Christie's Magnificent Jewels Auction Raises $39 Million
April 16, 06 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
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A 14.43 cts fancy dark blue-grey
VVS1 diamond that sold for
$1,472,000
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Jewelry from the estate of Joan B. Kroc, wife of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, was among the top ten items sold at Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction in New York last week. The auction raised $39 million.
The most expensive item on the night was a pear-shaped D/IF diamond of 50.53 carats $4.216 million ($83,450 per carat), which was bought by a private Asian buyer. The best selling item from the Kroc estate included a fancy intense yellow, VS1 diamond pendant necklace of 42.13 carats, by Harry Winston ($48,200 per carat) that had an estimate of $1,000,000 -1,500,000 but sold for $2,032,000 to a private European buyer.
“A staggering $39 million changed hands at Christie’s New York today. The combination of a strong economy, coupled with buyers from emerging markets, drove the prices of this auction to a whole new level. Diamonds continue to soar and rare jewels and gemstones have gained tremendous ground in the market,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie’s Americas.
