Chirstie’s sells natural pearl for $254,500 at its Dubai sale

Chirstie’s – Jewels and Watches – The Dubai Sale, held on 20 April 2011, generated $3,925,050. Of the lots offered at the sale, a natural baroque-shaped pearl weighing 239.7 grains (60carats), garnered attention for being one of the largest drop-shaped natural pearls so far recorded, and which sold for $254,500 (above its estimated price).

David Warren, International Director of Christie’s Jewellery department and Head of Jewellery Middle East, commented: ‘Natural pearls of this size are rarely seen on the jewellery market and when offered they attract international interest. The buyer is from the region, a traditional hot spot of the finest natural pearl enthusiasts. To date this is the largest natural pearl we have offered in Dubai.’

The pearl although featured within the top ten lots that sold at the auction, at rank four. The pearl once part of the collection of Valda Virginia Vaughn Scott, the daughter of an English diplomat and a member of the prestigious Alessi family. This fine provenance in addition to the rarity of the pearl, contributed to the final result which reflected the pre-sale estimate of $180,000-250,000.

Top 10 lots sold include - A suite of diamond and coloured diamond jewellery bought for $542,500, a rectangular-shaped fancy brownish greenish yellow diamond, of 25.01 cts,, SI1 clarity bought for $410,500 ( higher than its estimated price). A diamond parure sold at $266,500, the 239.7 grains natural pearl bought for $254,500. A rectangular-cut F colour diamond ring of 5.68 cts was sold at $184,900, a circular and brilliant-cut diamond necklace went down the hammer for $122,500, a circular-cut diamond longchain sold for $116,500, while a circular-cut diamond ring 11.63 cts sold for $112,900. Featuring at rank nine was a rectangular and marquise-cut diamond bracelet sold for $110,500. The tenth top lot lot was a briolette-cut diamond pendant of 10.87 cts which sold for $110,500.

David Warren, added, ‘ In a lively saleroom dominated by private collectors from the region diamonds and decorative jewels were the most popular areas of the sale. Anna Hu, the internationally known young contemporary jeweler was in great demand.”