Colored Diamonds to Lead the New York Auction on 12 June, Alongside Important Signed Pieces, Period Jewels, and Colored Gemstones

NEW YORK – 29 MAY 2024 – Phillips is proud to present highlights from The New York Jewels Auction, taking place on Wednesday, 12 June, at 432 Park Avenue. Comprised of 125 lots, the sale features an impressive selection of colored diamonds and gemstones, period jewelry, and jewels signed by the leading brands, including Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Leading the auction is a stunning fancy vivid yellow diamond of over 45 carats, estimated at $2.8-3.5 million, which is being sold alongside a 4-carat fancy intense green diamond and an impressive Cartier light blue diamond ring.

Eva Violante, Head of Jewels, Americas, said, “We are excited to present such a strong offering in our upcoming New York sale, which takes place on the heels of our second successful season in Geneva. There has been a clear demand for exceptional jewels and gemstones that span the century, evidenced by the strong results in both Geneva and Hong Kong, as well as the enthusiasm we have seen across the globe during our international tour. From a very important 45-carat yellow diamond to a Cartier 'Méandres-Bavoir' diamond necklace from 1953, we are proud to offer our collectors such a magnificent array of jewels that embody the very best the category has to offer.”

COLORED DIAMONDSHighlighting the auction on 12 June is a stunning selection of colored diamonds for connoisseurs of all backgrounds. Leading the sale is a fancy yellow, square emerald-cut diamond of 45.07 carats. Its classic step-cut faceting is unusual to find in a fancy vivid colored diamond, as other faceting styles are typically used to manipulate the color and draw out the illusion of greater saturation. The fact that this step-cut diamond maintained a fancy vivid yellow color grade, an even color distribution, excellent polish and symmetry and is an impressive 45.07 carats is a testament to the superlative quality of the rough diamond material from which it is derived. This is truly an exceptional mineral specimen.

Also included in the auction is an impressive light blue diamond ring by Cartier, with its center stone weighing approximately 3.07 carats. Accented by two tapered baguette diamonds, the stones are mounted in platinum, with the ring signed Cartier London. A Verdura fancy intense yellow and light pink diamond 'Toi et Moi' ring will also be among the highlights of the auction. The ring, which hails from a New York collection, is the perfect example of the pieces that have become so synonymous with Verdura’s timeless, elegant, and distinctly original gemstone focused designs. A cushion modified brilliant-cut fancy intense green diamond and an oval modified brilliant-cut fancy pink-brown diamond, each weighing over 4 carats, will also be included in the sale.

COLORLESS DIAMONDSThe auction features an impressive selection of colorless diamonds, particularly with Lot 81, a magnificent pair of diamond earclips, and Lot 82, an important diamond ring by Harry Winston. The earclips, weighing a total of approximately 75 carats, are set with marquise-, pear-, and oval-shaped diamonds in platinum and 18K white gold, and are estimated at $180,000 - 220,000. The Harry Winston ring centers a 7.12-carat oval brilliant-cut diamond, flanked by two trillion-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum. Accompanied by a GIA report confirming the diamond’s exceptional color and clarity, this exquisite ring is a true testament to the craftsmanship of Harry Winston.

COLORED GEMSTONESAn impressive selection of colored gemstones will also be featured in The New York Jewels Auction, including an unheated Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, with its cushion-cut center stone weighing approximately 12 carats. The impressive sapphire is flanked by two triangular-shaped diamonds and mounted in 18K white gold. In response to the market’s demand and enthusiasm for spinels, Phillips is proud to present a spinel, diamond, and ruby ring, with a 5.28-carat, cushion-shaped, unheated Burmese spinel with a “vivid red” color designation at its center. A Colombian emerald and diamond ring is also among the highlights of the auction. The 9.81-carat, pear-shaped, no-oil emerald cabochon is accented by pear-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum.

SIGNED JEWELSAmong the most coveted lots in the auction is a Cartier 'Méandres-Bavoir' diamond necklace from 1953. Designed as a gold wave of undulating fringe set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the necklace is mounted in platinum and 18K gold. Accompanying the necklace is a report from the International Antique Jewelers Association (IAJA), stating that it was made by Georges Lenfant, one of the premier gold craftsman and workmasters of the 20th century. Also to be offered in the New York auction is a stunning pair of emerald and diamond earclips by Bulgari, each set with no oil step-cut Colombian emeralds weighing over 13 carats and accented by oval, baguette, and brilliant-cut diamonds. The unique earclips hail from a private collection and were purchased from the Bulgari boutique in Rome, Italy. Phillips is also proud to commence the auction with a strong selection of ‘Vintage Alhambra’ pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, along with three pairs of Taffin cufflinks, all being offered without a reserve.

PERIOD JEWELSThe New York Jewels Auction is also set to feature an impressive selection of period jewels. A late 19th century antique diamond tiara, set with circular-cut diamonds, converts seamlessly to a fringe necklace. Also included is an antique Etruscan Revival necklace, circa 1875, which is comprised of alternating leaves and beaded rod pendants, together with its original fitted box, mounted in 18K gold. A René Lalique Art Nouveau Enamel and Pearl Pendant, circa 1896, will also be featured in the sale. Designed as a jester applied with pink and blue enamel, the pendant suspends a pearl, mounted in 18K yellow gold. Similar examples are housed in the permanent collections of The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam and The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.