NEW YORK, 9 November 2017 – Just in time for the holidays, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Fine Jewels auctions will be held in New York on 5 & 7 December 2017. Both sales feature a wonderful variety of vintage and contemporary pieces by renowned houses including Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., JAR, and Harry Winston alongside significant gemstones of superlative quality. The Magnificent Jewels sale is led by an exquisite 5.69-Carat Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring (estimate $12/15 million) and an extremely rare 110.92-Carat Round Diamond - the largest round diamond ever to be offered at auction (estimate $4.2/6.2 million). All works from both sales will be on public exhibition in our York Avenue galleries from 30 November – 7 December, highlighting our inaugural A Life of Luxury auction series. We welcome seasoned and aspiring collectors to visit us, speak with a specialist, and try on the entire selection.

IMPORTANT DIAMONDSGary Schuler, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry Division, Americas commented: “We’re thrilled to present supreme examples of the world’s most sought-after jewels and gemstones this season, led by the stunning Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring and the 110.92-carat Round Diamond. Greatly admired for their rarity, these are gems that are enthusiastically pursued by collectors and connoisseurs.”

SUPERB GEMSTONESFor those looking to add impressive colored stones to their collections, the Magnificent Jewels sale offers a variety of vibrant rubies, emeralds and sapphires, including an important group of sapphire jewels by Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels from a Distinguished Family Collection. The bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, set with five spectacular sugarloaf cabochon sapphires, is a particular standout, with Art Deco pieces of this caliber being exceedingly rare. Further highlights from this incredible Collection include a rare pair of Burmese sapphire and diamond earclips by Harry Winston weighing 20+ carats each, a dazzling sapphire and diamond necklace-bracelet combination by Harry Winston and a 23.38-carat sugarloaf cabochon sapphire ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.

ICONS: A CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD’S MOST COVETED JEWELSCatharine Becket, Head of Magnificent Jewels, New York commented: “This December, we’re pleased to present the inaugural Icons series in our Magnificent Jewels sale. The pieces to be featured possess a compelling variety of characteristics: rarity, authorship, provenance and, above all, iconic design. It is an ideal collection of our very own creation, one that represents connoisseurship and celebrates the best jewels and jewelers from the early twentieth century to today. Highlights include a classic double-headed diamond and onyx-studded panther bracelet by Cartier, a vintage ‘Serpenti’ watch by Bulgari, and masterfully-rendered brooch by JAR.”

FINE JEWELS 7 December 2017Whether gifting to yourself or a loved one, our Fine Jewels sale has fashionable baubles for every price point, style and occasion. Featuring classic diamond rings, whimsical brooches and elegant dress sets by highly coveted makers such as Cartier, David Webb, Van Cleef & Arpels and Schlumberger, the sale truly has something for everyone on your list this holiday season. Notable lots include a 12.92 carat Diamond Ring mounted by Cartier (left, estimate $100/150,000), a Pair of Emerald and Diamond Earclips from the collection of Sir Sean and Lady Michelle Connery (estimate $50/70,000), and a Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet from Oscar Heyman & Brothers (estimate $35/55,000).

A LIFE OF LUXURY AT SOTHEBY’S NEW YORKFollowing the launch of our exclusive Luxury & Lifestyle Division this past spring, Sotheby’s New York is holding an inaugural week of sales and events from 30 November to 7 December, during which we will offer the very best examples of Jewelry, Watches, Cars, Wine and Fashion.