Auction of ‘The Apollo and Artemis Diamonds’ sets new world record

Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels in Geneva took place on May 16th, 2017, creating records. 'The Apollo and Artemis Diamonds’ become the most valuable earrings ever sold at auction. Selling to the same anonymous buyer the diamonds realised a combined total of US$57,425,478. As individual lots: ‘The Apollo Blue’ Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Blue diamond weighing 14.54-carats sold for US$42,087,302 and the ‘The Artemis Diamonds’ Fancy Intense Pink diamond, weighing 16-carats sold for US$15,338,176.

David Bennett, Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division and Chairman of Switzerland commented: "It has been a privilege for Sotheby's to be entrusted with the superb ‘Apollo Blue’ and ‘Artemis Pink’. The results from today’s sale – which saw more than 90 per cent of lots sold and three new world auction records – yet again underline the strong demand for top quality diamonds, gemstones and jewels. I am delighted that the stones will remain together as earrings. This has been a wonderful inaugural jewellery sale at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva which far exceeded expectations, with a total of over $150 million. We are greatly looking forward to the upcoming auction of Fine Jewels at Sotheby’s rue Diday in Geneva on the 1st of June.”

The sale also created an auction record for the a fancy intense purplish pink diamond and a record of price per-carat for the diamond. The rich and impressive diamond by Piaget weighing 7.04 carats, sold for US$13,245,750 and the price per carat was $1,881,499. A collection of the finest diamonds and gemstones, as well as signed jewels from the most desirable and sought-after Jewellery houses, doubled pre-sale estimates to realise a combined total of US$15,899,550 and achieved an outstanding sell-through rate of 96 percent.

ARuby, diamond and onyx bracelet, lacloche circa 1925, soared above estimate to realise US$748,498. Jadeite, onyx, ruby and diamond pendant/brooch, Cartier, circa 1925 sold for US$ 374,500 more than double the high estimate.