Renowned auction house, Christie’s, held the New York Jewels and Magnificent Jewels From a Distinguished Private Collector auctions which fetched a combined total of $25,178,025, with 85 percent sold by lots, and 97 percent sold by value. 

New York City’s auction house Christie’s, is certainly breaking down any and all barriers that may have previously been in the way for high-end items to be auctioned off. In an almost effortless passage through the evening, Christies auctioned off some amazingly luxurious items, including a 39 carat pear-shaped D color diamond from the ancient Golconda mines of India. This particular item was the top lot of the sales, selling for $5.4 million, or $138,000 per carat.

The jewels presented in the auctions and their selling prices are a true testament to the resilience of the luxury market. Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry at Christie’s New York, said, “The diamond market continues to show remarkable strength despite the volatility of the financial world. Just two weeks after a very strong sale of jewels at Christie’s Hong Kong—where a 5 carat pink diamond went for $10.8 million—the exceptional Evening Star Golconda diamond of 39 carats sold at Christie’s New York for $5.4 million. It was a fitting grand finale to a year that saw over $100 million in jewels change hands under our gavels in the U.S.”

Other items sold at auction include lot 171 which consisted of a modified rectangular-cut fancy intense blue diamond of 7.02 carats. Its estimate was between $2 million and $3 million, and sold for $3,890,500 or $554,000 per carat.

Lot 207 consisted of a rectangular-cut diamond of 36.78 carats, D colored and internally flawless. It was estimated between $2.75 million to $3.5 million, and was sold on the evening for $3,386,500 or $92,000 per carat. 

Lot 203 featured a pair of pear-shaped diamonds of 10.21 carats and 10.51 carats estimated between $1.7 million and $2.5 million. It was purchased for $2,098,500.

Lot 114 consisted of a modified cushion-cut fancy intense yellow diamond of 40.92 carats. It was estimated between $550,000 and $650,000 and sold for $1,106,500.

Christies New York
20 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
www.christies.com

 Photos courtesyof CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2009