London Jewels Auction Garners $9M at Christie’s
London Jewels Auction Garners $9M at Christie’s
A 66.40-carat fancy orange-brown diamond pendant was among the standout lots at Christie’s London Jewels auction on June 5, significantly surpassing expectations. The pendant features a briolette-cut, type IIa diamond with I1 clarity, accented by round white diamonds. Estimated to sell for up to GBP 150,000 ($200,121), it ultimately achieved GBP 355,600 ($474,419), more than twice its top estimate.
The auction generated a total of GBP 7.1 million ($9.4 million) from the sale of more than 190 lots. Buyers showed strong interest in pieces from renowned jewelry houses, including Cartier, Bulgari, and Graff.
An antique brooch dating to around 1890 far exceeded expectations at auction, selling for GBP 330,200 ($440,532) against a presale estimate of GBP 45,000 to GBP 55,000 ($60,036 to $73,378). The piece features a cushion-shaped pink imperial topaz at its center, surrounded by a border of old circular-, cushion-, and rose-cut diamonds. Strong bidding drove the final price to more than six times its upper estimate.
A necklace composed of 130 natural saltwater pearls arranged in two graduated strands achieved GBP 215,900 ($288,040) at auction, surpassing its estimate of GBP 80,000 to GBP 120,000 ($106,731 to $160,096). The elegant piece is finished with a clasp accented by single-cut diamonds, adding a refined touch to the classic design.
A pendant showcasing a rectangular Colombian emerald surrounded by circular- and baguette-cut diamonds sold for GBP 127,000 ($169,438), far exceeding its estimate of GBP 30,000 to GBP 50,000 ($40,025 to $66,707). Strong bidder interest drove the final result to more than double the high estimate.
