Sothebys, Christies 100ct Diamonds Oh My!

   The anticipation is over as the world most EXPENSIVE 118cts white diamond in the world has been auction for a record breaking $30 MILLION dollars. There was a bidding war and at the last moment the other bidder had backed out. The buyer of this remarkable, historic diamond is apparently a private collector and wishes to remain anonymous.  When a large diamond is auctioned, it isn't named. The stones are named by the new owner.... So does that mean that this magnificent diamond is going to sit in a vault without a name?? But maybe just at cocktail parties? Shame...shame... 

 

118cts Diamond Auction price $30.8 Million 

   At the same auction was an incredible unheated pigeon blood Burmese ruby and diamond ring that was created by Vietnamese Jewelry designer Cindy Chao ( her work is mind blowing!) had sold for $3.8 Million dollars. The Burmese ruby is unheated and adds value to the stone and the ring, but still at less than 10cts, that's a substantial amount of money for a ring~But with the embargo right now Burmese rubies aren't allowed to exported into the US. It could of added a little more value to this piece of art jewelry~

 

8.20tcw Unheated Burmese Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Ring

    Its the year for large gems to break records! A large lump that was discovered by a poverty stricken African girl turned out to be a rather large diamond. It was found by the girl in a pile of rubble that had been discarded by the diamond company.  This big rock has turned out to be the most expensive diamond  (407cts) necklace in the world according to Guinness. The necklace features 90 diamonds that weigh 230 carats, for a grand total of 637cts necklace! The original rough 890 carats and took 4 years to polish. The fate of the girl that had discovered the stone is unknown... 

  

L'Comparable diamond necklace

It shows the size at how large the necklace truly is! 

  Sothebys "Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite" Auction held in Hong Kong on October 7th had an exquisite internally flawless 7.59cts fancy vivid blue diamond that was pre auction estimate to be around $19 Million dollars ( ouch!) But the stone failed to met the reserve and the bidding got as high as $16.1 but wasn't sold. But in other news regarding blue diamonds (how many can there be?) A stunning 12.47cts blue diamond was sold for  $7.5 Million and an 82ct white diamond for $4.8 Million. Both of these stones were mined from the Lesteng Mine in Lesotho by Gem Diamonds. At $7.5 Million that equates to $603,047 a carat! (I had written about the finds in this mine in a previous post.)

 

12.47cts Blue Diamond

 

   New trends for jewelry can be seen all over. Our recent trip to Hong Kong for the Asia world Expo we had seen so many beautiful gems and gorgeous jewelry designs. Along with the sale at the best auction houses there is still a demand for larger sized gems. Pearls are making a big comeback, classic and always in style, they are still highly coveted. Designers have been using pearls in a fresh and updated look. Chanel has a new line of gorgeous multi hued pearl bracelets and earrings.

Chanels "Lion Talisman" features diamonds, and multi colored cultured pearls

 There is something so beautiful about putting on a strand of cold pearls and have the heat up to your body temperature. It's a wonderful feeling. 

  And speaking of pearls, in 1917 Maisie Plant and her husband Morton Plant were planning on moving uptown from 5th Ave in New York with the other socialites at the time. they were selling their mansion for the same price as a strand of pearls she owned. A reported double strand of pearls (reportedly worth $1,000,000, equivalent to $16 Million dollars today)) was used as well as $100 to purchase the building in 1917, it is where Cartier stands now on 5th Ave. 

 

Maisie Plant and her $1.0 Million Dollar Pearl Necklace

   
 Towards the end of the year some larger stones will be hitting the auction block. An exceptional piece of jewelry that will be auction at Sothebys is the Walska Yellow Diamond " bird of paradise" brooch. This brooch features a 96.62 yellow diamond briolette, diamonds, emeralds and a sapphire cabochon.  It was created by Van Cleef in 1971.  The pre auction estimate is $8 million dollars!  It is very unique and I'd love to hear the story behind it~

 

96.62cts Yellow Diamond Bird of Paradise Brooch

                  

Ganna Walska pictures during her theatrical career, she was a beauty!

  Ganna Walska was quite a character herself. She was an opera singer and an actress. She had many husbands and during her life had created quite a controversy wherever she went. She had six husbands and loved her orchids and plants. Her estate in California "Lotusland" is one of the most magnificent places that contains rare orchids and fauna. She also had a fabulous collection of jewels from her many travels around the world and her various husbands as well.  I'll be featuring her and her love of jewels in a future Blog entry.

  It seems like the two auction house are always in quiet competition with one another. Not to be outdone by Sothebys, ( they are auctioning the most expensive diamond in the WORLD) Christies is holding an auction on November 13th in Geneva. What a beautiful setting!  The jewelry featured in this auction will be from two very prominent people. One of them is the Bolivian mining tycoon ( aka King of Tin) Simón Itturi Patiño and also the wife of fashion designer Helene Rochas. Helene had met her future husband Marcel Rochas  on the Metro when she was 18. he was from the famous fashion house Rochas.  When he passed away in 1955 Helene turned her husbands company into an empire and was known for hosting the most glamorous of parties. She passed away in 2011 and since then, her french apartment and its contents had been sold in September 2012.

  

Helene Rochas

  Not only is the jewelry incredible but also the stories of the women who owned these fabulous pieces of jewelry. I think that is an interesting concept and adds mystery to the jewelry. 

 

A diamond, coloured diamond and emerald Tiger shoulder brooch by René Boivin, the property of Madame Hélène Rochas

Three sapphire, ruby and diamond Honeycomb bracelets by René Boivin

 

A mystery-set ruby Magnolia brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1968, the property of Madame Hélène Rochas

  There 18 items from the estate of Helene Rochas and 3 items from Simón Iturri Patiño estate.  There might be only 3 items, but they have significant historic value. 

 The emerald and diamond cross necklace was designed by Cartier in 1937. The cross that was added is from Queen Eugenia Victoria of Spain and had also belonged to Empress Eugenie of France. It is carved from one piece of emerald and weighs 45cts and is called the "Andean Cross'.  Pre auction estimate is $7 - $10 million dollars. Simon passed away in 1947. he was one of the wealthiest men in the world and had owed his great success to mining tin after purchasing a land deed that was of no value at the time. it was later learned that it contained a large vein of tin. He controlled the majority ( 80%) of the tin population in the world. 

 He invested his money wisely and had bought jewels that were of historic value.  

 

A magnificent emerald and diamond necklace, by Cartier, 1937, from the Patiño collection

 
Here is a picture of the necklace intact.  Earrings had been made in 1945 and the necklace was shortened.

  http://www.royal-magazin.de/spain/Bilder/patino-emeralds-cartier-12.jpg

                                             Keep sparkling until next time~
 

Emmys JEWELS Rundown & 59.360cts "Pink Star" Diamond

 Last Sunday aired the 65th annual Emmy awards.  If you were watching the red carpet pre show you had noticed all the gorgeous dresses in the palest shades and the an assortment of jewels. For the most part most of the actresses favored "less is more". But if you saw Sofia Vergara in all her glory then you know, with her more is better! There were many bare necks and ears down the red carpet. What a shame~

   Sofia Vergara wowed everyone by wearing a fabulous red lace dress by Vera Wang.  And also 140 carats of Colombian emeralds, sapphires and rubies set in platinum, her ring a Colombian emerald and diamonds weighing 41cts. Her earrings, emerald ring are by famed jeweler to the stars Lorraine Schwartz. All of the jewels were estimated at $7 million dollars!The color and the quality of her emeralds were perfection!

Vera Wang red gown and lots of gems!

Sofia wearing Lorraine Schwartz Gemstone earrings 161cts!

 The 21ct Asscher cut Diamond ring is from her fiance Nick~ nice job! Its a beauty!

 Maria Menuous from " Extra" dazzled the interviewers with her blue strapless form fitting gown. Her necklace was a combination of Colombian emeralds and diamonds set in white gold. Her earrings were Colombian emerald studs set in black rhodium. All the pieces were courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz and values at $2.5 million dollars.  Pictures of Maria courtesy of Just Jared. 

 In total there were 9 actresses that were wearing Lorraines creations. Christina Hendricks from Mad Men was wearing Colombian emerald bangles piled on her arm. She was also wearing a 35ct Colombian emerald cabochon and diamond ring. 

                   Christina Hendricks wearing Lorraine Schwartz 35ct Cabochon Emerald ring

 A few years ago Angelina Jolie was wearing massive Colombian emeralds to many award shows. Since then emeralds and Lorraine Schwartz name go hand in hand. And it doenst hurt that Pantone chose Emerald as color of the year!

  Auction houses are doing well when it comes to mega large diamonds and jewels hitting the market. Not to ever be outdone by Christies, Sothebys is holding an auction "Magnificent Jewels" on Novemeber 13th. the title says it all!  One of the top attractions at this auction is a breath taking 59.60cts fancy pink diamond called the "Pink Star". It was cut from a piece of rough that weighed 132.50cts at the DeBeers mine in 1999.  It took two years to cut and polish by Steinmetz Diamonds. The pre auction estimate is to top OVER $60 Million.... It just boggles the mind! Im curious to see who the heavy bidders will be, Graff I'm sure~

 According to GIA " the Pink Star is notable because it has received the GIA’s highest color and clarity grades for pink, but it also an ultra-rare Type IIA diamond, meaning it is more chemically pure than other stones and has greater optical transparency. It is also the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has ever graded.
“The occurrence of pink diamonds in nature is extremely rare in any size,” said Tom Moses, GIA senior vice president, in a statement provided by Sotheby’s. “It’s our experience that large polished pink diamonds—over 10 carats—very rarely occur with an intense color. The GIA Laboratory has been issuing grading reports for 50 years, and this is the largest pink diamond with this depth of color [vivid pink] that we have ever characterized.”

 It is a stunner~ and the MOST valuable diamond ever to be auctioned, ever!

 

Largest Fancy Pink Diamond 59.60cts

  And speaking of large diamonds a 257 carat rough diamond from the Karowe Mine in Botswana. There hasnt been an indication of the color or clarity. Its to be sold on tender on the 4th quarter of this year.  To date this year the Karowe mines have produced 14 stones OVER 100 carats!!

257cts rough diamond mined at Karowe mines in Botswana

 Bonhams Auction house is having an auction on December 5th on Bond street, London with an author whose name you might of heard of. 

  Barbara Taylor Bradford is known all over the world as being an author of 27 books published in every language ( top ten best sellers on both coasts) and her personal wealth is estimated at $290 Million dollars and she is also the 31st wealthiest woman in Britain.  Barbara is selling 40 pieces that have been given to her during her 49 year marriage to her husband TV producer Robert Bradford.  

  The novelist said she wanted to auction some of her less frequently worn pieces because it was “silly” to hold on to pieces she hardly wears. “Beautiful things need to be on display and admired. I want someone else to own and wear these pieces I have cherished and enjoyed,” Bradford said. “I want the jewelry to live again."

 The item that is going to fetch the highest amount will probably be the 14.07-carat cushion-cut G, VS1 diamond ring (below left) made by London jeweler David Morris. The ring is expected to sell for as much as $700,000. And with the tenacity of larger stones being sought at auction I wouldn't be surprised if the ring sells for higher than that!

  She said: ‘My father told me when I was a child, after he gave me a string of pearls: “You must always let them breath. They should be out on your neck, not buried in a drawer.”
'Why was all this buried in a drawer?, Well, I didn’t know.
‘Then I realised I was going to leave that jewellery to two of our female heirs. They didn’t really want it, I don’t think, because they don’t really lead the kind of life that I lead as a well-known writer, and I’m out and about.
‘So Bob and I decided it might be nice to auction it and the money will be a little nest egg for them. Let somebody else enjoy those beautiful things.’

   How generous and selfless an act! The items are expected to sell for more than $3 million dollars!! Some nest egg~ She hasn't disclosed the names of her female heirs, but there has been some speculation that they are the descendents of her Aunt Mary and Uncle Fred. 

 

An antique sapphire and diamond brooch. S J Phillips, London.
Estimate: $100,000-150,000

Cushion-shape sapphire ring, weighing 18.37 carats with a Gubelin certificate stating the stone is of Burmese origin. Harry Winston, New York.
Estimate: $150,000-200,000

A pair of old cut fancy yellow diamond single-stone earrings. David Morris, London.
Estimate: $80,000-100,000 

 

A coral and diamond 'Rose de Noël' brooch and earclip suite. Van Cleef&Arpels, New York.
Estimate: $20,000-30,000

  She said "Every piece of jewellery in the auction was purchased by my darling husband. When I reviewed my collection, what really struck me is that it reveals the story of my marriage to Bob, a wonderfully romantic love affair which has lasted for 50 years."
"I appreciate what a charmed life we have together, along with very successful careers. I write the books, he makes the movies. It's been quite an adventure and still is! I really want these stunning pieces of jewelry to give someone else the joy that they have given me."

                                                  Keep sparkling until next time~

118cts D Flawless Diamond Auction & Kim K 20ct Engagement Ring

Sothebys is having a "Magnificent Jewels" auction on October 7th and one of the highlights is a 7.59cts round blue diamond. It is even more rare to have a blue diamond that is brilliant cut. This is an exceptional stone and so far the pre auction estimate is $19 million. Which will be the HIGHEST ever paid for a fancy colored diamond. 

7.59cts Fancy Blue Diam0nd

    Along with the premier fancy blue diamond there is also going to be a 118ct D flawless oval diamond that is going to be auctioned. Can you even imagine?? How would you set this diamond?? The 118cts Oval came from diamond rough that weigh 299cts that was mined in Southern Africa 2011. The new owner will also get naming rights, as all large stones get names given to them by the new owners. It is expected to sell between $28 million to $35 million, which would be the highest price for a white diamond, topping the the 101.73 D-Flawless Winston Legacy's $26.7 million.. Wow!!

Just to give you an idea on the size, its massive!

118cts D Flawless Diamond

  And a name that you will be hearing alot about is Cindy Chao. She is a Taiwan based jeweler and creates some of the beautiful and artistic of jewelry that is on the market right now. Her talent is remarkable, I'll be writing about her in our next entry.  A 8.03cts pigeon blood Burmese ruby and diamond ring from her collection will be up for auction at Sothebys on October 7th. The ring is estimated to sell between $3.5 million - $4.2million.

Cindy Chaos 8.03cts Burmese Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Ring

  There are a few other beautiful pieces set to be auctioned. A stunning 19.51cts diamond ring by Harry Winston, a stunning 10.94cts fancy Light pink pear shaped diamond and diamond ring.

The Rose gemstone and diamond bracelet Tiffany & Co.

10.94cts fancy light pink diamond and diamond ring 

19.51cts platinum and diamond ring Harry Winston

  This diamond and platinum necklace also caught my eye, looks vintage but its a stunner! But I have to ask who has a 15 inch neck?? tiny~

50.45tcw Diamond and Platinum necklace estimate $200,000 - $300,000

18k Diamond Melone Evening Bag Bulgari, love this one!

 There has been a bit of news regarding the pink panther robberies. They have recently arrested (as of 6 days ago) Zoran Tomovic 47, from a villa in the south of France who had escaped from a Swiss prison last month. The person he was staying with apparently wasnt aware of his recent run in with the law.  Tomovictried to escape from a bathroom window and is wanted for armed robbery, weapons and drug-trafficking charges in Switzerland, where he was one of five inmates who escaped May 14 from a detention facility in Lausanne. He is also wanted in Macedonia in absentia for murdering his former girlfriend which he denies.  Lloyds of London had offered a reward of$1.34 million dollars for information leading to an arrest. No word if the money will be rewarded to anyone. They got a tip from Swiss authorities.

The Carlton Hotel where the crimes have taken place

  The search for treasure beneath blue waters continues all over the world, but more so in Florida.  Many wrecks have occurred from the 1600's - 1800's on both coasts of Florida. For one family in Ft. Pierce its not about getting rich, its about locating and finding history. The scuba loving family from Sanford, Florida were diving in 15 foot waters and saw a beautiful sight that any diver would love t see, a fleck of something shiny. The Schmitt family are owners of the Booty Salvage Company and found 8 long gold chains and an assortment of gold coins. A Spanish Gallion sank there in 1715. The lot is appraised at $500,000. And from the ships manifest there's more treasure to be found, $400 million to be exact. This ship sank 150 years before the Civil war, incredible~

Gold chains and coins from 1715

  Not to be outdone by Sothebys Christies is having an auction of "Magnificent Jewels" on October 15th in New York. Up for auction are  beautiful pieces of jewelry by David Webb as well as Van Clef and Arpel. He died young tragically in 1975 of pancreatic cancer. He was a much loved designer of Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Duke was a fan and had many pieces custom made for her.  His pieces are still being created by his partner at the same location. His name still has a strog following and is much coveted by collectors worldwide. 

 There's also a large selection of natural pearl jewelry, (they're making a comeback!) The collection of items being auctioned are more beautiful than the next. its nice to see an influx of old school designed items from the best jewelry houses back on the market. I enjoy seeing the different assortment of materials that are used.  Most of the jewels auctioned are from families or private collectors. 

 

8.77cts fancy Intense Pink Diamond

   A few of the stand out items are this spectacular fancy intense pink diamond that is estimated to sell between $5.5 - $6.5 million Yikes! 

 

A Cushion-Cut Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring of 3.81 carats

  This fancy vivid blue cushion cut diamond is estimated to sell between $2.5 - $3.5 million. The color of both of these stones are extraordinary!

  Their is Jewelry that is from two extraordinary women's collection. Honorable Noreen  Stonor Drexel from Newport Rhode Island and also from Diana Dollar from San Francisco. both women were known for their poise and also for their charitable works. 

 Noreen had an extensive collection of jewelry by David Webb from the 60's and 70's. This remarkable time in the history of jewelry you see more whimsical pieces. 

  An impressive 16.21cts rectangular cut diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz is estimated $300,000 - $500,000 lot 194.  If this ring looks familiar it might be because it used to belong to no other than Kim Kardashian. Her ex Kris Humphries is donated a portion of the proceeds to charities, no word which ones tho. He was waiting til the divorce was final before selling the ring. Kim gave the ring back over a year ago.

20.0tcw rectangular diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz, previously owned by Kim Kardashian

A mystery set sapphire and diamond flag pin that had belong to Argentina's President Eva Peron a by Van Clef and Arpels is estimated $300,000 - $500,000. 

 

  With these auctions at times you see items for men, but not often. There is one ring that had caught my eye that is just superb.  It is a 14.33ct Ceylon sapphire, untreated! Its set in a simple ring, but the color is outstanding. the pre sale estimate for this piece is $450,000 - $550,000.

 With 400 lots in this auction the presale estimate is $40.0 million dollars. The items are truly breath taking and can be seen in their e catalogue http://www.christies.com/calendar/

  
                                                        Keep sparkling until next time~

  

Marjorie Meriiweather Post & Fabrege Collection "Master of Dreams" Documentary

  I used to think the happiest place on earth was Disney but now I have been proven wrong!  It's apparently the Crater of Diamonds state in Apex  Park in North Carolina.  One lucky 12 year old boy scout by the name of Michael Dettlaff unearthed a 5.16ct rough brown diamond approximately the size of a jellybean . AND he found the stone after only digging for 10 minutes. No word for how much the stone will sell for, but what a great day he must of had!

Michael Dettlaff holding his find, a 5.16cts rough brown diamond 

 

5.16cts rough brown diamond about the size of a jellybean

   In 2011 the US produced $11.0 million of the worlds productions of gemstones. That's not alot considering that the United States imported about $23.5 billion dollars of gemstones. A majority of those stones are from Brazil. Small drop in the bucket, literally!  But there are many mines in the US to take your family to go prospecting too. I have been a gem and mineral collector since I was 2 and spending the day looking for stones is a great way to a spend the summer.  Here's a link to some of the many varieties of gems and minerals for prospecting mines that are available, all different kinds too! http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/history/articles/top-10-treasure-hunting-hot-spots  And if you notice there is only ONE mine in the US that produces emeralds, Hiddenite, North Carolina. The color doesn't compare to Colombian emeralds, but they can be amazing~ 

  There is a new documentary about the hushed and exclusive jewelry houses. The title is "Master of Dreams".  It features 4 episodes and takes place in Italy, France, South Africa, UK, America. The documentary focuses on 13 iconic jewelers and the design process, from start to finish. The different jewelers being highlighted are" Boucheron, Buccellati, Bulgari, Chaumet, Chopard, Damiani, De Beers Diamond Jewellery, Forevermark, Graff Diamonds, H. Stern, John Hardy, Stephen Webster and Verdura, with interviews from the original founders, the brands’ designers and ambassadors."

From inception~

To creation~

What a massive diamond!

  

Christies auction of the Elizabeth Taylor Collection

     Also covered in the documentary is Christies Elizabeth Taylor Collections, the London Masterpiece Fair and Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris ( which is to fabulous for words!) The 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival.  You can purchase the 2 dvd set on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Masters-Dreams-OSullivan-Guillaume-Ginestel/dp/B00D7EDC06/ref=sr_sp-atf_image_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372175634&sr=8-1&keywords=masters+of+dreams+french+connection

   Fairtrade when it comes to jewellery has been gaining more popularity as people are becoming more conscious as to where their jewels, gold and gems are being mined.  One sector that has not been mentioned is the pearl industry. There is a company called Kamoka Pearl Farm in Tahiti that creates Tahitian pearls. John Humbert has been pioneering a new method of growing Tahitian pearls that supports aquatic life. Instead of leaving the sea as a desert, he urges pearl farmers to modify their methods of harvested pearls.  He is also a national geographic photographer. Here is the link to their website and their beliefs, love the cover photo on the home page~ http://www.kamokapearls.com/

Kamoka Pearl Farm at Sunset

  The rumor mill has been going crazy with the talks of Apple creating a smart watch. And some are thinking that this will take business away from watch brands. It basically does everything that your cell phone does currently, but its on your wrist. The prices are not cheap and start at $399. The major about this watch? People cant see you've spent a few hundred dollars on technology when its in your pocket or in your purse, it'll be a status symbol. The project is shrouded in secrecy and might be released in 2014 if at all! Apple did file for Japanese  trademark for i watch.  But it looks like Samsung might actually beat Apple to the punch with the release of a smart watch that will be unveiled on September 4th. Tech websites have been teasing of new product to be released on that date. The talk is that the Samsung smart watch will have a flexible screen like the Emopulse watch and will be a companion to the Samsung Galaxy phone. These watches will have all tech savvy people wanting one!

Emopulse watch 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mock up of what the i watch might resemble, along with the competition

   Faberge has been making been making jewelry since 1842 and was started by Gustav Faberge. They became well known for creating jewelry and objects de art for the Russian Imperial family. One of the items being the intricate detailed eggs that were created for the Russian Tzars. Peter Carl Faberge took over the family business in 1924.  The first Fabergé Imperial egg presented by Tsar Nicholas to his mother Empress Maria Feodorovna in 1895.The company had been sold a few times and had lost the right to produce and market their own deigns in 1951 ( who drew up that contract? that would be horrid!) But in 2007 the family has been reunited with the Faberge name. They have introduced a new line called Les Danses Fantasques based on the beauty of the Russian Ballet. Here's a few pictures of the some of the glorious new designs. Its good to know that the family will be able to create these fabulous designs again! 

 

Fabrege Danses Fantasteques Emerald and diamond necklace

Diamond Fabrege Danses de Fantasteques necklace

Fabrege Emerald and diamond earrings

Faberge diamond and emerald tassel earrings 

  One of the largest collectors of the Faberge objects de art was the heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. It is the most comprehensive collection of Russian Imperial art outside of Russia. She has 90 items created by Faberge for the Russian Imperial family. She collected her first Faberge piece in 1926.  Even Queen Elizabeth has 2!

                               So there you go, keep sparkling until next time~