17–20 March - New York
The realm of high-end gemology, where beauty, rarity, and prestige converge to create a fusion of craftsmanship and natural wonder, has always garnered widespread attention captivating audiences with flawless gems of impeccable clarity and exceptional quality. Gemstone lovers, collectors, and investors flock to Sotheby’s in search of the next exquisite treasure, some prepared to acquire – others only to admire – some of the most coveted gems in the world.
Sotheby's, an emblematic brand for the world’s high-end auctions, is renowned for its record-breaking gemstone sales. The auction house consistently curates a selection of rare-quality gemstones with historical provenance and significant value, setting records with extraordinary sales. Such was the case of a 55.22-carat ruby that became the most valuable gem of its kind to sell at auction, fetching $34.8 million in June 2023, at a Sotheby’s New York auction. Similarly, a 'Pink Star Diamond’ auctioned by Sotheby’s in 2017 sold for a staggering $71.2 million, becoming the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction.
Sotheby's: A Global Gem Destination
Gems have long been a mainstay of live jewellery auctions, and Sothey’s upcoming Gem Drop Auction held this March in New York reinforces the enduring fascination that gemstones hold.
From prized diamonds to blue and pink sapphire rings, the event will be awash with colour, and the lots are in great demand among high-jewellery patrons. The Gem Drop March Auction is part of a monthly release of stunning jewels, under Sotheby’s Sealed platform. An event packed full of glamour and sparkle, the closed bid auction ensures confidentiality in bid amounts and selling price, bringing under the hammer an ensemble of brilliant white diamonds, coloured diamonds, and rare gemstones, offered with no reserve and with no buyer’s premium. As the diamond season unfolds, Sotheby’s New York auction is reaffirming the enduring allure and investment value of these rare and exquisite gemstones.
The Lots
Each piece presented in the lots is a singular expression of rarity and refinement, commanding both admiration and spirited bidding.
The 7.11 Carat Cushion-Cut Diamond Ring
A masterclass in elegance, this 7.11-carat cushion-cut diamond ring is a study in balance – substantial yet versatile, sophisticated yet effortlessly wearable. The cushion cut enhances its depth and luminosity, and the diamond is mounted in a classic four-prong platinum setting, flanked by round diamonds along the gallery and shoulders, adding understated elegance to the piece. Weighing approximately one carat in total, these accent stones are graded F-G in colour and VS in clarity, complementing the stone’s brilliance. Estimated at $70,000–100,000, this ring is a statement of discernment and a piece to be cherished for a lifetime.
The 31.53 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Bracelet
A flawless display of precision and harmony, this bracelet reveals 30 perfectly matched square emerald-cut diamonds with a total weight of 31.53 carats. The stones, ranging from 1.14 to 1.00 carats each, have been carefully selected for their symmetry, polish, and clarity, resulting in an unbroken ribbon of scintillation. Graded between F and G in colour, with clarity ranging from Internally Flawless to VS2, these diamonds possess a purity and brilliance beyond the conventional. Set in platinum, the piece exudes quiet confidence – a refined evolution of the classic tennis bracelet. With an estimate of $90,000–120,000, the piece will most likely attract many bids from those who appreciate its technical excellence and timeless beauty.
The 5.31 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring
This emerald-cut Ceylon sapphire, weighing 5.31 carats, captivates the senses with an arresting sky-blue hue, its clarity enhanced by step-cut facets that lend a crystalline transparency. Set in a delicate East-West bezel of 18-karat pink gold, the ring offers a contemporary interpretation of a classical gemstone and exhibits no signs of heating – a rarity that affirms its unaltered natural beauty. With an estimate of $15,000–20,000 and no reserve, it is an opportunity for collectors to acquire a distinctive, valuable jewel.
The 17.96 Carat Padparadscha Sapphire Ring
The 17.96-carat Ceylon Padparadscha sapphire is a true rarity, a poetic expression of nature’s artistry. The term ‘Padparadscha’ derives from the Sinhalese word for ‘lotus blossom’, an apt description for the sapphire’s blend of pink and orange hues. Cut en cabochon in a sugarloaf shape, the stone has a captivating sheen that plays with the light, revealing a delicate, almost ethereal quality. It remains a pure specimen of geological wonder. Set in a brushed 22-karat gold mounting, the rich warmth of the metal provides an elegant counterpoint to the stone’s pastel vibrancy. The ring is estimated to fetch $24,000–30,000.
Final Note
In the world of arts and collectibles, Sotheby’s acts as a gatekeeper of heritage, an arbiter of taste, and an exemplary facilitator of valuable transactions. Steeped in tradition, the auction house has evolved over centuries into a global powerhouse that continues to shape the art industry, and influence artists, investors, and collectors alike. The upcoming gemstone auction will serve as the stage where fortunes are made – and lost – and the most coveted gems in the world exchange hands in a dance of ever-evolving tastes and preferences, marking yet another landmark event. From the quiet sophistication of diamonds to the celestial clarity of sapphires, it is time to secure your gem.
