
Rare gemstones, signed jewelry, natural pearls and diamonds – lots of them - including a spectacular 52.58-carat Internally Flawless Golconda diamond are a few of the rare collector pieces that will be offered at Christie’s New York winter sale. I was invited to attend the “Magnificent Jewels” preview while it was in Beverly Hills and the collection is stunning. According to Christie’s, 2013 was a banner year for colored and colorless diamonds and the New York-based auction house expects its final sale of the year will gross a jaw dropping $45 million. The 500-lot day-long auction will take place on Dec. 10 at Christie’s Rockefeller Center where collectors from around the world will be front and center for the chance to add some of these exquisite jewels to their collections.
During the LA preview, I spoke to Leslie Roskind, Specialist, Senior Vice President at Christie’s America, who said the renowned auction house curated items based on the fine jewelry market’s standards. Collectors look for rare gem stones and exquisite pieces as well as signed jewelry from the world's top jewelry houses. Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Harry Winston and Bulgari are all included as well as pieces by David Webb, Suzanne Belperron and Rene Boivin. In addition to the spectacular 52.58 carat rectangular cut diamond ring estimated at $9,500,000 to $12,500,000, a few highlights of the sale include a private collector’s four-piece diamond collection from Liviev - one of the world’s most exclusive diamond brands - as well as property from Cartier heiress' Marion Rumsey Cartier's collection at Saint Louis University. There is also an exquisite Cartier “Tutti Frutti” Art Deco diamond and multi-gem bracelet circa 1930 and a rare 17.67 Kashmir sapphire ring estimated at $500,000 to $700,000. I had several favorites – one of which was, of course, the exquisite 52.58 carat "rock" as well as the beautiful diamond and gold pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels pictured above. They are now on my Christmas "Wish List" - ah, if only!!
Scroll down for more of my favorite pieces and to preview the full collection, go to Christies.com.
Inside the Christie's Beverly Hills headquarters
Art Deco diamond & multi-gem “Tutti Frutti” signed Cartier bracelet circa 1930, photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2013
The exquisite 52.58 carat D-Color Internally Flawless Diamond Ring, photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2013
The Christie's jewelry case - just what every girl needs!
Property of an Elegant Lady: A diamond necklace estimated at $150,000 to $200,000
Property of a Lady: A set of citrine and gold "Melon Slice" jewelry by Rene Boivin
Property of A Lady: Suzanne Belperron chalcedony and diamond "Edelweiss" flower brooches
David Webb sapphire and diamond necklace signed "Webb for David Webb"
Diamond rings - 16, 17 and 18 carats - all sold individually
A signed Buccellati diamond, pink sapphire and gold wristwatch estimated at $12,000 to $18,000
Property of an Elegant Lady: Collection of Leviev Diamond Jewely - showcased together at Christie's
Leviev diamond pendant necklace est. at $2,500,000 to $3,500,000, photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2013
Property of an Elegant Lady: A chic 90.81 carat Leviev diamond bracelet made from emerald-cut, D-F color, Internally Flawless to VS2 clarity diamonds - stunning.