A 25.13-carat fancy colour yellow diamond ring was the best seller at Christie’s latest auction in Shanghai, fetching more than double its pre-sale estimate.
Created by Bulgari, the fancy vivid yellow VVS2 clarity diamond is set into a ring and returned $US2.8 million ($AU4.4 million) after entering the 23 September auction with an upper estimate of $US1.2 million ($AU1.89 million).
The Shanghai Auction Anniversary returned $US7.3 million ($AU11.47 million).
A Harry Winston ring featuring an emerald-cut, 10-carat, D-flawless diamond flanked by two tapered baguette-cut diamonds garnered $US897,140 ($AU1.4 million), narrowly above its presale estimate.
In other auction news, a necklace featuring a 74-carat yellow diamond will be the headline act of an upcoming Hong Kong auction at Sotheby’s.
The necklace will enter the auction with a high estimate of $US5.1 million ($AU8.01 million).
The internally flawless fancy vivid yellow diamond is suspended from a ribbon of single-cut diamonds and is scheduled to appear at the 6 October Magnificent Jewels sale.
New approach
In a change of pace for the auction house, Sotheby’s has launched a luxury retail store for the first time, located in Zurich, Switzerland.
The Sotheby’s store is located inside Bucherer’s flagship store and offers jewellery, watches, handbags and accessories, as well as sneakers, art, and memorabilia.
Josh Pullan, head of the global luxury division, told Rapaport News that this project had been planned over many years.
“We developed the concept over two years ago. Our shared vision was to create an experience that brought clients together to celebrate the joy of collecting and to expand their knowledge,” he said.
“Every detail has been designed to deliver an ultra-luxury experience and ensure we go beyond clients’ expectations of luxury shopping.”
Customers can purchase products on the spot within the store, as well as participate in live and online auctions.
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