“Mega” Diamonds and Natural Pearls Lead Christie’s New York Sale

By Erika Winters

Christie’s New York kicks off its fall jewelry auction season with “mega” diamonds and natural pearls at the October 16 Magnificent Jewels sale. Three jewels with diamonds weighing over 50 carats and a rare, double-strand necklace of natural pearls will lead the two-session auction at Christie’s Rockefeller Center saleroom. The sale comprises 372 lots and is expected to fetch over $35 million.

The “mega” diamonds include a pear-shaped, D-color, and flawless-clarity diamond of 50.52 carats, an oval-cut fancy intense yellow diamond of 68.35 carats, and a pair of diamond ear pendants with 52.78-carat and 50.31-carat pear-shaped diamonds.

Top signed jewels, including Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic “honeycomb” motif “mystery-set” ruby and diamond bracelet, will highlight the design portion of the sale. Christie’s will also offer selections from Marina B., granddaughter of Sottiro Bulgari, and one-of-a-kind creations by contemporary Indian designer, Viren Bhagat.

“In anticipation of a continued strong market this autumn, our team of jewelry specialists has spent the summer months gathering the finest gems to match current collecting tastes, including top-quality diamonds, natural pearls, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, rare vintage jewels, and highly-coveted contemporary creations from the best designers,” noted Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland.

Visit Christie’s to view additional highlights.

Diamond Ear Pendants of 52.78 and 50.31 carats, Christie's New York

A pair of diamond ear pendants with 52.78-carat (fancy yellow) and 50.31-carat pear-shaped diamonds (117.04 carats total with surmounts) • Estimate: $4.5 – 6.5 million • Photo: Christie’s

Rare Double-Strand Natural Pearl Necklace, Christie's New York