World record prices for natural pearls and a sapphire were broken at Christie’s New York on April 25 Christie's sale of Magnificent Jewels, which drew an absolutely packed saleroom and ferocious bidding, totaled $39,094,080 with 90% sold by lot, 94% sold by value.
News-Antique.com - Apr 25,2007 - Christie's sale of Magnificent Jewels, which drew an absolutely packed saleroom and ferocious bidding, totaled $39,094,080 with 90% sold by lot, 94% sold by value. The top lot was the exquisite Baroda Pearls which realized $7,096,000 - shattering the world auction record price for a natural pearl jewel (set by Christie's in Geneva November 2004; $3,128,520 for a two strand natural pearl necklace). Also setting a world record was the 22 Kashmir sapphire sold on behalf of the Minnesota Historical Society which realized $3,064,000, making it the most expensive sapphire in the world.
Magnificent Jewels
New York – April 25, 2007
[All sold prices include buyer’s premium]
Sold: $39,094,080 £19,547,040 €28,745,647 Sale No: 1826
Lots Sold: 237 Lots Offered: 264 Sold by Lot: 90% Sold by $: 94%
$: £2.00 $: €1.36
Lot Price Estimate Buyer
262 $7,096,000 £3,548,000 €5,217,647 Upon Request Asian Private
The Baroda Pearls A two-strand natural pearl necklace with ear pendants, brooch and ring en suite
WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A NATURAL PEARL JEWEL
261 $3,064,000 £1,532,000 €2,252,941 $250,000-350,000 Anonymous
A cushion-shaped Kashmir sapphire of 22.66cts
WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A SAPPHIRE
WORLD AUCTION RECORD PRICE PER CARAT $135,000
255 $2,392,000 £1,196,000 €1,758,824 Upon Request Anonymous
A cushion-cut fancy grayish blue diamond of 9.39cts
$255,000 per ct
222 $2,056,000 £1,028,000 €1,511,765 $1,500,000-2,000,000 International Trade
A rectangular-cut D color, potentially flawless diamond ring of 24.65cts, by Bulgari
$83,500 per ct
259A $1,720,000 £860,000 €1,264,706 $1,250,000-1,500,000 International Trade
Three pear-shaped fancy deep brownish yellow diamonds of 38.28, 32.15 and 29.60cts
$17,200 per ct
259 $1,664,000 £832,000 €1,223,529 $500,000-700,000 US Trade
A pear-shaped H color, VVS2 diamond of 40.12cts
$41,500 per ct
260 $1,328,000 £664,000 €976,471 $900,000-1,200,000 International Trade
A D color diamond cluster brooch, by Harry Winston
243 $1,014,400 £507,000 €745,588 $700,000-900,000 International Trade
A pair of Asscher-cut diamond ear pendants of 25.05cts each
$20,250 per ct
256 $958,400 £479,200 €704,706 $600,000-800,000 Anonymous
A diamond and pearl tassel pendant necklace, by Bhagat
256A $958,400 £479,200 €704,706 $600,000-800,000 Anonymous
A rectangular-cut fancy purplish red diamond of 1.59cts
$603,000 per ct
“World record prices for natural pearls and a sapphire were broken at Christie’s New York on April 25th. In a packed room, an Asian private collector on the phone made history acquiring the legendary Baroda Pearl necklace for more than $7 milllion, while an anonymous bidder paid more than $3 million for an exceptional 22 carat Kashmir sapphire, making it the most expensive sapphire in the world. This auction marks a turning point in the jewelry world where original design, rarity and provenance prove to be just as important as the quality of a gem,” said Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas.
