Are Larger Stones Making a Comeback? Christie’s Auction Says Yes
June 11, 09
Christie's London Sale Wednesday, June 10, made several sellers very happy. A highlight of the sale was an Art Deco pendent containing a circular-cut fancy yellow, SI1 diamond weighing 44.14 carats, estimated at $327,000-$408,750. The piece reached an impressive price of $865,324 or $19,600 per carat.
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Another stone passing estimates was a cushion-shaped F/ VS2 diamond weighing 10.09 carats reached a price of $414,064, or $41,000 per carat, a premium over the $277,950-$310,650 estimate.
Fine Jewelry collectors also participated in the buy as they purchased necklaces, tiaras, pendants and brooches that exceeded estimates. An Art Deco ruby and diamond necklace, circa 1936, manufactured by Cartier was sold at a price of $374,824. The necklace was valued at $163,500-$245,250.
One more noteworthy jewel passing estimates was an antique diamond brooch in naturalistic design, shaped like a leaf canopy suspending a fringe of diamond trails with six pear-shaped diamond drops. The stones in the brooch are pavé-set, old-cut diamonds, and mounted in silver and gold, circa 1860. The estimate for the jewel was $242,400 - $323,200, and it reached $370,468.
In total, 84 percent of the 180 lots offered were sold, or 88 percent by value.