Emerald and Diamond Tiara Sets World Auction Record

By Erika W.

Last night, an emerald and diamond tiara broke auction records at Sotheby’s Magnificent and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva. The rare tiara, which was estimated to sell for $5-10 million, sold for $12.7 million-the highest price ever realized for a tiara at auction. Another top seller was a 10.99 carat fancy intense pink diamond, which sold for $10.8 million. The rare Type IIa stone is the third most expensive pink diamond ever sold at auction. Sotheby’s achieved a grand total of $89.1 million at the May 17 auction.

Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

The emerald and diamond tiara was commissioned circa 1900 by Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck as a gift to his wife Katharina Wassilievna de Slepzoff. For additional images and video, please visit: An Emerald Tiara for May

Photo: Sotheby’s

A Sotheby’s employee holds the 10.99 carat pink diamond described to be the size of a SIM card. For additional information and images of this rare Type IIa pink diamond please visit: Sotheby’s to Auction 10.99 ct. Fancy Intense Pink Diamond