Sotheby’s Geneva sets seven world records

Sotheby’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels & Noble Jewels sale concluded with exceptional results setting a world record for a jewellery auction, with revenues worth $141,492,079 and also set seven world records.

The seven records set included: - World auction record price per carat for a round colourless diamond at $246,710 per carat set by a diamond ring of 25.32 carats, D Colour, Internally Flawless, Type IIa which sold for $6,246,702

-World auction record for a yellow diamond achieved by the 'Graff Vivid Yellow', which sold for $16,347,847

-World auction record for a Jewel by Graff set by the 'Graff Vivid Yellow'

-World auction record price per carat for a Fancy Pink diamond at $601,228 per carat set by a very Fine Fancy Pink diamond ring, weighing 12.07 carats, Internally Flawless - sold for $7,256,816

-World auction record price per carat for a Fancy Light Pink diamond at $393.071 per carat set by a fine Fancy Light Pink diamond ring, weighing 10.11 carats, VS2 Clarity which sold for $3,973,944

-World record for a various owner jewellery sale at $143,135,770

-World record for a jewellery sale at $143,135,770

The ‘Graff Vivid Yellow’, a 100.09 carat daffodil yellow diamond ring, was also the top lot of the sale. The diamond in this ring is one of the largest fancy vivid yellow diamonds in the world.

David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland and Chairman of the Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East, commented: “100 carats is a magical number when it comes to diamonds. With its exceptional size and a superb daffodil colour, the Graff Vivid Yellow is a truly extraordinary diamond with immense presence. These rare qualities led to the record price achieved tonight.” He further noted the sale was characterised with intense bidding from bidders across the globe and fine pieces with important provenance were highly sought after. He also added that “We were particularly pleased by the excitement surrounding were Suzanne Belperron’s creations, which further confirms her reputation as one of the greatest jewellery designers of the 20th century”.

Other important diamonds featuring in the sale included, colourless diamonds – the 70.33 carat cushion brilliant-cut diamond, D Colour, flawless, Type IIa, a diamond ring by Graff, set with a 103.46 carat round brilliant-cut diamond (one of the largest known round diamonds). Lots also included coloured diamonds, Kashmir sapphires, natural pearls and Jewels from the Collection of Flora Sassoon, Suzanne Belperron, Jewels from the Collection of Madame Picha-Eisenstein and the Necklace of the “Fastest Woman in the World”.