As the editor covering the colored gemstones beat, I had the privilege of witnessing and reporting on several extraordinary jewelry auctions throughout the year. From intense bidding wars to record-breaking sales, here are the six most memorable jewelry auction moments of 2023.
1. The Bidding Wars I Wished I Had Witnessed
At Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” auction in Geneva, an 11.16-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, known as the “Bulgari Laguna Blu,” stole the spotlight. The final lot of the auction sparked a four-minute bidding war, resulting in a sale for $25.2 million—making it the most valuable gem set into a piece of Bulgari jewelry ever auctioned.
Another captivating blue diamond, the 17.61-carat “Bleu Royal,” prompted a seven-minute bidding war at Christie’s Geneva jewelry sale in November. Ultimately, the pear-shaped diamond sold for $44 million, establishing itself as the largest IF fancy vivid blue diamond ever to appear at a Christie’s sale.
2. The Record-Breaking Double Whammy
Sotheby’s made history in June by selling two gemstones for over $30 million each on the same day—a first for any auction house. The Mozambiquan ruby, “Estrela de Fura 55.22,” and the 10.57-carat fancy purplish-pink diamond, “The Eternal Pink,” both fetched $34.8 million, setting world records for ruby and fancy purplish-pink diamond prices at auction. The total sales at the auction reached $95.9 million, a new record for any jewelry auction at Sotheby’s in New York.
3. The Other Notable Record-Setting Sale … With A Side of Controversy
Christie’s offered the 700-piece collection of late Austrian billionaire Heidi Horten, making it the largest and most valuable private jewelry collection ever auctioned. The controversy surrounding Heidi’s husband, Helmut Horten, and his business dealings during the Nazi era added a layer of complexity. Despite objections, the auction brought in a record-breaking $156 million in the first part, with a near $200 million total by the end of the second sale. The final segment, scheduled for November, was ultimately canceled.
4. The Celebs-Supporting-Celebs Moment
A unique highlight was Drake’s surprise purchase of Tupac Shakur’s self-designed crown ring at Sotheby’s July auction of hip-hop memorabilia. The gold, ruby, and diamond piece exceeded expectations, fetching over $1 million from the rapper. Additionally, Kim Kardashian’s acquisition of Princess Diana’s cross necklace at Sotheby’s online “Royal & Noble” sale added a touch of celebrity allure to the auction scene, with the piece selling for nearly $200,000.
In a year filled with remarkable auction moments, these events showcased the enduring allure and intrigue of exceptional jewelry in the global market.
