A striking colored-diamond ring is the star of Christie’s upcoming jewelry sale.
The 5.7-carat fancy intense blue diamond ring leads the auction house’s Magnificent Jewels auction with an estimate of $6 million to $8 million. Taking place live in New York on December 10, the sale includes several colored stones, along with white diamonds and private collections that span labels from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels.
While the blue diamond may be the star of the show—and the most expensive item on offer—other lots provide something for every sort of jewelry collector. Other singular standouts include a 20.1-carat diamond ring (estimated at up to $1.2 million), a pair of Harry Winston spinel and diamond earrings ($400,000 to $600,000), and an Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring ($300,000 to $500,000).
The private collections, meanwhile, are a veritable treasure chest of jewels. From late designer and philanthropist Mica Ertegun comes a Cartier Art Deco multi-gem and diamond brooch ($100,000 to $150,000) and a rare JAR ruby and diamond torsade necklace ($80,000 to $120,000). Elsewhere are pieces from an unnamed couple who became engaged just two weeks after meeting, leading to more than 50 years of marriage. The two were important clients of Van Cleef, and their collection features a number of pieces from that brand. A diamond Zip Couture Tirette necklace, inspired by Wallis Simpson, is expected to fetch up to $350,000. Two Mystery Set bracelets could hammer down for $180,000, and a Mystery Set bow necklace could achieve up to $800,000.
Another anonymous collector put together a trove of jewels from the 18th century to the early 20th century. The nine pieces included are in prime condition, with many coming with their original or early retailer cases. One example—an antique ruby and diamond necklace-tiara—is expected to achieve $100,000 to $150,000. Or if you’d rather bid on something tied to a well-known name, Christie’s is offering a Van Cleef diamond and cultured pearl ribbon brooch that was once owned by Eva Perón.
Prior to the live auction, Christie’s will preview the lots from December 6 to 9 at its Rockefeller Center galleries. And an accompanying Jewels Online sale will take place from December 3 to 12. But if you’re looking to add any of the aforementioned pieces to your collection, you better get your paddle ready.
Click here to see all the images of the Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction.