Here are some of the key highlights from the last six months:
- Christie’s Magnificent Jewels Auctions: Christie’s has had a particularly strong showing. Their “Magnificent Jewels” auction in June 2025 achieved a total of $87.7 million, setting a record for the highest-grossing multi-owner jewelry auction in the Americas. The June auction was truly a landmark event, not only for its record-breaking total of $87.7 million, but also for the strong buyer confidence it demonstrated with a 100% sell-through rate by lot. This means every single item put up for sale was successfully sold, a rare feat for an auction of this scale and caliber.
- The Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond: This was the star of the June auction. The 10.38-carat fancy purple-pink diamond, mounted by JAR, sold for a record-breaking $13.98 million. It was rumored to have ties to the French royal family, which added to its allure. The final price of $13.98 million was just shy of the $14 million figure predicted, but the more significant detail is that this sale established two new world records: one for a fancy purple-pink diamond and another for any jewel by the designer JAR. The diamond’s provenance, rumored to have ties to French royalty, highlights the enduring appeal of history and storytelling in the high-end jewelry market.
- The Blue Belle Sapphire: While it sold for an impressive $11.3 million, it’s interesting to note that this was a return to the auction block for this particular gem. It had previously sold in 2014 for a higher price, which shows that even the most exceptional pieces can fluctuate in value depending on market conditions and buyer demand.
Mughal Jewels: The collection from a royal family was a major draw, achieving a total of $14.8 million. This reflects a growing trend of interest in historic and culturally significant jewels, particularly those with a clear and prestigious lineage. The strong performance of the carved emerald and multi-gem necklaces shows the appeal of intricate craftsmanship and historical context.Beyond the top lots, this auction also included other notable collections. For instance, the “Collection of Lucille Coleman” featuring “Mystery-Set” jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels performed exceptionally well, with a ruby and diamond brooch setting a world record price for its category, nearly tripling its high estimate.- Geneva Auction:This auction, which realized over $72 million, was also a resounding success, selling 100% by lot.
- The Boucheron Blue Diamond: The 6.24-carat fancy deep blue diamond was the star lot, selling for over $12.7 million. This sale set a new world auction record for a deep blue jewel on a price-per-carat basis, underscoring the extreme rarity and desirability of blue diamonds. The buyer was Moussaieff Jewellers, a firm renowned for its exceptional gems, which speaks to the quality of the stone.
- The Burmese Ruby: The 10.18-carat cushion-shaped Burmese ruby sold for over $4 million. Burmese rubies are highly sought after for their “pigeon’s blood” color, and this sale reinforces the strong market for top-quality colored gemstones.
- A Bouquet of Gems: Jewels by JAR: This auction also featured a significant private collection of 21 pieces by JAR, which fetched over $7 million. The top lot from this collection was the “Apricot Blossom” bangle, which sold for nearly ten times its pre-sale estimate, demonstrating the continued and fervent demand for creations by this secretive and highly acclaimed designer.
These auctions in both New York and Geneva paint a picture of a robust and confident market for high-end jewelry, driven by a global pool of collectors who value exceptional rarity, historical provenance, and impeccable craftsmanship.
Market Trends: Beyond specific sales, the overall market has shown a few key trends:
Colored Diamonds and Gemstones:
There is a continued and growing demand for fancy-colored diamonds, such as pink, blue, and yellow, as well as for high-quality colored gemstones like rubies and sapphires.
- The luxury jewelry market is currently characterized by several key trends, moving beyond traditional sales metrics to reflect shifts in consumer preferences and investment behavior.
The Rise of Colored Diamonds and Gemstones
A significant trend is the burgeoning demand for fancy-colored diamonds and high-quality colored gemstones. While the colorless diamond has long been the pinnacle of luxury, buyers are now increasingly seeking out unique and rare hues like pink, blue, and yellow. This demand has been fueled in part by the closure of major mines, such as the Argyle mine, which once produced over 90% of the world’s pink diamonds. This scarcity has positioned these stones as highly sought-after investment assets.
Beyond diamonds, the market for colored gemstones, particularly rubies and sapphires, is experiencing a surge. These stones are gaining popularity for both their beauty and their value as a tangible asset. High-net-worth clients see them as a way to diversify their portfolios and hedge against market uncertainty. Ethical sourcing is also a growing priority for consumers, who are increasingly requesting transparency regarding a gemstone’s origin and treatment.
The Value of Provenance and History
Jewels with a strong, verifiable history or provenance are consistently commanding exceptional prices at auction. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for pieces with a notable past, whether they belonged to a famous individual or a significant private collection. This trend underscores a desire for not just the object itself, but for the story and legacy it carries. The history attached to a piece transforms it from a mere adornment into a unique, collectible work of art.
The Performance of Signed Jewels
The market for signed jewels from renowned houses is performing exceptionally well, particularly at high-end auctions. Brands like JAR, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier have cemented their status as market leaders. The incredible success of pieces like the JAR “Apricot Blossom” bangle, which sold for nearly ten times its pre-sale estimate, highlights the immense value placed on the craftsmanship, artistry, and prestige of these established jewelers. The name of the designer or house serves as a mark of quality and a guarantee of both artistic and investment value. These pieces are seen as reliable, high-performing assets that stand the test of time and market fluctuations
We have written about these historic gems:
Mughal Jewels
