with circular-cut amethysts surrounding a 14.77-carat cushion-cut sapphire and a border of single-cut diamonds. It also has a single-cut diamond cap suspending a natural pearl tassel and the reverse side is set with pavé diamonds.
It has a detachable chain set with single-cut diamond stations and comes in a JAR pink leather case.
There also was a JAR “thread” ring (pictured above), so named for the perceived lightness of the setting and fine pavé work.
It features an elongated oval brilliant-cut diamond weighing 22.76 carats and of D color and VVS1 clarity, and a diamond-set two-tiered threadwork gallery and hoop mounted in platinum.
It sold within its pre-sale estimate range when it garnered $2.8 million Tuesday.
JAR’s two jewels were sold to benefit the Art for Justice Fund, which connects criminal justice advocates with artists to help reform the criminal justice system in the United States.
Below are a few pieces that joined the JAR thread ring as top lots of the Christie’s New York sale, including the 8-carat pink diamond that came in at No. 2.
The Latest

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.


The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

Breitling is reviving Gallet, which was founded in 1826 and is known for making watches used in the early days of long-distance travel.

Dubbed the “Mediterranean Blue,” this “remarkably rare” diamond will be part of Sotheby’s May jewelry auction in Geneva.

The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz created more than 75 new pieces for the residency, which will be on display at Trove’s store in New York through April.